Bike industry stalwart dies, aged 77. Chairman of Moore Large, John Moore was a former president of the Centenary Club.
John Moore, chairman of Moore Large of Derby, died yesterday, peacefully.
A past president of the cycle industry's Centenary Club and a long-time member of the Pickwick Bicycle Club, John Moore was a bicycle retailer before turning to distribution and wholesale.
Moore Large was incorporated by Moore in 1974. Moore's father had opened the family's first bike shop in 1949.
Moore Large became the one of the first national wholesalers selling direct to retail. At the time, wholesalers to the bicycle trade were regional and bought from importers. Moore Large was appointed UK distributor for Kenda Tyres in 1976, a distribution relationship that has continued. Moore Large added bicycles to the company's products in 1986, including launching the house-brand Emmelle (a version of ML, from Moore Large).
The current MD of the business is Nigel Moore, John Moore' son.
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A company statement said: "John Moore was a great visionary within the bicycle industry. Having joined his father’s bicycle retail business in the early 1950s, John was the driving force behind the company’s expansion to 20 plus stores through the 1960s and early 70s. In 1974 Moore Large & Co Ltd was founded, the company distributed Puch bicycles and bicycle accessories, with John being one of the first to venture to the Far East to source bicycle accessory products. In 1986 John took the pioneering step to be the first to import complete bicycles into the UK from China. John was seen as one of the giants of the bicycle industry in the UK and was a true gentleman. He was respected by all who knew him and was a mentor and inspiration to many who have worked alongside him over the years."
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
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14 comments
So Sorry to hear this bad news my heart goes out to all his family! He was one of the good guys!!!
Mark James Jan 2nd 2013 at 4:52PM
0 3Devastating news. A true giant of the bicycle industry and a very good friend. So many happy memories. Our thoughts are with Christine, Nigel and all the family at this very sad time. Mike and Sue Poyzer & family
MIke Poyzer Jan 2nd 2013 at 5:09PM
0 0Sad news , he was a nice man ! My thoughts are with his family. Dave (Daves Cycles in Walsall)
dave folks Jan 2nd 2013 at 5:11PM
0 0Sad news about John – a real gent, A generous and genuine man Who can forget the dealer trips to China back in the 90’s Condolences to the family Chris Compton
chris compton Jan 2nd 2013 at 5:30PM
0 0So Sad News My Best Boss ever, My Father was a director of Moore large with John for many years (the best times in the bike trade) My Best Wishes to Christine Nigel Tim Alison and Family. (Dan Busson Leisurewheels)
mr c Jan 2nd 2013 at 5:37PM
0 0Totally shocked by the news that John Moore has passed away yesterday. I have known John for many years included attending some Great tips to the Far east with him. I was chatting to him early December at the Pickwick Bicycle club in London & was his usual Great self. I have always got on realy well with John. He will be missed by me + many others & especilly by Christine, Nigel & all his family & friends.
Chris James Jan 2nd 2013 at 6:18PM
0 1Very sorry to hear this news. A supportive and inspirational leader with the highest level of integrity. It was a privilege to work for and with him for 22 years. My thourghts are with Christine, Nigel, Tim, Alison and their families. Gary Mather
Jan 3rd 2013 at 8:57AM
0 0He was a valued Council member and significant influence at the Bicycle Association for many years. He was one of the senior figures in the UK bike industry and was a most courteous and kindly man. It was always a pleasure to meet and work with John, and I am sure I was not alone in thinking he was to have been amongst us for many more years to come. I last saw him at Alex Moulton's funeral just before Christmas, and at a vibrant meeting in November. Very sad news indeed.
Mark Bickerton Jan 3rd 2013 at 9:37AM
0 0How terribly sad, I have known John since the 70's when we were both young men forging our way in the bike business, he was a real forward thinker and true gentleman. He will be sadly missed by all. Sincere condolences to all the family. Peter Rimmer
Peter Rimmer Jan 3rd 2013 at 9:59AM
0 0A sad loss to the cycle trade, our thoughts are with all the Moore Family.
Chris Keal Jan 3rd 2013 at 10:10AM
0 0I am truly sad at this news. John was a friend and mentor. He had a wisdom and vision that will be missed by more than myself. May he Rest In Peace. Eddie Eccleston
Eddie Eccleston Jan 3rd 2013 at 11:54AM
0 0On a positive note. About 2010 Taipei show a group of us arrived into the infamous Brass Monkey ! It was about 10 pm which is still early by Brass Monkey standards. There perched on a stool in the middle of the dance floor is John staring at a wall mounted tv. When I asked what he was doing he told me its the only place in town you can watch cricket. Great guy who was always ready to offer advise. RIP John.
Steve Fenton Jan 3rd 2013 at 3:11PM
0 0So sad for all the family and a huge loss to the trade and all of us who looked up to him. We will all miss him RIP john. Terry Wright
terry Wright Jan 3rd 2013 at 3:24PM
0 0Sad news to hear. A true gent. Thoughts go out to the family. Rest in peace John.
Roy Simpson Jan 4th 2013 at 12:35PM
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