Mercian Cycles in Derby is one of the oldest bicycle manufacturers in the country, and one of only a tiny number that are still independently owned. They still make all their frames by hand in a small workshop on an anonymous-looking industrial estate in the city.
This project was shot in 2011, in the run-up to the London Olympics. British cycling was taking the public consciousness by storm: Olympic glories from Beijing and Tour De France stage wins were propelling bicycle sales to levels not seen in a generation. Mercian Cycles was a British manufacturing success story and, as I was working on several stories about traditional manufacturing, regional economies and craft skills, I thought this would be a great place to make a photo essay. Being a life-long cycling fan may have a had something to do with it too...
Last year, as for many others in the cycle industry, the wheels finally came off the business. COVID 19 and the ongoing economic troubles here and across the world hit the bicycle industry hard. It was put up for sale by its owners (one of whom, Dean, is shown here, proudly holding a bit of bicycle). Given it's many generations of loyal customers and fans - there's something to be said for making a bike that'll last 50+ years - a rescue package was quickly assembled to save the company and keep manufacturing in Derby.
This wasn't, as many of us had guessed, a syndicate of high-profile millionaire fans, but four committed and enthusiastic guys from Derby. I think that's a much sweeter ending - and a beautiful new beginning!
