Mercian Cycles is an English custom bicycle manufacturer based in Derbyshire, England.[1] Mercian Cycles was founded by Tom Crowther and Lou Barker in 1946 and named after the ancient kingdom of Mercia.[1] Mercian Cycles operates a retail shop in Alvaston.[2]
Current production is around 300 to 400 frames per year, with 20% being exported outside the UK.[2] As of 2010, touring bicycles account for around 67% of Mercian's production, with track bicycles making up another 25%.[2]
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, originaly Reynolds 531,[1] though as of 2010, newer steels such as Reynolds 853 and Reynolds 953 and part-carbon construction were in use.[2] Before steel was superseded by lighter materials, riders using Mercian cycles won national and international competitions.[2]
From the original founders, the business passed to Ethel Crowther, ex-wife of founder Tom Crowther.[2] It then passed to Mercian framebuilder Bill Bretton.[2] Since 2002, Mercian Cycles has belonged to Mercian framebuilder Grant Mosely and Jane Mosely, both of whom work in the business.[2]
Mercian Cycles has recently commissioned frame colour schemes from designer Sir Paul Smith, who owns and rides several Mercian track bikes.[2]