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History
It all began in 1946
Following the second World War Messers Crowther & Barker founded Mercian and selected the beautiful City of Derby in the heart of England to hand build bespoke bicycles.
Home > History
It all began in 1946
Following the second World War Messers Crowther & Barker founded Mercian and selected the beautiful City of Derby in the heart of England to hand build bespoke bicycles.
Handcrafting bicycles with care, passion and pride since 1946
Along the way, we've collected a rich history of stories, milestones, and memories. From our earliest days in Derby to iconic frames and legendary rides, it's all shaped who we are today. Take a ride through the years below and discover the moments that made Mercian
Mercian moved to Ascot Drive Industrial Estate in the mid-1950s, while the Derby shop became a hub for local cyclists — affectionately nicknamed “Crowbars” after founders Tom Crowther and Lou Barker. The workshop’s hand-built frames inspired a generation of riders. Mercian bikes were ridden by champions including Eileen Sheridan, who set multiple national records, and Beryl Burton OBE, one of Britain’s greatest cyclists.
It was like entering heaven - when we looked at the club bikes to be seen hanging in the workshop we knew we had to get one. There were all sorts of equipment hanging on the walls and we used to watch the careful filing of the lugs, to produce attractive designs, before they were assembled and brazed up as frame & forks
Alan Gifford, life member of the Derby Mercury
He remembers the shop being known locally as "Crowbars" (relating to the surnames of founders Tom Crowther and Lou Barker)
In 1967 the Mercian-Bantel professional team was formed, featuring riders like Derrick Woodings, Eddie White, Mick Ives and Bill Painter. The shop moved to larger premises at The Cavendish, Normanton in 1971, while meticulous frame records from this era began — records still used today by riders tracing the history of their Mercians.
In 1984, the Mercian shop moved to larger premises on Shardlow Road, Alvaston. The decade also saw the launch of the bold new ‘block’ style transfer, alongside the classic Gothic design that remains a customer favourite today. Mercian bikes gained international attention, ridden by the Blue/Yellow Harvest–Mercian team in the US — including Marianne Martin, winner of the first Tour de France Féminine in 1984.
Heritage & Style
In Every Ride
Mercian is heritage, passion, and craftsmanship. It’s the comfort of a long ride, the admiring glance at the café stop. It’s tradition, dedication, and being part of something special. It’s as good as it gets.
