1990s falcon 531 frame refinish?
 

Good morning everyone.

I hope all is well.

I have a early 90s Falcon road bike that I bought new lugged 531 frame and fork. the model is the competitor 105 (was equipped 105) anyway Im planning on bringing the frame back to life as a road bike but all I have left are the original brakes and the wheels.

my main question is the finish , there is a very long scratch on the top tube, the fork has a fair amount of chips and the paint near the drop out on both sides is gone. the chain stays have seen better days , lots of chips and scratches. decals are mostly intact.

the seat tube FALCON decal is faded the falcon head looks more like a ghost, the Made in England on the top of the head tube says made in Eng. the model Name is fully intact and the "Hand made in England" decals on the seat stays are intact. 531 frame and fork decals are good.

this is not a collectable as I can see so

1) leave it alone then I'm compelled to find 105 for it, cuz of the model Name.ill have to try and touch up bad spots .

2) sand blast it clean ( I have sandblaster at work) and have my friend professionally powder coat it then get new lettering made up and perhaps find some 531 decals for it.

your thoughts please

have a great day

"John"

I had one of those. I think the 105 model was red and the identical frame built up with 600 was blue.

I say powdercoat whatever color you like and ride. No reason to put 531 badges on it unless you're planning on flipping it. Afterall, *You'll* know that it's 531, why advertise to potential theives.

I also have a 105 equipped Falcon Competitor, but it is Reynolds 501, not 531. Are you sure about the model name and tubing type?

As for painting the bicycle, you might want to look through Should I Paint My Bicycle? Doing so might help you with your restoration plan and save you money in the process.

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thanks for the replies thus far.

yes the model is competitor 105, looks just like above But mine is medium Blue and my cosmetics are not in as good of shape..

Tubing stickers are 531 one on bottom of seat tube with 531 fork blade stickers on each fork blade.

falcon frame decals are just white

when I purchased it ,the dealer (friend of mine) made a big point that it was a 531 frame and fork. im the original owner..

its the re finish that's the big question frame has no dents just a fair amount of damaged paint and a few of the decals are damaged needs lots of chip retouch.

"John"