Pearson

Pearson is officially recognised as the world’s oldest bicycle business, now run by the fifth generation of the Pearson family

In 1860 Tom Pearson, a blacksmith, sets up a shop in Sutton, South-East England. Ideally situated for passing trade en route from London to the south coast, Tom’s metalworking skills soon prove invaluable for an increasingly popular mode of transport: bicycles.

In 1889 Tom is succeeded by his son, Harry, who makes the switch into full-time bike manufacture.

For the next 50 years Pearsons established themselves as a leading London bicycle business. So important was the business, now run by Harry’s sons Arthur and Len, that in 1939 they were both exempted from the WW2 draft in order to produce bikes for the Home Front.

In 1965 the business now run by Arthur’s son Roger diversified into racing bikes building a great reputation supplying top end bikes to amateur riders around the country

In 1994 the latest generation of Pearsons, Roger’s sons Guy and Will joined the firm.

Today, 162 years after Tom Pearson fired up the forge, Pearsons is still a respected, successful family cycle business in West London

Info: www.pearson1860.com