RIP Bicycles and Tandems by Design (AKA Swallows)

Please be fair and thoughtful in your opinions. No rants please.
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roubaixtuesday
Posts: 7764
Joined: 18 Aug 2015, 7:05pm

RIP Bicycles and Tandems by Design (AKA Swallows)

Post by roubaixtuesday »

Facebook post from Pete Bird announces administration.

https://www.facebook.com/bicycles.by.de ... =-UC%2CP-R

We bought our first tandem from them (2nd hand), then had it refurbed, then bought another 2nd hand, then I had a 953 solo machine built, actually by Rob.

Between that lot we've carried three children in six countries, been to Albania and back, climbed the Stelvio and the Bonette on their machines.

Sad day.
Ohrid first view.jpg
Swallow studio shots - 1 of 11.jpg
PT1029
Posts: 1986
Joined: 16 Apr 2012, 9:20pm

Re: RIP Bicycles and Tandems by Design (AKA Swallows)

Post by PT1029 »

Pete did do some nice looking frames.
The grape vine tells me Pete is retiring. Most bills paid, pay an administrator to get rid of everything else - simplest way to do it and move on into retirement.
Hmm, I'm similar age, I might do the same myself in a year or 2!
SRD
Posts: 43
Joined: 24 Aug 2024, 3:04pm

Re: RIP Bicycles and Tandems by Design (AKA Swallows)

Post by SRD »

Very sad, we had our tandem from Pete when he was over in Wales -excellent service and very encouraging to my then non-cycling fiance. The tandem then went on honeymoon with us. Nearly 30 years later it's still going strong with a friend in France .
Bmblbzzz
Posts: 8055
Joined: 18 May 2012, 7:56pm
Location: From here to there.

Re: RIP Bicycles and Tandems by Design (AKA Swallows)

Post by Bmblbzzz »

Is this Swallow who were based in or near Telford? Or am I mixing them up with someone else?
roubaixtuesday
Posts: 7764
Joined: 18 Aug 2015, 7:05pm

Re: RIP Bicycles and Tandems by Design (AKA Swallows)

Post by roubaixtuesday »

Bmblbzzz wrote: 26 Jan 2026, 3:24pm Is this Swallow who were based in or near Telford? Or am I mixing them up with someone else?
Yes, that's them
mattheus
Posts: 6897
Joined: 29 Dec 2008, 12:57pm
Location: Western Europe

Re: RIP Bicycles and Tandems by Design (AKA Swallows)

Post by mattheus »

roubaixtuesday wrote: 26 Jan 2026, 3:58pm
Bmblbzzz wrote: 26 Jan 2026, 3:24pm Is this Swallow who were based in or near Telford? Or am I mixing them up with someone else?
Yes, that's them
I'm going to be brave and say Ironbridge (I'm pretty sure I saw them there, anyway!) Near Telford, of course.
Bmblbzzz
Posts: 8055
Joined: 18 May 2012, 7:56pm
Location: From here to there.

Re: RIP Bicycles and Tandems by Design (AKA Swallows)

Post by Bmblbzzz »

mattheus wrote: 26 Jan 2026, 4:24pm
roubaixtuesday wrote: 26 Jan 2026, 3:58pm
Bmblbzzz wrote: 26 Jan 2026, 3:24pm Is this Swallow who were based in or near Telford? Or am I mixing them up with someone else?
Yes, that's them
I'm going to be brave and say Ironbridge (I'm pretty sure I saw them there, anyway!) Near Telford, of course.
Yes, I think you're right.

Sad day.
roubaixtuesday
Posts: 7764
Joined: 18 Aug 2015, 7:05pm

Re: RIP Bicycles and Tandems by Design (AKA Swallows)

Post by roubaixtuesday »

mattheus wrote: 26 Jan 2026, 4:24pm
roubaixtuesday wrote: 26 Jan 2026, 3:58pm
Bmblbzzz wrote: 26 Jan 2026, 3:24pm Is this Swallow who were based in or near Telford? Or am I mixing them up with someone else?
Yes, that's them
I'm going to be brave and say Ironbridge (I'm pretty sure I saw them there, anyway!) Near Telford, of course.
Yes, adjacent to YHA coalport
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