IN the late 1950s, one man set out to revolutionise the design of the classic bicycle as he had become disillusioned with the status quo. That man was Bradford on Avon's Dr Alex Moulton CBE.

In 1962, Dr Moulton, who invented the revolutionary hydrolastic car suspension for the Mini, took over the Moulton estate and set up Moulton Developments Ltd, now Moulton Bicycles.

His approach focused on small wheels with high pressure tyres, a differently designed suspension and above all else, speed.

His company, which to this day continues to make hand-crafted models, went onto redefine the face of the British cycle industry and over 200,000 Moultons were made between 1962-74.

Even former Tour de France Yellow Jersey wearer, Tommy Simpson, test rode their Moulton Speed bike in the 1960s.

Dr Moulton died in 2012 at the age of 92, but four years after his death the company is still sticking to his meticulous, scrupulous and traditional legacy.

Director of the company since 2008, John McNaughton, said: "Alex was fascinated with speed, it was his passion. He would always say, 'Does the maths stack up?'. He was obsessed with proving it mathematically.

"At the age of 90 he was developing a bicycle. At this time he was so excited as he was overcoming some of the problems he had with his bikes in the 1960s and 70s. This is a unique place and he was a unique man."

They went onto become the UK's second largest bicycle manufacturer and their models, some of which still hold landspeed records, can be found in around 50 countries worldwide with export sales now accounting for over 85 per cent of the company’s total sale.

Since the age of 15, Tim Bigwood has served his time as a Moulton toolmaker. Fifty-four years on from his first day on the job, that passion and love for his craft burns as strong as ever.

"I simply love the job. It is so interesting to me. You would think that over half a century the job would change a lot but it really has not," she said.

"My dad, who went to the rowing club, knew Alex, who was at the canoe club. I never knew if he put in a good word for me but here I am 54 years later."

Moulton Bicycles, which has collaborated with British bicycle manufacturer Pashley Cycles since 1992, have a worldwide fan base, with clubs in England, Switzerland, Germany, France, Australia, America and predominantly in the Far East.

Wheel builder and packager Edward Green, 18, is the youngest employee at Moulton and sees it as a privilege to work at the historic company.

"This was the best opportunity I could have to work anywhere. It is such a well renowned company, it is quite technical but it is a good challenge."