About
Committed to hand building beautiful bespoke bicycles
Mercian still builds lightweight steel frames and bicycles by hand, using traditional frame building methods, with one craftsman building each frame from start to finish.
Committed to hand building beautiful bespoke bicycles
Mercian still builds lightweight steel frames and bicycles by hand, using traditional frame building methods, with one craftsman building each frame from start to finish.
At Mercian Cycles, we’ve been crafting bespoke, handmade bicycles for 80 years
Every frame that leaves our Derby workshop is a product of traditional craftsmanship, modern precision, and a deep love for cycling. Founded in 1946 in the heart of England, Mercian began life in post-war Derby as a small shop with a big passion for racing bikes. Over the years, we've built a reputation for producing high-quality steel frames tailored to the rider – not off-the-shelf, not mass-produced, but hand-built to fit, last, and perform.
We still build our frames one at a time, using hand-brazed construction and a meticulous eye for detail. Our team of experienced frame builders use a mix of time-honoured techniques and modern innovations to ensure that each Mercian frame lives up to our heritage.
Everything is done in-house at our Derby workshop — from cutting and brazing, to filing, alignment and paintwork. Our renowned spray booth is where each bike is brought to life visually, with custom colours and our signature lug lining completed by hand.
A Mercian is more than just a bike — it’s your bike. Whether you’re a long-distance tourer, a club rider, a commuter or a collector, we’ll work with you to build a frame that suits your riding style, your fit, and your aesthetic. Every measurement, tube selection, and finish is chosen with purpose.
You can choose from our range of models — including classic road, touring, track, and audax frames — or work with us to create something truly one-of-a-kind. Either way, it starts with a conversation and ends with a frame built just for you.
Mercian Cycles may have started as a local bike shop, but over the years our frames have found homes all over the world. From local clubs to Olympic tracks, from weekend gravel to cross-continental tours — Mercian riders are united by a love of quality and tradition.
We're proud to still be based in Derby, where our small team continues to build, paint, and finish every frame with the same level of care that’s defined us since the very beginning.
While many bike brands have moved to mass production and carbon moulds, we’ve stayed true to our roots. Not for nostalgia’s sake, but because we believe there’s still something special about a bike that’s built slowly, by hand, with care and purpose.
A Mercian frame is made to last a lifetime — and often longer. We still service and repair bikes we built decades ago. That, to us, is the true measure of quality.
