Mercian Cycles

DeVlaeminck

Apparently going into voluntary liquidation. My first road bike after getting into cycling ( ie not including bikes i had as a teenager) was a second hand Mercian

daniel_b

Very sad news, ashley had better not get his mucky paws on the name 🤬

ugo.santalucia

Tough market, steel builders managed to stay in business with the made to measure option, but I think they put too much trust in the recreational market. If you look at Brompton, who also braze steel frames in the UK but cater for a different market, they are doing quite well in difficult times.

Their bikes used to look very pricey, but as the recreational market got overinflated, they now seem reasonably priced.

Unfortunately, I think other bespoke builder will follow suit.

DeVlaeminck

Apparently the business has been bought by 4 local cyclists. Some comments from staff in the reports that previous owners had neglected the business and allowed it's reputation for quality to be damaged - which for a steel frame maker charging a premium is obviously not ideal.

daniel_b

Just read that earlier, fabulous news, wish them all the luck.

Charlie_Croker

Yes I read that too, shame.

Glad to hear there're getting another bite of the cherry - I really hope it works out for all concerned