 | |
 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]
| | |
| 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]
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.
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]
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 [4] Before steel was superseded by lighter materials, riders using Mercian won national and international competitions.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]
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