Mercian Cycles
Lugwork on a Vincitore headtube | |
| Founded | 1946 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Tom Crowther, Lou Barker |
| Headquarters | , England |
| Website | Mercian Cycles |
Mercian Cycles is a bicycle manufacturer based in Derby, England. Founded in 1946, it produces handmade cycle frames.[1]
History
The firm was founded by Tom Crowther and Lou Barker in 1946 and named after the ancient kingdom of Mercia.[1] Early Mercian frames were known as "crowbars", a pun on the surnames of Crowther and Barker.[2][3]
From the original founders, the business passed to Ethel Crowther, ex-wife of founder Tom Crowther,[4] followed by Mercian framebuilder Bill Betton.[4] In 2002, Mercian Cycles was acquired by Grant and Jane Mosely.[4]
In 2010, production was around 300 to 400 frames per year, with 20% being exported outside the United Kingdom; in the same period, touring bicycles accounted for around 67% of Mercian's production, with track bicycles making up another 25%.[4]
Mercian Cycles operated a retail shop in Alvaston, Derby,[3][4] until early 2019, when it relocated back to its manufacturing unit within Derby.
Administration
In May 2024 the business entered voluntary liquidation,[5] and was soon acquired by four cycling enthusiasts. Former workers were engaged at the traditional works,[6][7] and in October 2025 new premises at Little Eaton, Derby, were secured.[8]
Specifications
Frames are generally custom-built to a rider's required dimensions, and may use hand-cut lugs.[1] Mercian frames were traditionally built using steel, originally Reynolds 531,[1] though as of 2010, newer steels such as Reynolds 853 and Reynolds 953 and part-carbon construction were in use.[4] Before steel was superseded by lighter materials, riders using Mercian won national and international competitions.[4]
Mercian has commissioned frame colour schemes from designer Sir Paul Smith, who owns and rides several Mercian track bikes.[4]
Notes
- ^ a b c d Kolin and de la Rosa, 1979, pp. 60-68
- ^ Mercian Cycles, n.d.
- ^ a b Orford, 2014
- ^ a b c d e f g h Juden, 2010
- ^ 'Iconic' cycle maker to enter liquidation BBC News, 30 May 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2025
- ^ Four cyclists save 'iconic' bespoke bicycle maker BBC News, 17 July 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2025
- ^ Mercian Cycles Limited Companies House. Retrieved 21 October 2025
- ^ Saving failing bike firm 'a schoolboy's dream' BBC News, 17 October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025
References
- Juden, Chris (August–September 2010). "Kingdom of Mercia" (PDF). Cycle Magazine. Guildford, UK: CTC: The UK's National Cyclists' Organisation. pp. 37–38. ISSN 2042-9460. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. (This article about Mercian Cycles formed part of the magazine's "Made in Britain" series about the UK bicycle industry.)
- Kolin, Michael J.; de la Rosa, Denise M. (1979). "Chapter 6: Mercian Cycles Limited". The Custom Bicycle. Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale, Inc. ISBN 978-0-87857-254-0.
- Mercian Cycles (n.d.). "A Brief History of Mercian" (self-published). Archived from the original on 11 July 2010.
- Orford, Dave (16 May 2014). "Bygones: Firm the wheel deal, from Crobars to Mercury rising". Derby Telegraph. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015.
External links