The Moulton TSR 9 model features a Sram 9 speed derailleur system providing a simple range of gears that make for very easy everyday leisure riding.
The Frame
The Moulton TSR embraces the core of Alex Moulton's design philosophy by pairing small efficient wheels with a rigid 'space frame' construction suspended front and rear. It's the entry point to the Moulton bicycle range and as such has proven itself immensely popular.
Hand built in the UK from Reynolds 525 by the method of fillet brazing, the frames are essentially the same between all TSR models with the components themselves relating to the difference in purpose and price throughout the range, the only exception being the brake mounting that could be either V-brake or caliper depending on specification. All the TSR frames can be separated into two halves using a central 'king pin' joint in the frame for the ease of packing and transportation. This simple task takes only minutes and although it doesn't place the Moulton in the same category as a quick fold commuting bicycle such as the Brompton, it does add greatly to it's versatility to integrate travel with trains and taxis in a way that simply isn't possible with a conventional bicycle.
A range of rider heights can be accommodated by the changing the stem and seat post dimensions essentially making the Moulton TSR frame one size fits all.
The Suspension
An important aspect to the Moulton principle is the integration of suspension to the front and rear of the bicycle allowing the wheels to be smaller by isolating the rider from the vibration that could otherwise become uncomfortable on a small wheeled bike. The suspension itself is inherently quite simple at first glance which is the beauty of it, however it's the refinement that marks Dr Alex Moulton's engineering prowess.
At the front a two piece leading link fork can be tailored to rider weight and riding style by increasing or decreasing the preset compression on the spring using an external adjuster. Dampening can be customised to rider preference by the simple adjusting of the tightness of the leading link plates (connecting the bottoms of the fork legs).
The rear suspension is provided by means of a rubber 'Monosphere' that adeptly reacts to the smallest of undulations with simple subtlety. Although not manually adjustable, the Monosphere naturally ramps up the level of dampening through it's compression to provide a smooth linear feel to the suspension travel while riding providing that 'magic carpet' gliding sensation.
Our Verdict
From personal experience we really like the Moulton TSR. Our close working relationship with Moulton means we're fortunate enough to ride, compare and contrast the various Moulton Bicycles throughout the range. In our opinion the build quality and ride of the Moulton TSR over the older APB model that it replaced quite distinctly narrowed the gap on the more expensive AM and New Series models within the Moulton range. There is no denying that the latter models enjoy an elevated status and can be more subtlety defined in their riding experience due to their lighter weight and evolution, but it's against these bikes that the TSR can be much more favorably compared in terms of it's ride characteristic than it's predecessor, which considering the AM models can start at more twice the price is credit to the TSR indeed.
Quite simply, the Moulton TSR makes a superb entry into the world of the Moulton Bicycle.