77 Falcon??
 

Hi I was hoping someone could tell me something about a 1977 Falcon. I was given the bike to commute but its in nice shape so I want to know if it's worth restoring. The last owner took very go care of the bike, he stripped it down every year to clean and service it so it would probably need just paint and graphics. I may know soneone who can make new graphics but if someone knows of another way that would help.



Thanx

Chris

Some Falcons were quite nice, some are ordinary. Their "standard" color was a very nice light blue. For a time they also were licensed to sell Eddy Merckx labelled bikes. Those were the famous "Moltni" orange color.

Does the bike have decals? Those, particularly any that ID the tubeset will help determine quality. Component make/model is helpful too.

:beer:

The only Falcon I've seen was a 1977 and it was VERY nice. I believe it was 853 steel or something similar and weighed about 21-22lbs. I was impressed with it. It was white with black decals as I recall.

There doesn't seem to be any decals ID the bike. It has a label on the front indicating it was designed by "Eddie? somebody?" I don't know if they all have this. The color is red I'm pretty sure it has not been painted. I will try to find more info on the bike tonight.

Thanx

Chris

The label should say - Designed by Ernie Clements. A onetime TDF winner, Clements ran Falcon in the 60's and 70's. The company is still in business today, and can be found at http://www.falconcycles.co.uk

Falcon bikes came in both touring and competition style. The high end racers were powder blue with chrome forks and stays, with some of the lesser competition models getting the light blue paint but not the chrome. The red, green, and dark blue frames are the touring models. What you probably have is one of the touring models. I wouldn't say that it commands any sort of collector value, but the Falcon touring bikes of that day were well built and smooth riding. If you contact the factory, they can provide a replacement decal set.

While Falcon never grew to the size of Raleigh, they were a respected maker, and their high end 531 framed racers were the equal of any bike made during that time. I have a pair of 1970 vintage model 76 bikes, the very best Falcon made. (used to race on one while in college, back in the 70's) Very sweet riding bikes, 21 pounds each. Tight, but not brutally stiff.

Thank you all for the info. I will probably conntact the company for info.

Thanx again

chris