Four cyclists save 'iconic' bespoke bicycle maker

Mercian Cycles was founded in Derby in 1946

Bespoke bicycle maker Mercian Cycles has been saved after the business was bought by four cyclists who did not want to see it disappear.

The manufacturer ceased trading and entered voluntary liquidation in May 2024 after almost 80 years.

The four new owners are in the process of getting the business back up and running.

They will be employing former members of Mercian Cycles staff, and a few have already returned to the workshop in Derby.

'Beloved icon'

In a statement, the new owners described themselves as "a team of four passionate cyclists".

"We are excited to announce the acquisition of Mercian Cycles, a beloved icon in the cycling community known for nearly 80 years of unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation in bicycle frame design," the statement said.

"We have inherited an indelible legacy from all of the previous owners which we deeply respect and intend to honour as we move forward."

Fans of the brand include fashion designer Paul Smith, who owns and rides several Mercian bikes.

He credits his career to being knocked off his Mercian bike in the 1960s, and more recently has designed colour schemes for the brand's bicycle frames.

Some members of staff had worked at Mercian Cycles for decades before it closed

Mercian Cycles began as a cycle shop in London Road in Derby in 1946.

The business then started building its own bike frames in a small workshop in Castle Street, off London Road.

The current workshop, on Pontefract Street, was purpose-built in 1965.

Some members of staff had been hand-building and finishing frames there for decades until the business ceased trading.

Cyclist Leigh Timmis, who rode one of Mercian's bikes on a 44,000-mile ride around the world between 2010 and 2017, called the firm "iconic" when it was announced it would enter voluntary liquidation.

Bike frames have been built by hand at the Mercian Cycles workshop in Pontefract Street since 1965

The statement from the new owners said: "We are pleased to announce that we have retained our talented craftsmen, whose expertise is the heart and soul of Mercian, and what makes each bicycle unique.

"We recognise the challenges faced by the previous owners and understand the deep connections many have with the Mercian brand.

"Our goal is to ensure a seamless transition, honouring the past while embracing the future."

The announcement was welcomed on the business's Instagram page.

"Fantastic news! So relieved to hear this," said one comment.

It was also welcomed in the Mercian Cycles Appreciation Society group on Facebook, where one member had already taken his part-built frame to have a headset fitted.

"So the build begins after a brief interlude," he wrote.

"One thing hasn't changed - knowledge, craftsmanship and enthusiasm still rule the roost in Derby. Happy as a sandboy!"

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