Mdl

Hi Everyone,

At the seller’s $200 asking price, what do we think of this Falcon Race bike? It would be a 2 hour drive for me to get it. Shimano 600 components (the seller claims the brifters are also Shimano 600) and a Reynolds 531 decal.

I happened to see a previous post where someone questioned whether a similar (?) Falcon truly had a 531 instead of Hi-Ten frame. Doesn’t seem to make sense why someone would put 600 components on a Hi-Ten frame. Anyway, I’m interested to know what you think it’s worth. I’m having trouble with the thought of passing it up at $200 bucks!
Thanks!

wrk101

I believe it is a Falcon Sterling, not race. Regardless, its worth it. I had that same model and paint scheme, except it was Shimano Sante, 7 speed. If the shifters work well, there's most of the value there alone. Its pretty much a no brainer. Good example of how the average bike buyer just focuses on a couple of brands and models, so something less known doesn't get the respect it deserves.

Paint is kind of rough, white is pretty easy to touch up. If it has been for sale for a while, take cash and you might get it for. $150. Make sure stem and seat post are not stuck. Lever hoods are unobtainium, so condition of hoods is important too. I'd have no problems buying for $200, if it were available in my area.

obrentharris 

A bargain at that price. I believe @Wildwood has one similar.
Brent

Bianchigirll 

Is that a 2 hr round trip? I’m no expert on he brand, but I think you could do worse for $200. Is there something around the area you ca add to the trip? A bike shop you always wanted to visit? Train shop?

Mdl

2 hours each way. 4 hours total. Good idea though - let me see what else is around there. Thanks

Wildwood 

Sounds like you might be traveling.
I really like mine, purchased a few years ago as frameset. Had no expectations for the bike but wanted to ride a full 531 tubeset. Never determined the model name. Mixed build - Campa, Modolo, Nervar crank. Fitted it with nice tubulars and, by golly, it is a thoroughbred, in the all-day race category. Put a long stem on it, stretch out and crank on!
Good luck.

The frame is 59cm and a perfect fit for me.



edit: Please follow-up and give us your ride impressions after a refurb. Assuming you get the bike.

wrk101

In my old flipping days, I would make longer buying trips, incorporating multiple bike pickups, or stopping at a co-op or two along the way (be sure to bring donations with you!) or in my case, going to Costco (yes, the nearest Costco is 1 1/2 hours away). Or find an interesting thrift store or two or three.

garryg

If i was flipping it no. If i wanted it for myself hell ya! I,ve only seen one and it had the SAnte group. It was very nice.

SurferRosa

My late '80s 531c Falcon is really stiff. Currently, it's my least favorite ride among four other vintage 531, Columbus and Miyata road bikes. In my limited experience, Falcon's early '70s full 531 road bikes offer a more enjoyable ride.

Mdl

I was thinking I’d ride it. Do you believe the brand name may hamper flip ability?

Anyway, I’ll probably miss out. I can’t get up there before next week and the seller seems to have other prospects who are interested.
I’ll post again next week.

Thanks, Everyone!

T-Mar

It is a Falcon Sterling, circa 1988. As noted, these originally came with Shimano Santé. The frame is the fulll Reynolds 531C tubeset. The upgrade to 1990s 600 Ultegra offers a number of advances over Santé, including Hyperglide cogs, an 8th cog, brifters and dual pivot brake calipers. The pricing is attractive, despite the aesthetically challanged frame.