Bikes made in Britain

[genome]

Hello, does anybody know of any bike manufacturers that are actually MADE in Britain, as opposed to those profiting from their British connections / history i.e. Raleigh?

[Si]

Brompton is the only 'large' off the peg one that I can name off the top of my head. but I'm sure that there must be some more mustn't there?

Plus a number of small frame specialists such as Mercian, etc. I think that thorn also do some of there frame in Britain.

Although even if you can get a Brit built frame you will struggle to get a full set of new components made in the UK, although I'm sure that it can be don't with some imaginative thinking.

[smiffy]

Hi, I think Pashleys are made in this country.

[genome]

Thanks. It's not so much that every component needs to be from the UK, more that it is assembled in this country and the main parts i.e. frame, handlebars, wheels, etc are from here too. I know it would be hard to find a British-made derailler or hub gear for example, perhaps tyres too

I am fairly sure we can add Moultons to the list.

[Neil Fat Man On A Bike]

Thorn (the made to measure ones only ), Orange brilliant mountain bikes, Mercian, Bob Jackson, Geoffry Butler, Harry Hall
I bet there are loads more too

[random37]

There's an army of small framebuilders. Edison, Mercian, Jackson, Argos, Roberts, I could go on.

[Tako]

Given the UK's great heritage and tradition of frame building, why can't we have a NAHBS or similar here? Everything has become a bit formulaic and low profile.

[pete75]

NAHBS????

[genome]

North American Handbuilt Bikes Show
http://www.handmadebicycleshow.com/

[pete75]

Thats the sort of thing that should be happening at the York Rally.

[genome]

Thats the sort of thing that should be happening at the York Rally.

I do agree with you, it is a shame that we don't promote our own goods, especially since there is so much to offer. I am far from patriotic, or god-forbid nationalist, however with the history, and the potential, and willing, workforce it is a shame that we do not have much of an established manufacturing industry esp. with bikes. Instead, there are those that trade off of their history whilst aiming for short-term profits as opposed to quality, community, or local needs by off-shoring jobs to the East, and reducing the QA requirements, whilst producing overpriced 'goods' that are not actually that relevant to the needs of their audience (e.g. Y-frame bikes with knobbly tyres for urban kids/commuters), but are in vogue.

However, I shalln't let this decend any further into a rant about myopic organisations

So :

Pashley
Brompton
Orange
Mercian
Several independant frame builders...
It's looking good

[random37]

Can I specifically highlight Edison's. The frames are as good as you can get made anywhere else in the world, and about 2/3 of the price.

[chambo3413]

Ditto Edison, I recently had a fast tourer made up in steel 631 etc...a lovely job with nice touches,
Chris used to work and was in fact apprenticed at Carlton I think in the lightweight shop.
The drop out ends on my frame set are finished with the scalloped edge often seen on Carltons and the semi wrap over seat stays are a joy to behold.
Vernon Barker in Dronfield is also worth seeking out.
My only fear for the future i s are there new younger builders taking it up???
If there was a frame /bike building competion at York I might even go myself!

[rootes]

Hello, does anybody know of any bike manufacturers that are actually MADE in Britain, as opposed to those profiting from their British connections / history i.e. Raleigh?

brompton

[reohn2]

eighteen months ago I had my light touring/audax type frame break.I wanted a frame to fullfil the role.I initially looked at Mercian 450+vat,angles too steep for me,made to measure? (to get the angles required)12weeks waiting list.
Bob Jackson,I was treated on the phone like an intruder,not a customer.
Thought about a local builder (who I won't name) when I mentioned him to a friend I was told about two people who were threatening this builder with court proceedings due to bikes literally falling apart.

Hmmm,thinks.........

I phone Thorn re Audax MK3,these frames hadn't been out long but I suspected they were the Brevit with tweaks,I ordered one, recieve it the day after and was amazed by quality of finish,welds, accessories,included seatpost,BB,Headset,all brazons fitted with SS bolts and washeres,plus a 100day money back guarentee if not totally happy, the ride was and still is equally amazing.

I know the frame is made in Taiwan but I can't fault it.

The component parts of almost any bicycle are made in the far east,France or Italy(maybe)

I would love to buy an all UK built bike but it ain't going to happen,I dare say I could buy one but the cost would be prohibitive (atleast to me)

I recently needed a pair of 48hole 700c tandem rims,Mavic used to make them,its anyones guess if they still do,Rigida do but these are now made in the far east,Alex DH19 yes! far east also.
What is a man to do.

I know someone who has Hope big'un tandem hubs,they've been nothing but trouble,bearing failure at low mileage,creaking,ticking(?)etc.

I'm not on a bash Britain post, just speaking as I find.