Schwinn vs Falcon Cycles
 

Hello everyone,

I'm a new member to the group and have been looking into getting a bike for ridding around where I live for fun not commute. I have some knowledge of cycling (mostly from messing with bikes as a kid). I found 2 bikes on FB both priced at $ 80.00. The first is a Schwinn Super Le Tour supposedly a 1979 model with non original handlebars and gear shifters. The second is a Falcon Cycles Eddy Merckx edition that the seller doesn’t know much about. I know Schwinns are generally good bikes but I don’t know much about Falcon Cycles besides they were manufactured in the UK. Of the 2 which one is the better bike? Thank you all for any suggestions or advice you can provide.

Falcon made a range of bikes so it's hard to say which model you're looking at but an Eddy Merckx edition is hard to beat.

You'll see a lot of the Schwinns so if you pass on that one there will be more opportunities. The Falcon is going to be less common.

A good way to judge is the type of metal used for the frame. Reynolds, Ishiwata, Columbus is high end, then Tange or Cro-Mo followed by Hi-Ten. If you can find a frame sticker that shows the type of steel that's a helpful indicator.

Can you share the pictures?

The Merckx should be the better bike, but either one is a good deal at $80, provided everything is functional.

The most important consideration is getting a bike in the proper size for you.

Lots of other things can make or break a deal; especially wheel/tire quality, condition of the the moving parts (derailleurs and shifters) whether the saddle is a good fit for you, etc.

It is hard to tell which is the better bike without pictures or knowing if both bikes are your size. A bike that is not the correct size will not be a good bike , regardless of the quality. These bikes are old and could be damaged or modified by previous owners and should be carefully inspected , so detailed photographs help . Keep in mind that at this price point they may need work , like new cables , tires and tubes , bar wrap , or other consumables. This can add up , not huge , but could affect your decision.

I'll echo the concerns mentioned above about condition and size, but with only $80 at risk my curiosity is more piqued by the Falcon. I think that is the more interesting bike with the potential to become something special.

We need to see the bikes. It’s well known what a 79 Super Letour is but the Falcon bike will be a mystery until it’s posted here. Falcon produced a whole line of Merckx bikes that range from low end to high end, some which will make the Schwinn the better choice. Get high enough up the line and the Letour will suffer by comparison. After that, condition and size matter. Either bike will need some refurbishing. The $80 acquisition cost is not the end of the line for money spent on a used C and V bike.

The Super Le Tour was 1020 hi-ten, so not very good, even as hi-tensile tubing is concerned. The Falcon will probably ride much nicer. The British generally used 2030 for their hi-ten, and the Reynolds hi-ten was butted, so that makes it even better. You may even have a 531 model there, which would be better-yet.

Falcon had a several bike line of Merckx bikes. Mine was second from the bottom and is said to be straight gauge 531 mains. The original components were bottom of the line, but made a great object for upgrading - and it says Merckx.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e23dc8d297.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...86875c71ac.jpg

Most of the EM Falcons I've seen have been low end. Pic below from Facebook Marketplace shows two different bikes from the same seller. Both appear to have hi-ten (not Reynolds tubing) frames but the taller one has nicer parts. Don't be swayed by the name. Since your two options are both cheap you can buy both, and if you don't like either you can always buy more. That's the C&V way. Good luck!
https://scontent.fric1-1.fna.fbcdn.n...LA&oe=652DC5E3
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...98162338231979