Cycle shop that was at 105 London Road, north of and next to the Gardeners Arms pub. Owned and run by Ernie Chambers.

Clip of 1975 photo by Bill Rudd, reproduced with kind permission of the Merton Historical Society

Opened in 1936 or 1937, as described in the Mitcham Town Guide of 1937:

… a newly established business, but old in experience. Ernie Chambers, whom you can regard as your friend and adviser, has been in the cycle trade for many years, and can back this up with a wealth of cycle racing experience, vouched for by the fact that he has ridden for England in three Olympiads, in 1928, 1932 and 1935, a record unequalled by any other cyclist. Here then is a real cyclist that understands a cyclist’s needs. All the leading makes of cycles are stocked. Everything for the cyclist who uses his machine for business, touring, racing or pleasure.

All repairs are promptly and skilfully executed on the premises no job too large or too small.

Adverts

1937 ad

1952 ad

Text of ad:

ERNIE CHAMBERS for ..
Cycle and Cycle-Motors

Power Pak
Hand Built 49 c.c. bicycle motor

Cash or Easy Terms

25 Guineas (terms available)
12 Months Guarantee

105 London Road, Mitcham

MITcham 2021

A former Mitcham resident, now living in Thailand, said:

Took my first ever pushbike there in 1959. My pedal had broken and I had lost the small ball bearings inside. The lazy sods took more than 1 week to get my bike done! Went back time after time asking politely. I guess they didn’t care about a small job like that? However as a very young lad I did miss my bike big time! I never thought I’d ever remember that shop till I saw this post! Well done! Greetings from a very hot Thailand!