Classic & Vintage - Falcon refurb

>I originally posted this in the bike mechanics forum, perhaps a mod can delete that thread?

Dear All,

I am currently considering refurbishing a Falcon Olympic ladies bike from '77 - '78 (see pic). It belongs to my mother who bought it new for the princely sum of £90! It has been sitting in the barn for a good few years now.

The frame is 531 and overall it is in good condition. The bearings etc were cleaned and greased recently and the tires and brake blocks are new. The drive train looks OK after a quick inspection. A new saddle goes without saying...

Anyway, I am toying with adding flat handlebars and a basket so that my wife can use it for going to the market. Can anyone suggest suitable 'classic' components? Or would it be a shame to do this to a classic touring bike?

cheers,

Jim

Falcon is an old British make that was a great bike. I had one outfitted with Huret deraillers, Weinmann brakeset, Campy shifters and BB, Gipemme crank, and Atom compact freewheel. Two tone blue/metallic purple color scheme. Wish I hadn't sold it.
Being "Continental" I'd keep it outfitted with European parts.

I just picked up a falcon competitor 105 at a local flea market yesterday, and am planning to refurbish it a bit, though it is in rideable condition. 252821
I have always ridden mountain bikes, and a flat bar road bike, and can't get truly confortable with the road bike bars. though I really like the shimano 105 brakes on this bike. I am
thinking about changing the bar to something like the bullhorn or moustache bars i see on many bikes nowadays. I hope it won't detract too much from the overall look of the bike, but I need to have function over form in this case. Any other thoughts on changing the handelbar/brake stylings would be appreciated. the bike is in overally very good condition. all shimano parts which I think are probably the original. Vitesse tires, which I am looking to plump up a bit for city riding, and will need some quick release skewers. like the color though. Thanks, im a newbie here, and looking to DYI bikes as a new hobby as riding has always been a passion.

nice looking bike. so, do what works for you and the primary rider. if you need to replace the drops, go for it. to start, find a decent saddle, maybe a lady's brooks. and hammer out that fender dent.

i recently restored a '73 falcon with 531 and mostly campy nr components. it's brilliant.

im a newbie here, and looking to DYI bikes as a new hobby as riding has always been a passion.

it's much easier to 'do yourself in' while riding rather than wrenching. but both are possible.
good luck with the comfort choices. be sure you understand the reasons for the discomfort though. it may be the top tube or stem is a little too long for your arms/torso. wider drops may be an answer. most of my riding is done with hands on the hoods. in this way, drops are invaluable for their flexibility in hand position, offering much greater comfort for long rides. . and remember, you can often experiment at your lbs without spending anything. cheers.