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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.[1] The firm was founded by Tom Crowther and Lou Barker in 1946 and named after the ancient kingdom of Mercia.[1] Early frames built by Mercian were known as "crowbars", a pun on the surnames of Crowther and Barker.[2][3] Mercian Cycles operated a retail shop in Alvaston[3][4] 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%.[4]
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2010, newer steels such as Reynolds 853 and Reynolds 953 and part-carbon construction were in use.[4] Before steel was superseded by lighter materials, riders using Mercian won national and international competitions.[4]
From the original founders, the business passed to Ethel Crowther, ex-wife of founder Tom Crowther.[4] It then passed to Mercian framebuilder Bill Betton.[4] In 2002, Mercian Cycles was acquired by Grant Mosely and Jane Mosely.[4]
Mercian has recently commissioned frame colour schemes from designer Sir Paul Smith, who owns and rides several Mercian track bikes.[4]