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Sad loss to UK Tandeming

Mark Tipping2026-01-23 12:10:12

Very sad to see announcement on FB that Bicycles by Design (ex Swallow) at Coalport have closed as of 31/12/25, especially after Mercian also went under late last year.  Leaves JD standing alone in tandeming terms as experienced builders and retail dealers in the UK. 

Best wished to Pete and all at involved at BbD.

Lets all hope John and Ruth stay keen, healthy and profitable!

Martin Lowe2026-01-23 13:35:24
I thought Mercian went under in Oct 24 and was rescued by four locals, so is still trading. 
Jonathan Stone2026-01-23 14:22:53
I also read somewhere that Mercian had been bought with one of the new owners being a long time fan of the brand.
Peter Randall2026-01-23 15:35:10
I have recently spoken to Ruth at JD Tandems and she has been both keen and patient so i,m sure there not going anywhere at the moment. As a new customer i am on my way there soon
Mark Tipping2026-01-23 16:31:40

Apologies, seems from tinterweb I was wrong about Mercian and I didn't check what I was told.  Rookie error.  Google search today tells me it did indeed go into liquidation in May 24 and began resurrection in July 24 exactly as the chaps posting above with the correct info have said.

Not sure if being a cyclist and long time fan of the brand -  yet again my only source is online - makes the new owners tandem building experts with decades of experience, but no doubt someone will know.

Glad to hear JD are still going strong, must be all of three months since I had yet more bits from them. 

Stuart Hunter2026-01-23 16:57:00
I met the owners of Mercian cycles last year at the Brooks factory open day. I was talking to them about Tandems and they said they build one if I gave them a design.
Simon Geikie2026-01-23 17:34:05
Thorn are still very much producing and selling tandems.  
Giles Orton2026-01-23 17:49:57
And so are Circe
Ruth Hargreaves2026-01-25 16:50:01

Hi folks, John, Jamie, Stephen and I have no intention of going anywhere, we still love what we do. We currently have a new project on the go in the form of a British made e-tandem, this is equipped with S&S couplings, the Bosch Performance Line CX motor 85-100Nm, upto 1600wh of batteries and motor at the back for insync pedalling. Watch this space the 1st sample is due very soon.

Regards Ruth - JD Tandems

Simon Geikie2026-01-25 20:30:30

I'll start saving up then.