rip999

Hi I recently got hold of an early Falcon Ernie Clements Black diamond but can't seem to find any info on the net regarding age or what spec it would have been. It has a wrap over seat stay and chrome seat tube. I intend to restore the frame and build it up, and would appreciate any help with information. Links to pics below. Thanks Richard

https://www.flickr.com/photos/74165961@N02/6684147373/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/74165961@N02/6684149899/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/74165961@N02/6684152095/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/74165961@N02/6684166687/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/74165961@N02/6684169309/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/74165961@N02/6684171099/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/74165961@N02/6684159599/

kiwigem

Velobase has a Falcon catalog scan (early 70's?). I don't think it's the same year as yours, but it may give you a starting point.

Here's a link to bulgier scans: https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/Falcon-74/

Might be the same as the velobase, but easier to read.

rip999

Thanks. I have found someone who has a 1962 model that looks very similar, but still on the hunt for more info.What happened to all the early falcons in the UK?

rhm

I would have guessed yours is later than 1962 based on the cable guide at the BB, but what do I know. Can you get photos of the 1962 model?

I trust you saw these Black Diamond pages in the 1974 catalog:

rip999

Hi below are some pictures of what is supposed to be a '62 Black Diamond that the owner says he has had from new and some parts do add up, wrap over seat stays and 531 main tubing but can't see the bottom bracket clearly to see if it has any braze ons. The lugs look different as well but I saw a '68 and it does not have the wrap over seat stay so maybe sometime in-between?

elboGreaze

Your frame puzzles me because I thought the Black Diamonds did not have the wrap around seat stays, only the 531 bikes did. Unfortunately , info on these old Falcons is very skimpy. Hope you post photos of yours , when the resto is done.

rip999

From the information I have gleamed from the net, the early Black Diamonds had 531 main tubing, the later models used lower quality cro mo tubing throughout but I am not sure of what the timeline is. There seems to be little or no info available here in the UK on early Falcons and I have not seen or heard of anyone who owns a San Remo, but they can't have all disappeared, I would love to get my hands on an early one. That's why i'm looking forward to doing the Black Diamond, nice to be different.

dbakl

Here's my Falcon, repainted but with original parts as I found it. Probably early 60s, hads no model name. Was originally medium metallic blue. I always thought the wraparound stay treatment to be a Falcon feature.

https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Bri..._Teds_bike.htm

elboGreaze

rip999 , one reason I am interested in this thread is that I have a Falcon very similar to yours. I believe it to be an early '70s , totally original Olympic Model 78 ( except for the rear derailleur, and I have one ready to go on it). I don't think there are too many of these old Falcons around . So in the interest of bicycle research, here's a photo:
( PS, that '62 is sweet, and dbakl, yours is very nice ! Is It a San Remo ?)

dbakl

Thanks, I don't know what model, it had no name originally.

rip999

Elbogreaze very nice bike and dbakl i've checked your bike out a few times as its one of the few pictures available of old Falcons, again very nice. I have just got hold of a ladies Black Diamond from the early seventies and it has an Ernie Clements sticker as opposed to a badge, not sure when they changed this but the bike was originally purchsed from a local bike shop and the guy still works there so I am going to take the frame to him and see if he has any records of exact puchase dates (didn't want to be rude and ask the lady what year as she got it for her 17th birthday!). With a bit of luck he might be able to shed some light if he delt with Falcon will keep you posted.