Future Plans
Mon, September 14, 2009 Lately I have begun kicking around a few ideas as to what I want to do in the future. I feel it is time to make those ideas known here if for no other reason to see what others think and get some feedback.
I would like to get back into the bike business, although not in the way I was in it before. I am not interested in building lugged steel frames; whether or not there is a demand for such a product.
I want to use my bicycle design skills to create a modern racing bicycle. Also use my knowledge of what it takes to run a small to mid size manufacturing company on a day to day basis.
From 1993 when I left the bike business, until 2001, I worked for a company with a 200 strong workforce that manufactured bowling equipment. I was production manager for that company, and know what it takes to set up, and organize a workforce to operate a company of this size.
If this idea is to come to fruition, I will need to find other like minded people to partner me in this project; I can’t, and I am not about to try to do it on my own.
I want to do this either in the UK or Ireland. There is a cycling boom taking place there at this time, so there would be a readymade market for the product. Plus it is closer to the European market.
Britain’s medal winning performances in the last Olympic Games, followed by excellent showing in this year’s Tour de France, has created a whole new enthusiasm for the sport of cycling
Because I am also well known in the US there would be a wonderful opportunity to export and sell bikes in America. I envisage my setting up a manufacturing plant in the UK, then later returning to the US to set up a secondary distribution center to market and ship the product in the US.
Right now this seems to make more sense than trying to do things the other way around. I am still a British citizen, but also have permanent residency in the US, which is a distinct advantage.
I am looking for the opportunity to connect with either an existing bicycle manufacturer in the UK, or Ireland, who is looking to expand. Alternatively, to meet with those wishing to startup a bicycle manufacturing business.
My knowledge of bicycle design and manufacture would be an asset to a company. Also my name and reputation as a bicycle builder would be an immediate boost to any company linked with my name.
One of my first orders of business would be to travel to the UK and connect with the Cycling Clubs; meet with the many bicycle enthusiasts, some who already follow me here on my Blog.
Meet with the cycling press and any other media I can connect with, create a buzz not only for this idea, but for cycling in general. I want to do something that is good the sport, with the possibility of creating a few jobs at the same time.
At the moment this is just an idea in my head, but if I didn’t think it would work I would not even be writing about it here. What do you think? Your thoughts, input and ideas would be greatly appreciated
Reader Comments (20)
Yes Dave, I think it was always meant to be, and I see it in my mind: The Dave & Alex Moulton bicycle company. Best of luck.
Marvelous idea. But are you sure you don't want to make some lugged steel? I'll have one...
I was hoping for work on wonderful commuter bikes or folding bikes or any bikes to get regular people's asses out of their cars and off their sofas and onto the street.
But...
In any case, all the best!
Mercian?
They seem like a well-established, successful yet traditional English maker.
Might be ready for an infusion of new ideas and materials as well as a new take on marketing their brand.
Miguel,
I am not opposed to commuter bikes or even folders, in fact what I am looking for is input and ideas.
Dave
Hi, Dave;
What gets me about modern "sport" bicycles is how much they sacrifice in the name of appearing a bit sportier -- the ability to run racks, fenders, and (slightly) wider tires than 23mm. I'm seeing a lot of enthusiasm and interest in companies who are making "sporty" bikes that can still serve a utilitarian purpose (Salsa, Kona, some of the new Raleighs). Most people won't notice if their wheelbase is an extra cm or two, but now they can potentially carry cargo, ride comfortably in the rain, etc. I think only a tiny fraction of "racing" bicycles are ever raced at any serious level -- and if you're a Cat 2 racer, then sure, I can understand not wanting any compromises so you can fit a rack and fenders! But that's not most of us.
I guess my point is that it would be great to see you innovate in that direction -- towards more versatile, generally capable bikes -- than come out with another line of racing bikes that mostly end up getting ridden on multi-use paths!
Good luck! It would be neat to see a new generation of Moulton frames, no matter what they are!
Dave,
I live just outside London, UK, and make the following observations from riding both in the city and around the suburbs:-
The fixed wheel and single speed trend generated from team GB's Olympic success last year appears to be peaking - I think anyone that wants one has got one by now.
