Falcon. Pro Circuit. Race 12.

[David Garside]

Hi all.
I've just acquired an old Falcon (as above) in fairly well used tatty condition. I'm not sure exactly how old it is, but is it worth doing up and spending a bit of money on it.
The thing I do like about it, is it's weight...really light...in comparison to what I'm used to. Can anybody recommend a dealer who can supply any bits I may need.
Thank you and happy new year to you all.

 

[biggs682]

morning @David Garside no pic showing.

so will struggle to answer questions , as for dealers depends if new or used parts .

i dont like to suggest e bay but try this and other Cycling Forums as always people selling bits and bops

 

[Spokesmann]

Sounds nice, pictures always help an appraisal...

 

[David Garside]

 

[David Garside]

Hello. Thank you for your replies.
Since I took this picture I've removed the saddlebag, mudguards etc...and also started to give it a good clean. It looks much better now.
I'm going to need a new freewheel block and chain, and a new bottom bracket. I don't want to restore it as such...just tidy up...I like the patina of an old and as original as possible bike so would like to leave it as such.
Happy new year.

 

[young Ed]

i realise you want to leave it looking older but please consider stripping down to bare frame and then spending maximum £80 on having it and blasted and powder coated it would look incredible then you hand paint over the powder coat some purple details if you want
most bike bits are universal you just need the right size eg:all wheel bearing bits, bottom bracket, all headset bearings stems etc etc
Cheers Ed

 

[Dusty Bin]

I'm not sure exactly how old it is, but is it worth doing up and spending a bit of money on it.

Looks early 90s, going by the colour scheme. No sign of a tubing decal, but doesn't look like it is worth much in terms of value or heritage, tbh..

 

[Cycleops]

I would says it is rather earlier than nineties bearing in mind its 12 speed. The guy has has reversed the rear brake on the bridge, maybe to clear the huge saddlebag. Doesn't matter that it has no high value, would make a nice bike when cleaned up. Good luck with it and keep us posted with picture updates.

 

[Dusty Bin]

I would says it is rather earlier than nineties bearing in mind its 12 speed. The guy has has reversed the rear brake on the bridge, maybe to clear the huge saddlebag. Doesn't matter that it has no high value, would make a nice bike when cleaned up. Good luck with it and keep us posted with picture updates.

Late 80s at best. Looks like an Exage groupset, which helps to date it. The number of gears can't really be used to date a bike like that, as it was unilkely to be carrying leading edge tech in any case...

 

[biggs682]

Hello. Thank you for your replies.
I don't want to restore it as such...just tidy up...I like the patina of an old and as original as possible bike so would like to leave it as such.
.

what your saying above sound ideal to me , so do it and enjoy it as that is all that matters

 

[David Garside]

Hi all.
Yes it's got the Exage group set.
The rear brake has now been refitted the correct way round as I've removed the saddlebag.
I've replaced the front wheel bearings and I'm in the process of doing the rear...I have a new 6 spd block and chain coming...also a new BB axle and bearing set.
I know the value won't be very much but I'll tidy it up and run it for a month or two and then decide whether to strip it and paint it...in the meantime I hope to just enjoy it for what it is....
I'll put a new picture on when it's ready to ride.....

 

[David Garside]

Great...we're getting there...just a little niggle. I had to buy a new rear axle (Generic) as one of the cones were worn....they didn't have the correct one as it has a thicker shoulder...anyway...I find that I can't get the wheel far enough to the left ( looking forward from the rear) to get the chain line exactly straight. I think the cones are wider on this axle, pushing the wheel a little further to the right.... any suggestions as to how to reduce it's width...or where I can get a thinner locknut ? I can make up the space on the other side fairly easily....
Thanks....

 

[kutayr7]

It is a 1989 Falcon. I have exactly the same one at the same condition and suprisingly at the same process. It has Reynolds 501 Single Butted Tube for which the decal only produced in 1989. If you also have the SunRace Rear Cassette, you will see the 1989 mark on it.

 

[kutayr7]

Some photos: https://www.facebook.com/kutayr/media_set?set=a.10151856658463279.1073741826.500313278&type=3

 

[David Garside]

1989.... That's good...at least I know how old it is now...thank you.
Tbh, I've not touched it for a few weeks,just become very busy at work etc.
The old block was completely knackered so I've replaced it with a standard 6 block. It does the job ok, I've shortened the chain a tad too much but will put a few more links back in when I get the chance. I think the only thing to do now apart from re painting etc, is the head races will need replacing and the tape on the bars....I'll just ride it then for a while and then decide what to do with it.