Mercian Cycles
In today's world, Mercian Cycles is a topic that has gained great relevance and has captured the attention of people of all ages and cultures. Whether due to its impact on society or its influence on daily life, Mercian Cycles has become a point of interest for those seeking to better understand the world around them. As we delve deeper into this article, we will explore the various facets of Mercian Cycles and discuss its importance in different areas. From its historical relevance to its impact today, Mercian Cycles continues to be a topic of discussion and debate that deserves our attention and reflection.
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 Lugwork on a Vincitore headtube | |
| Founded | 1946 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Tom Crowther, Lou Barker |
| Headquarters | , |
| Website | merciancycles |
Mercian Cycles is a custom bicycle manufacturer based in Derby, England. The firm was founded by Tom Crowther and Lou Barker in 1946 and named after the ancient kingdom of Mercia. Early frames built by Mercian were known as "crowbars", a pun on the surnames of Crowther and Barker. Mercian Cycles operated a retail shop in Alvaston until early 2019, when it relocated back to its manufacturing unit within Derby.
As of 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%.
Frames are generally custom-built to a rider's required dimensions, and may use hand-cut lugs. Mercian frames were traditionally built using steel, originally Reynolds 531, though as of 2010, newer steels such as Reynolds 853 and Reynolds 953 and part-carbon construction were in use. Before steel was superseded by lighter materials, riders using Mercian won national and international competitions.
From the original founders, the business passed to Ethel Crowther, ex-wife of founder Tom Crowther. It then passed to Mercian framebuilder Bill Betton. In 2002, Mercian Cycles was acquired by Grant Mosely and Jane Mosely.
Mercian has recently commissioned frame colour schemes from designer Sir Paul Smith, who owns and rides several Mercian track bikes.
Notes
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.
{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) (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.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
External links
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