Robbied196
Senior Retro Guru
Hello to all of you with my first post
I've not long bought a nice example Tom Crowther, bought by the original owner in 1981 from Tom Crowther's shop in Solihull. I've read lots of historical info about Mercian but there seems very little about Tom after he sold Mercian. I find it surprising that such a well regarded craftsman and founder of such an iconic company seems to have slipped under the radar after his departure. Does anyone here own one of his cycles or have any Crowther tales to tell?
I know his shop is now a fish and chip shop, the little info on the internet seems to suggest he would have ceased trading in the 90's. Also I've heard that not only Mercian were making his frames, but that he also had a couple of select quality frame makers building for him in Birmingham. This would suggest the cycle I own would have been built by one of those builders. I have a Columbus tubed frame and as far as I'm aware Mercian have only ever used Reynolds tubing, although I'm no expert and could be wrong on this.
Any info would be appreciated, and I'll leave you with some pics.
I've not long bought a nice example Tom Crowther, bought by the original owner in 1981 from Tom Crowther's shop in Solihull. I've read lots of historical info about Mercian but there seems very little about Tom after he sold Mercian. I find it surprising that such a well regarded craftsman and founder of such an iconic company seems to have slipped under the radar after his departure. Does anyone here own one of his cycles or have any Crowther tales to tell?
I know his shop is now a fish and chip shop, the little info on the internet seems to suggest he would have ceased trading in the 90's. Also I've heard that not only Mercian were making his frames, but that he also had a couple of select quality frame makers building for him in Birmingham. This would suggest the cycle I own would have been built by one of those builders. I have a Columbus tubed frame and as far as I'm aware Mercian have only ever used Reynolds tubing, although I'm no expert and could be wrong on this.
Any info would be appreciated, and I'll leave you with some pics.