Falcon Challenger

[Charliesniff]

Hello folks,
Just purchased a Falcon Challenger at auction. Reputedly used at the 1986 Commonwealth Games by the Welsh Team.
Can anyone give me any information re the model, date of manufacture etc. Bit lost on this one.
Cheers.

 

[midlife]

Cheap (ish) and cheerful bike from the 80's most probably, reminds me of the Westminster model?

 

[Cycleops]

But still a nice bike with 501 tubing, one of the later models. Commonwealth games competition bike? I should take that claim with a pinch of salt .
Should fix up nicely.
serial number under the BB should help with a more accurate date.

 

[Chris S]

The stem clamp is behind the handlebar which means that all your weight is on the thin sliver of metal in front of it. It might be best to change the stem for one with a clamp underneath or in front of the bars.

 

[Illaveago]

Hi and .

Was that picture from the auction room ?

Falcons are nice bikes. I have one and 2 frames . It does look like a later model going from the Peregrine on the head tube transfer. Earlier badges or metal stickers had designed by Ernie Clements on them .
As for the exact date of manufacture it can be guess work as no-one really knows how their numbering system worked . There should be a number stamped underneath the bottom bracket .
It comes with alloy cranks and wheels so it should ride nicely .

 

[Charliesniff]

Hi and .

Was that picture from the auction room ?

Falcons are nice bikes. I have one and 2 frames . It does look like a later model going from the Peregrine on the head tube transfer. Earlier badges or metal stickers had designed by Ernie Clements on them .
As for the exact date of manufacture it can be guess work as no-one really knows how their numbering system worked . There should be a number stamped underneath the bottom bracket .
It comes with alloy cranks and wheels so it should ride nicely .

Yes that was the auction photo. I was a bit dubious about the Commonwealth games claim. May get back to the auction house !

 

[midlife]

Just out of curiosity how much did you pay, as for provenance I would contact the Auction House as the information you have been given to decide on the purchase is untrue.

 

[Charliesniff]

Just out of curiosity how much did you pay, as for provenance I would contact the Auction House as the information you have been given to decide on the purchase is untrue.

Contacted the auction and they say they were covered because they said " reputedly" in the description. You win some and you lose some. Paid £65 so perhaps that is the value. Or did I get a bargain ?

 

[midlife]

Sixty five quid for what looks like a working bike seems OK to me. I thought you might have paid hundreds.

 

[Charliesniff]

Sixty five quid for what looks like a working bike seems OK to me. I thought you might have paid hundreds.

Oh no don't pay hundreds for anything at auction. SAS style. Sneak in with a crafty bid and reap the benefits.

 

[Paulus]

Not a bad bike for £65.

 

[accountantpete]

It's a middle of the entry level bike. The tubes are not gas pipes but also not professional level 531/753.

If you come across any other bikes you want to look for things like - 531 tubing, proper drop outs like Campagnolo (below), Bottom Bracket shell cut outs, and chromed forks and rear stays. They all indicate quality.

 

[Charliesniff]

Got the drop outs as pictured. 501 tubing.