Lots of enthusiasts bought second-hand racing bikes, stripped them down, converted them into single speed and fixies. Most of these are steel frames.
This has lead to a regenerated appeal in steel frames and in particular traditional geometry and styling, and as such, steel frame bikes are re-appearing in bike shop windows and catalogues again. New steel frames are considered connossieur and those of any quality have a price-tag to match.
So perhaps the way forward is better-value, steel-frame, traditional geometry bikes - mass-produced but retaining quality build.
Oh, a final point. I think the hub-gear systems with a few gears will become more popular as people realise that they could frankly do without most of the 24 or 27 options on their town-bike.
Thanks, David
Dave,
You've spent a lot of time and energy determining proper fit for a rider. One reason people may not take to riding is they are not properly fit on a bike. Perhaps you should consider designing a product that can be adjusted, within reason, to fit various size riders and do it such that the riders can figure out the proper fit on their own or with minimal coaching, or interactively online...
Hello,
I'm a industrial designer and avid reader of your writing for it seems ever.
I do triathlon, Ironman and Olympic distances, but I have yet to find someone who makes a "real" bike for age groupers - the vast a majority of racers.
This is the brief of the perfect tri bike, in radom order;
- Ability to switch between UCI and non UCI position.
- Easy to get big variations in position (flat 180km TT VS mountain 180km TT).
- Getting 25mm tyres in - sometimes the roads we race are crap - and wet.
- Breakdownable into a 700 x 1000mm suitcase - Airfares kill us - without decabling.
- 9 Kg with aerobars is perfect - no need for lighter.
- 20mm rear adjustement (long for mountain stages, short for Crit like courses)
- Place to stow gels and extra tubes IN the frame...
- Cost 2000 euros in 105.
In fact I'm working on project and I hope to have the bike done next year.
All the best,
G.Dubois
I'm sure it could work, and I'm not one to turn someone away from a dream. I just wish there were more lugged steel bikes and fewer racers...
@ David,
"So perhaps the way forward is better-value, steel-frame, traditional geometry bikes - mass-produced but retaining quality build..."
There is such a manufacturer. It's called Surly, and they make affordable, steel-framed bikes with braze-ons for fenders, racks, and water bottle cages, and they accommodate wide tires.
Whatever you do in the future, good luck and happiness. I'd love to see what comes out of your passion for bicycling.
Well, I don't think that we particularly need more stuff for the competition nuts, except maybe some kind of relaxation pill. As far as bikes go, just a few years ago, there were many gaps in the market... but right now, everything seems to be covered, from traditional to competition, in every style of bicycle. I can't think of anything I couldn't buy right now, whereas that definitely was not the case before. It's all available if you have lots of money to buy both the bike and the accessories. We just need you to keep blogging, Dave. Couldn't you just write another novel? The world is awash in "stuff".
The last economic debacle has significantly diminished liquidity in the high-end frame market. So I think companies who deal in that first better quality frame (i.e. not the first production bike you buy but the first bike you build yourself) are probably nicely situated. A company like Soma or Independent Fabrication. And I would agree with the above author on building some spec flexibility into the frames. One model that strikes me as a perfect example of this is the Soma Stanyan. A sporty bike with fender eyelets and enough space for training tires. And a couple lugs at the head tube for old times sake!
Dave, I agree with most of the posts. I think people with money to spend would like a high end medium weight steel city/commuter/fun bicycle. You are on the right track thinking Ireland or UK. I spend time in Devon and Cornwall, both seem to be cycling friendly. Wales would be nice too. Ireland could use the jobs.
As for fit and design and running a quality manafacturing facility, You are the Man ! The cycling success in GB may not equate to Brits or Americans paying for high end bicycles.
David Ball
I was thinking also in the "get more for ya money" mode... Right now you need a long course, a short course bike and another bike that you can take on holiday to go touring... And they cost an arm and leg because of 9k this, pro tour that yadada...
A lot of triathletes don't want the same bike as the Pros... Those bikes are way too stiff, focused and fragile...
