Derby firms work in tandem to power Radio 1’s Greg James in Comic Relief ride
Derby’s HUUB and Mercian Cycles join forces to kit and build a bespoke tandem for a 1,000km charity challenge from Weymouth to Edinburgh.
BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James will attempt to cycle 1,000km on a tandem next month to raise money for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day—and two Derby powerhouses are behind the effort. HUUB is supplying technical performance kit, while Mercian Cycles has hand‑built a one‑off custom tandem tailored to the demands of the eight‑day ride, with special guests joining aboard along the route.
The partnership places Derby’s engineering and endurance expertise at the heart of a national fundraiser expected to draw millions of viewers and listeners.
HUUB’s high‑performance kit for all conditions
Globally recognised for elite triathlon and endurance apparel, HUUB is outfitting Greg head to toe to withstand the variety of conditions across the eight‑day challenge, Radio 1’s Longest Ride—from performance cycling shorts to waterproof outerwear designed to keep him protected, supported and comfortable in all weather.
Dean Jackson, founder and CEO of HUUB, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to support Greg and Comic Relief. It’s fantastic to see a national charity challenge backed by Derby businesses. Events like this show what can be achieved when local expertise meets a brilliant cause.“HUUB has supported Comic Relief fundraising activities before – including Mollie King’s Pedal Power challenge in 2024, where she cycled 500km across the UK to raise money for Red Nose Day – and we’re thrilled to be involved again with Greg James’ 1,000km tandem ride.
“Greg’s challenge is no small undertaking and having the right kit can make a real difference over long distances and tough conditions. We’re delighted to be able to play our part and help power this incredible fundraising effort.”
Mercian’s handcrafted, lightweight steel tandem—built for distance
Marking 80 years of frame‑building heritage, Mercian Cycles has crafted a lightweight, high‑quality steel tandem to Greg’s exact measurements, painted red for Comic Relief and engineered for strength, stability and comfort over ultra‑long distances. The Little Eaton‑based company has also provided four standard bikes in various sizes for guests joining the ride.
James Knowles of Mercian Cycles said:
“We’re hugely proud to see a Mercian tandem at the centre of such an incredible national fundraising challenge. Every bike we build is handcrafted here in Derby, so to create something bespoke for Greg and Comic Relief is a real honour.“We did a fitting with Greg just after Christmas and also provided him with a training tandem which he has been practising on in and around London. He now has the real thing – which we have hand painted red for Comic Relief.
“It has been built specifically for the demands of a 1,000km ride – designed for strength, stability and comfort over long distances. Challenges like this are exactly why custom engineering matters.
“Derby has a proud cycling and manufacturing heritage and it’s fantastic to see that expertise playing a role in raising money for such an important cause.”
The challenge: dates, route and cause
- Start: Weymouth, 13 March
- Finish: Edinburgh, 20 March (Red Nose Day)
- Distance: ~1,000km over eight days
- Route highlights: Wales, the Midlands and the North of England
- Format: Tandem with special guests rotating on and off throughout
Comic Relief funds vital projects providing food, shelter and safety across the UK and globally. Every mile pedalled supports initiatives that help put food on tables, secure safe places to sleep, and protect those at risk of harm.
