Slash5

Picked up this amazing looking Falcon last weekend. Looks like it has been ridden a couple of times and then stored. It's almost perfect. A tiny bit of rust freckling on the crank, a few small nicks in the the paint on the chainstay. Steel wheels are perfect. Even has a color matched rear fender. Pretty sure they are the original tires, Clement Pneumatic - they look like they could be ridden. Campy Valentino gear train.
Only the 3rd Falcon I've ever seen around here. Just started working on it - couldn't wait so jumped it up to the top of the queue. Fully expected problems but as you can see the stem was almost out and seat post was fine. Cotters popped out with a bang, no problem. Washed, polished and waxed and looks perfect. Doing bearings now.
Unfortunately, its too small for me - going to need a foot long seat post - not sure what I'm going to do with it.

bikemig 

What's not to like about this bike? It's a survivor in great shape.

due ruote 

Very nice!

eschlwc

very nice bike.

if you're not already in the habit, take pics of your overhauls, like one of the bare frame and fork. these will come in handy when you're ready to sell.

juvela

Very nice find, thanks for sharing.

Certainly has that "bought new and then stored away for decades" look you mention.

Great livery too.

Looks to be a Black Diamond model. If wheel rims are Rigida you may find a two digit date inside a diamond symbol. Thinking perhaps ~1969.

markk900

@Slash5: we're practically neighbours but you seem to score the nicest deals.....where *are* you finding these gems?

3speedslow

That has got to hurt being too small. Purple too. I usually take off all stickers not placed on bikes at the factory but I would certainly keep that cool looking one on the seat tube!

Amazing, the 531 is still intact as well.

Where are the Falcons down here!!

kroozer 

Well, first of all you need to post it on the Prince tribute thread.

Slash5

Went and looked as soon as I saw your post but - Rims are Rigida but unfortunately no date code.

juvela

Yes, thank you. Was kind of afraid of that. They began doing the diamond with a number inside about 1971-72.

CuttersRidge

It appears they chromed tip the backstays on the San Remos so this is likely the Black Diamond from what I can see.

https://classiclightweights.net/wp-co...8-1024x695.jpg

1963 Falcon San Remo Equipe

Helpful thread here, there is a purple bike in the thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...usiasts-2.html

MKahrl

I would vote that it is a mid level Falcon instead of Black Diamond due to the 531 plain gauge tubing and wrap around seatstays. Nervex looking head lugs also indicate it's an upscale model. I would also date this as late 1960's or very early 1970's. By 1974 this level model would have aluminum rims and crank.

juvela

Excellent points!

One thing which made me think it a lower model was the solid axle hubs.

Slash5 -

Does alloy pillar have integral clamp or is it straight? If straight it is likely a Birmalux. You may discover a marking at its south end.

Since lamp boss on right blade I would guess it a domestic UK model. Or did Falcon not move the boss to the other side for export machines?

John E

I have never seen a left side lamp boss on an English bike, even one that was originally sold in North America or continental Europe.

To quote Charlie Harding, "A Falcon is a good English bike." You are lucky no one ever wiped out the Reynolds decal with a shop stand clamp or put a bike license sticker over it, as on my Capo Sieger and the one currently on eBay.

I like the half-step. 49-46?

Slash5

Thanks, too bad almost all the images and links are mostly dead, looks like a useful thread.
That page you linked to with the advertisement, it sure sounds like the San Remo - Campy, pump clips, wrap over seat stay. I guess depends on the year.

rootboy 

What a beaut. Love that color.

CuttersRidge

All the links I posted worked. Some of the photos in the bikeforums.net thread are apparently obsolete now. That is to be expected.

Looks like most San Remos have the chromed backstays.

Slash5

Not yours, the links in the old thread.
Looking at a catalog at Falcon Lightweight Cycle Catalogue there are many models of the San Remo - I would think an older version of the model 80 might be close. https://classiclightweights.net/wp-co...con-19xx-5.jpg

Another close match with the Olympic but an earlier model.
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalog...0Page%2007.jpg

GordoTrek

yippee-Ki-Yay Mr. Falcon!

Slash5

It has a straight alloy seat post but no markings - looks like a replacement that has been cut short, I can even see the remains of a price sticker. The bike shop sticker is here in Toronto so looks like they were exported that way.

Slash5

I'm lucky to work from home 3 days a week so have Kijiji up all day and I have it set to all of Ontario. And I can usually run out for a moment pretty well any time of day for a pickup.
Since Kijiji went to their new format, I'm trying a RSS reader, RSSOwl. Works really well and you can filter on the results so you don't have to look at all the crap. Amazing how many post a filter on lady and kid child filters out.

Slash5

Pretty well finished. Waiting for a seat post I ordered so I stole one from my Super Course. Way too small for me but still wanted to be able to ride it.
Still need to shorten cables and put tips on.

Stevensb 

Very nice. What is the frame size?

Brad

chedarhead

I also have a Falcon with a 531 straight gauge tube frame. It is marked as a super route and I believe it is from 1974 from the markings on the hub jam nuts. It too is small for me so I put flat bars on it and used it as a commuter when I worked not far from home. Fairly light bike rides a little stiff but is easy to pedal.

satkin55

That is a really nice Falcon. Have you finished it? any updates?

I'm doing up my Black Diamond I've has since I was a teenager.