For example, I'm going to Lanzarote for two weeks next year, I want to put cyclocross tyres to go exploring the mountains and to go to isolated beaches - then race the bike - then go cyclotouring with my girlfriend...
And steel is totally an option.
G
Hello Dave, I feel like I am riding the wind after reading your thoughts about potential future plans. I would love to see you active in this sport again with innovative and unique 2 wheel rockets. I am the original owner of your last MTB 30th anniversity edition and only Mountain bike frame painted imron yellow over pearl white and red lower... at least that is what I was told in 1987 by the shop owner where I bought the bike. I am from So Cal and saw this beautiful work of engineering art which I would salivate over every time I entered the store on Myrtle in Monrovia Ca. At the time I had a young growing family and was responsible for 2% of this shops gross sales keeping my family healthy via a lot of pedal power. When I decided that I needed to own this mean machine that at the time I could not afford at the asking price of $2,500. So I got creative and negotiated a trade of my Ruger Redhawk .44 magnum and the difference in my hard earned, hard to part with cash - I had to have this bike. I was so proud of this bike and rode it 25 to 75 miles every weekend of the remaining '80s and all through the '90s on pleasure and competition rides throughout the foothills of the San Gariel mountains and on coastal rides from Malibu to Encinitas - man it was it a show stopper ride. Unfortunately when I handed off my prescious '87 MTB to my 6'10" 250+ pound son to compete on with his high school mountain bike team, in 2000, the top-tube fractured at the head tube. I was devastated to say the least!
Well Dave, I still have my Dave Moulton FUSO MTB frame hanging in the garage fractured tube and little worn from truly years of pure on the pedals pleasure. I always dreamed of having it repaired but just never got around to it. A quick story form the first week I owned the bike. I was riding hard in the foothills behind the house in Monrovia - now called Gold Hills. I was pumping hard and the chain derailed destroying the paint on the chain stay. When I took it back to Mike at the shop the next day and asked if he could send it back to you to have the paint repaired he told me he would contact you. Well after a week of riding Mike about his call to you he came clean and explained to me that "Dave" does not see his frames as wall hangers, he builds them to be rode hard and that he would not call you because he did not want the wrath of Dave to fall upon him for asking you to repaint a perfectly great frame. From that day on that chain stay paint damage became a badge of honor and when asked about it by the ever present admirers of Dave Moulton's works I would ALWAYS share that Dave doesn't build wall hangers he engineers and builds serious pedal rockets to be ridden hard and enjoyed. Although it's been years since this moment in time I did always think Mike was a bit of "wuss" for at least not even asking if you would fix it - that was then and this is now. Even hanging in the garage that last MTB frame you built brings me great pleasure through the memories of days gone by and good times had on the seat and at the pedals. I am going to hopefully dig up some pictures from back when and a vintage Mountain Bike Action magazine I've hidden away with a great review of Dave's MTBs, as well as, some pictures of the frame as it exists today to post on your blog for old time's sake.
Good Luck in the future my old friend from the past I've never met but have appreciated from the first time I laid eyes upon that yellow over red 30th anniversity Dave Moulton FUSO MTB - the last one ever made. Still hanging in honor and glory right here in Lake Havasu City, AZ.
Gudluck mate, don't bother with carbon race frames and alluminium winter frames because you can't compete with china, make your designs stand out
Nice to hear, that you want to get back into makeing bikes.
The way I have seen the bicycle buisness go the last ten years is, that most Companys have quit haveing their own manufactureing.
Instead they have frames made in Taiwan or China.
Many Carbon frames now are made there, but haveing seen pictures of workers hand sandpapering frames without protection frome brething in thes dust this produces, is not my idea of what I would want to own.
Ralf
i see the need for a basic steel road frame (tigged welded with decent heat treated light steel tubing) and built with 8-10speed parts with downtube shifters. this would be the working man's road bike, a bike that rides great and is cheap enough for all the beginning racers and recreational riders who just want a nice looking but reliable bike to ride. kinda like what surly has done but i bet you could do much better for the same price or not much more.