In 1963, British inventor Alex Moulton (1920–2012) introduced an innovative compact bicycle. Architectural Review editor Reyner Banham (1922–1988) predicted it would give rise to “a new class of cyclists,” young urbanites riding by choice, not necessity. Forced to sell his firm in 1967, Moulton returned in the 1980s with an even more radical model, the AM—his acclaim among technology and design historians owed much to Banham’s writings. The AM’s price tag (some models cost many thousands of dollars) has inspired tech-savvy cyclists to create “hot rod” compact bikes from Moulton-inspired “shopper” cycles of the 1970s—a trend also foreseen by Banham, who considered hot rod culture the “folk art of the mechanical era.” The author traces the intertwined lives of two unusually creative men who had an extraordinary impact on each others’ careers, despite having met only a few times.
In 1963, British inventor Alex Moulton (1920-2012) introduced an innovative compact bicycle. Architectural Review editor Reyner Banham (1922-1988) predicted it would give rise to "a new class of cyclists," young urbanites riding by choice, not necessity. Forced to sell his firm in 1967, Moulton returned in the 1980s with an even more radical model, the AM--his acclaim among technology and design historians owed much to Banham's writings. The AM's price tag (some models cost many thousands of dollars) has inspired tech-savvy cyclists to create "hot rod" compact bikes from Moulton-inspired "shopper" cycles of the 1970s--a trend also foreseen by Banham, who considered hot rod culture the "folk art of the mechanical era." The author traces the intertwined lives of two unusually creative men who had an extraordinary impact on each others' careers, despite having met only a few times.
"My intention in the creation of the Moulton bicycle was to take the evolution of that most remarkable device a stage beyond its classical form. In other words to produce a bicycle which was more pleasing to have and to use....One of the most pleasing consequences of the Moulton bicycle epic so far has been the spontaneous growth of the Moulton Users' groups: and to meet and to ride with them gives me special pleasure." -- Dr. Alex Moulton *** The purpose of this book is twofold. It introduces the Moulton bicycle to the many people - cyclists and non-cyclists alike - who either know nothing of it or whose knowledge is limited by the virtual disappearance of this extraordinary machine from our roads; by the numerous myths circulating about it and by the cursory mention it receives in most cycling books. Additionally, the book offers to Moulton owners and devotees a further appreciation of the background history and capability of the bike. (Series: Bicycle Science - Vol. 2) [Subject: History, Bicycle Science, Engineering]
Re-reading today Tony Hadland's book "The Spaceframe Moultons" brings back what a splendid job he did in researching and describing those exciting events which led up to the birth of the Spaceframe Moulton.
The Invisible Bicycle revisits and questions the existing timelines of bicycle history to create a more nuanced understanding of why and how the popularity of the bicycle and cycling has changed over time and varies in different locations.
Consumer Product Innovation and Sustainable Design follows the innovation and evolution of consumer products from vacuum cleaners to mobile phones from their original inventions to the present day. It discusses how environmental concerns and legislation have influenced their design and the profound effects these products have had on society and culture. This book also uses the lessons from the successes and failures of examples of these consumer products to draw out practical guidelines for designers, engineers, marketers and managers on how to become more effective at product development, innovation and designing for environmental sustainability.
The Bicycle Book is an extraordinary celebration of the history of cycling from BMX and mountain biking, to track and road racing. Take a ride through the sport's history and discover classic and cutting-edge bicycles, following the evolution of cycling throughout the decades. Perfect for anyone with a love for cycling, The Bicycle Book features the latest high-performance bikes and cycling technology, along with profiles of famous cyclists, and iconic manufacturers and brands. With up-close images, maps, and histories of key races and competitions, The Bicycle Book is a stylish and fascinating addition to any enthusiast's collection.
The Design Museum brings you fifty bicycles that changed the world we live in! The bicycle is the world's most popular form of transport. From the penny-farthing, the Dandy-horse and the Velocipede the design of the bicycle has evolved over the decades both in terms of style and technology. From high-performance cycles to practical run-arounds, conceptual bikes to commercial models, Alex Newson explores the 50 most important, pivotal bicycles from around the world. The bicycle is the world's most popular form of transport. From the penny-farthing, the Dandy-horse and the Velocipede the design of the bicycle has evolved over the decades both in terms of style and technology. From high-performance cycles to practical run-arounds, conceptual bikes to commercial models, here are the 50 most important, pivotal bicycles from around the world. Contents Includes... Laufmaschine c.1817 Velocipede c.1863 Safety Bicycle c.1880 The tandem 1898 The cargo bike 1900s BSA 3-Speed Hub 1930-40 Flying Pigeon PA-02 c.1950 PARIS Galibier c.1947 Raleigh Chopper 1969 Dawes Galaxy 1971 Avatar 2000 1980 AM series Moulton Bicycle 1983 STRiDA 1985 Kestrel 4000 1986 'Old Faithful' 1993 Airnimal Chameleon c.2000 Bianchi Pista Chrome 2007 EADS Airebike 2011 Faraday Porteur 2013 ...And Much More!
This Biographical Dictionary seeks to put the world of technology in the context of those who have made the most important contribution to it. For the first time information has been gathered on the people who have made the most significant advances in technology. From ancient times to the present day, the major inventors, discoverers and entrepreneurs from around the world are profiled, and their contribution to society explained and assessed. Structure The Dictionary presents descriptive and analytical biographies of its subjects in alphabetical order for ease of reference. Each entry provides detailed information on the individual's life, work and relevance to their particular field. * in the first part of the entry, the information will include the dates and places of the subject's birth and death, together with their nationality and their field of activity * in the main body of the entry there follows an account of their principal achievements and their significance in the history of technology, along with full details of appointments and honours * finally an annotated bibliography will direct the reader to the subject's principal writings and publications and to the most important secondary works which the reader can consult for further information. Special Features: * The first work in existence to examine technologists in detail * Contains over 1,500 entries giving detailed information * Extensive cross-references enable the reader to compare subjects and build up a picture of technological advance^ * Figures drawn from fields such as Aeronautics, Telecommunications, Architecture, Photography and Textiles
Like beans on toast, big red buses and cups of tea, there are some things that are just plain British. But with global brands on the up and up, is it still possible to buy British? Which consumer products are still made in the UK? "Made in Britain" gives potted histories and fascinating photographs from days gone by of businesses such as: Marshall amplifiers, founded in London in 1962 and loved by Jimi Hendrix; Morgan cars, whose output of nine cars a week is still assembled by hand - they will be celebrating 100 years of fast living in 2009; and, Cadbury, opened in Birmingham in 1824 by a young Quaker, purveyors of such beloved chocolatey essentials as the Creme Egg and the Flake. Some companies are household names, others are newer or more unusual. With Burberry closing British factories and moving part of its production to China amongst media outcry, and the main supermarket chains importing a quarter of their groceries, we all want to know whether our trusty British Weetabix and Marmite are still as British as we think. For the nostalgic, the patriotic and those who want to reduce their carbon footprint, this fascinating book will delight and surprise.
