Scuzzle

Hello,

I'm interested in this bike that I've found on craigslist: https://houston.craigslist.org/bik/3227399171.html

I haven't been able to discern a model name/number from the photos, and am hoping someone here might be familiar with the bike and will me what they think it's worth, or at least point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

Bianchigirll 

Hi Scuzzle, Welcome to the forums. Without a bit more information I am not sure I would spend 200 on that. What kind of tubing is the frame made of and what components? It looks like Shimano Light Action derailleurs and maybe a lowend Wienaman brake which could mean a OK Chromoly/Manganees alloy mixed frame or all manganese/HiTen.

Other wise it looks clean and ready to go other than a broken right toeclip[h=2]falcon 12 speed bike (45s and almeda)[/h]i have a falcon 12 speed road bike the frame 21' tires 26' are stronglight crank shimano 105,weinmann 570 top brakes,maillard wheels $250 call or text 832=654=74two6

Scuzzle

Thanks for the input, Bianchigirrl. I could only get him down to $220 so, pending some post out of left field, I'll hold off on this particular bike.

Bianchigirll 

Your welcome. I looked at the pics again and I can't tell for sure if this is 531 or not. is this close to you? If the fork says 531 then atleast the main triangle is 531 and certainly worth checking out.

Hopefully someone more knowledgable will be along soon.

Scuzzle

It looked like 5317 to me, and a search of "Falcon 5317" returned nothing useful. Now that I've searched for "Falcon 531", I've come across Reynolds 531 What I thought was the beginning of a 7 is probably part of the model number, denoting the specifications of the tubing. Based on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynold...y#Tubing_Types , it could be any of nearly a dozen different specifications.

Now I see why this is so addicting to some of my friends.

FastJake

Based on what I see I would probably pay $250 as long as nothing is obviously broken. Reynolds 531 fork decal, nice looking crank. The rest is probably decent.

But if you are looking for a rider, do you know if this bike will fit you? To me it looks like about a 60cm which should put you in the upper 5' range or just about 6' depending on your leg length.

Scuzzle

I asked him about the standover height earlier and just received an e-mail from him. My inseam is 33" (measured using the book in the crotch method... I hope this is an actual method, otherwise I'm gonna be really embarassed), and he measured 32" from the ground to the top tube. This seems like a good enough fit.

I've been doing some reading tonight about Reynolds 531 and am pretty much sold on the bike. I'll contact him in the morning about buying it. Hopefully he'll still let it go for $220.

Thanks for the help, you two.

JPZ66

Falcons made from Reynolds 531.... Above average bicycles. This one I would say easily $225-$275 range , retail. Should make for a nice rider as long as it fits you well.

Good luck,

Joe

Chombi

The components on the bike seems to say middle range model, like the PGN was in Peugeot's model line. Would have expected something like Reynolds 501 tubing for the frame though, but who knows, maybe Reynolds gave them a good deal on a bunch of left over 531 tubing they were trying to clear out in the mid 80's. I think the result is something like Peugeot's PSVs then, Quite a good frame with underwhelming componentry to keep the price down.

Chombi

JPZ66

Here's what's on Sheldon Brown's site.....

https://sheldonbrown.com/falcon.html

Cheers,

Joe

wrk101

Keep waiting and it could be scooped up by someone else. If its what you want, in your size, and at an attractive price to you, GO NOW.

randyjawa 

I often times have people call me, hoping to come by and purchase a vintage bicycle. Sometimes I allow it, sometimes not. I am not really fussy about having anyone come to my house as a customer. But that is just me. That said...

When someone does express interest in a bicycle but wants to think about it, I always warn them that vintage bicycles, offered at fair prices, do not last long. And, as often as not, when the think it over guy/gal stops back a week or two later, they find nothing but disappointment.

Get the Falcon!

Scuzzle

Forgot about this thread. Doh!

I took everyone's advice and bought the bike. Got him down to $210 which, after riding for the last week, I think was a steal.

Thanks again to everyone for the help!