Falcon bike identification

[Fossey]

Hi all. Reading the various threads it appears to be a bit of a lottery to identify older Falcon bikes. Looking at all the old brochures I’m not clear what this one is. Just been given it by my father in law and I’m looking to renovate it (just for fun). So been in the family since the early eighties and no reason to think it’s been modified in that time.

Originally thought it was an Olympic but it has 12 speed, Shimano RS gears, and shimano brakes and brake levers. Sadly no evidence of any decals on the top tube. Front badge has the Olympic rings and designer signature. Is it perhaps a champion du monde in blue?

Any pointers gratefully received.

 

[jim haseltine]

Around the late 70s/early 80s Falcon wasn't in a great place and produced multiple very similar models based on the same imported frame which didn't appear in catalogues. The frame is the same as the gold version used on the model 62 Panther and many others but from the kit on it (the 12 speed) I'd risk a guess that it is based on a champion du monde..

 

[juvela]

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in case you are curious as to a specific date there are several fittings on the cycle which should exhibit such marking:

portion of stem down inside steerer

right end of bar

rear mech

backside of crank arms

for markings which are coded there is a decryption guide here -

http://www.vintage-trek.com/component_dates.htm

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small safety tip -

stem is dangerously high

there should be a good 6-7cm of stem down inside steerer for safety

misadventures at this location can be regrettable...

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dosh -

cycle not valuable when new and has not gained value in the interim so if you wish to retain for either utility or sentiment that is fine

worth it to do a disassembly, lavandation and lubrication, replacing any worn out bits as you go

not worth it to invest in upgrades

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thanks for sharing with the forum and best wishes with it


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[Fossey]

Thanks Juvena, I’ll have a look for some id codes.

Yes noted on the stem it was way above the marked limit. My brother in law grew to 6 foot 5 in so I presume adjusted this to suit

And value/sale isn’t my motivation, it’s a cool looking bike and I’m a sucker for getting my hands grubby. So it’ll be a complete strip down and rebuild for the fun of it

 

[juvela]

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forgot to mention above -

if rider needs bar to be that high for comfort that is perfectly fine

stem can be replaced with a taller model such as the Technomic from maker Nitto -



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[Fossey]

Well project completed, not quite a “pure” model but pretty close to the original with all the major elements retained

 

[Takingabreak]

that has cleaned up nicely

 

[Midlife]

@Mandobob will be here soon

Bit too late for my memories lol. Nice chrome though.

 

[sjcprojects]

The frame and forks have cleaned up very well, overall it looks great, the only thing is that the handlebars are tilted backwards way past where they should be. It's a common thing if you're not used to drop bars, the brake levers can feel too low down, but the hoods of the levers should be much more parallel to the ground.

If you’re planning on riding it, you won’t get proper purchase on the brake levers with it like that. The solution if they still feel too low down is a taller stem.

 

[juvela]

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Congratulations on a fine job!

Wonderful to see it completed.

Puzzled by registration of crank arm to spider between the "as found" and completed states. Makes me wonder if swaging worked loose...




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