Simoncini Falck Steel Frame ATB / MTB / tourer build

[tangoromeo]

I have had this Simoncini frameset for a while trying to decide what to do with it. I think it dates from the late 1980s judging by the type of tubing but any information about the frame and what components might originally have been fitted would be greatly appreciated. Apart from the decals the only markings I can see are 47 stamped on the bottom bracket ( ? seat tube length ) and 7 stamped on the steerer.
My inclination at the moment is to build it as a touring / light off-road (unsurfaced bike tracks) bike with drop handlebars. I have collected Campagnolo NOS Euclid and Centaur components from around 1990 and have had a pair of 26" wheels built with Campag Mirox rims on the Centaur hubs. Again, any advice on this type of build, particularly using drop handlebar brake levers with cantilever U brakes, would be greatly appreciated.
As you can see from the photos the frame has not been cleaned up yet. There are plenty of paint chips but no dents and no rust, probably as a result of the nickel coating. I am not inclined at this stage to have the frame re-painted / re-chromed at what would probably be quite a high cost as I am not sure it would be worthwhile and I don't dislike the colour scheme.
Anyway, look forward to any comments, suggestions and advice.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd be tempted to use 'butterfly' trekking bars and MTB lever/shifters but with a low stem to give more of a 'tuck' position.

 

[Cycleops]

I would also say around 1990. It has the same "Made in Italy" sticker as my Bianchi
which I am sure is from around that period. Should make up into a nice light tourer. I would think flat bars would suit the character rather than drops. Yes, keep the original paintwork, it's rather attractive.

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[tangoromeo]

Thanks for your comments re the bars. This was the main area I was unsure about. Being used to a road bike I prefer the drop handlebar format particularly for touring but I like the butterfly bar suggestion as a hybrid solution.

 

[biggs682]

@tangoromeo i have forward a link to this post to the person who currently runs Simoncini , as i am in touch with him quite often and will advise any comments he gives .

looks nice to me , and i agree re the other comments Butterfly bars over drops .

re refinishing i can highly vouch for Lee Cooper of Coventry for a bead blast and re powder coating along with any other frame repairs or mods you want doing

see http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/an-amazing-visit-to-see-a-framebuilder.158611/

 

[tangoromeo]

Thanks for the lead in to Simoncini. It would be good to know a bit more about the frame. I have more photos available if that would help.

From the comments so far I think I am on the right lines re the build and will definitely look at butterfly bars.

 

[biggs682]

Thanks for the lead in to Simoncini. It would be good to know a bit more about the frame. I have more photos available if that would help.

From the comments so far I think I am on the right lines re the build and will definitely look at butterfly bars.

from what i can make out he still has a few older style mtb frames left

 

[biggs682]

from what i can make out he still has a few older style mtb frames left

@tangoromeo he has replied saying he has about 50 more frames of that style and era so shout if you want any more

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Anyway, look forward to any comments, suggestions and advice.

It is hard to be sure what your priorities are, e.g. whether it is important to stick with Italian/Campag components, and whether a wide gear range is necessary. I am mentioning these priorities because you have an Italian mtb frame and Italian/Campag supplies of mtb/low gearing components while exist were never exactly common or plentiful.

If I were you I would probably start with figuring out what gear-inch range I need. Given you have a Campag freehub already your cassette range is somewhat more limited than otherwise, and knowing the wheel/tyre size should give you a clear idea of what chainring(s) you need, which in turn will specify maximum crank bcd and hence which crank models are possible candidates. You might also want to check whether your bb has Italian thread if you don't know already.

Regarding brakes you might want to check whether the bosses are close to 80mm apart since some older bikes' aren't. Unless you are using drop bar brifters (which have different brake cable pull) you are generally better off using standard V brakes because they are functionally superior to canti's or mini-V's due to higher tolerance to cabling issues and have good tyre clearance, although they might not look "right" with the rest of your components.

If you want to have indexed gearing some pre-planning will also be needed, since compatibility between flat bar / drop bar components especially with Campag components adding into the mix generally can't be taken for granted. But since your objectives and what you have/want here aren't clear it is difficult to advice further.

 

[tangoromeo]

@tangoromeo he has replied saying he has about 50 more frames of that style and era so shout if you want any more

Yes, I am interested. How do I get the details ?

 

[biggs682]

Yes, I am interested. How do I get the details ?

let me know what size you want etc etc and i can ask him re price etc etc

 

[tangoromeo]

It is hard to be sure what your priorities are, e.g. whether it is important to stick with Italian/Campag components, and whether a wide gear range is necessary. I am mentioning these priorities because you have an Italian mtb frame and Italian/Campag supplies of mtb/low gearing components while exist were never exactly common or plentiful.

If I were you I would probably start with figuring out what gear-inch range I need. Given you have a Campag freehub already your cassette range is somewhat more limited than otherwise, and knowing the wheel/tyre size should give you a clear idea of what chainring(s) you need, which in turn will specify maximum crank bcd and hence which crank models are possible candidates. You might also want to check whether your bb has Italian thread if you don't know already.

Regarding brakes you might want to check whether the bosses are close to 80mm apart since some older bikes' aren't. Unless you are using drop bar brifters (which have different brake cable pull) you are generally better off using standard V brakes because they are functionally superior to canti's or mini-V's due to higher tolerance to cabling issues and have good tyre clearance, although they might not look "right" with the rest of your components.

If you want to have indexed gearing some pre-planning will also be needed, since compatibility between flat bar / drop bar components especially with Campag components adding into the mix generally can't be taken for granted. But since your objectives and what you have/want here aren't clear it is difficult to advice further.

Many thanks for the advice.

My original intention was to build with contemporary components and the consensus seems to be that the Campag Centaur and Euclid range is right. I have most of the major components, cranks, triple chainring, front and rear derailleurs but I appreciate what you say in that spares may be difficult to find in the event of failure / wear / damage.

The Centaur hub is a traditional threaded hub so I have a wide choice of freewheels. Given that I will use the bike for touring I would think I need a gear-inch range of around 25 to somewhere between 90 and 100. The bb was fitted with an old Italian thread unit when I acquired the frame and I have a NOS Campag Centaur Italian thread bb.

With regard to brakes, levers and changers this will depend to a great extent on what I bars I eventually go for and I am still undecided. I realise that mtb bars would be more correct for the original build but I may still go for drop handlebars in which case I may go for downtube shifters.

Many thanks again for the advice and comments

 

[tangoromeo]

let me know what size you want etc etc and i can ask him re price etc etc

The frame I have seems ok size wise which is 47cm seat tube and 51cm top tube and anything this size or slightly smaller would be ok.

Obviously I would need to know frame material, construction, finish, etc.

Do you want to continue this outside this thread / forum ?

 

[biggs682]

The frame I have seems ok size wise which is 47cm seat tube and 51cm top tube and anything this size or slightly smaller would be ok.

Obviously I would need to know frame material, construction, finish, etc.

Do you want to continue this outside this thread / forum ?

ok