Soanes Cycles stands as one of Britain’s oldest bicycle shops, with a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The shop itself was built in 1854 by Mr R. Abrahams, a respected local draper and tailor. For several decades, it served as a hub of trade in Colyton until Mr Abrahams closed the business in 1902. The premises were then sold to brothers Charles and Gerald Richards from Manor Farm in Branscombe, who saw an opportunity to establish a cycle shop.

In the years that followed, Richard Bro’s – Liberty Cycles was founded, and in 1910, Sidney J. Soanes joined the business as a cycle mechanic, having responded to a job advertisement. During this period, bicycles were hand-built on-site at the Colyton workshop. Frames were meticulously brazed together from bought-in fittings before being taken to a shed lined with galvanised sheets for stove enamelling—a process that gave the bicycles their distinctive, durable finish. These bicycles were branded and sold under the name Swan Cycles.

However, by the early 1920s, the rise of factory-made bicycles led to the end of cycle manufacturing in Colyton, as small-scale production struggled to compete with mass-produced alternatives. By the 1930s, advancements in manufacturing had made bicycles more affordable and widely available, changing the landscape of the industry.

One of the notable developments in this era was the emergence of Norman Cycles, a new manufacturer based in Ashford, Kent. As stocks of the original Swan Cycles transfers remained available, they were sent to Norman Cycles, which applied them to its bicycles. These Swan Cycles were sold for £3 15 shillings for a standard Ladies’ or Gents’ model, with the option to add a Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub for an additional £1.

During this time, Soanes Cycles also stocked a range of well-known brands, including Raleigh, BSA, Elswick, and Sunbeam, solidifying its reputation as a trusted name in the cycling industry. Over the decades, the shop has continued to evolve, adapting to changes in technology and consumer demand while staying true to its heritage.

Today, Soanes Cycles remains an integral part of the local cycling community, honouring its long-standing tradition of quality and expertise.