Retrobike

Yes. I have a 1978 Black Diamond (still doing it up). I've found a couple of original tops online which I now own. And have started collect a few catalogues and other Falcon related items, I've listed them on my website https://falconrestorebike.wordpress.com/ephemera/

I do too, especially the ones with no name and no tubing identifier...

That's a nice early 1980s Falcon by the look of it. New wheels and other upgrades but in keeping with the original spec. Usually pretty affordable too.

Someone had a nice Falcon off Ebay this afternoon. I was tempted. A bit like an early 80s Super Pro? I had a red one very like it with cromo sticker, Suntour Cyclone front & rear mechs + shifters, but without the chromed forks.

The CRMO of about that date would probably be a Professional - a similar frame to the SuperPro but with no chrome forks and no Campag drivetrain, brakes and seat post. Generally were light blue metallic,

I'll be working on this later in the year - is it a Pro with LF Maillard hubs...?

I am sure that is a Professional with the CRMO tubing and the Bocama lugs. I think the frame is identical to the SuperPro except the latter has a chrome fork. Catalogues show that the Professional was made first in 1978 through to 1982. Yours is an earlier one as it has the rear brake cable clips on the top tube - the braze-ons only were fitted in the 1980s.

The beautiful SR drilled chainset was fitted to this model as standard. I am attaching a copy of the 1980 catalogue entry (frame is pearl green) and the 1982 catalogue (frame is clear blue) which has a description of the spec. Both pictures show this chainwheel.

The make of the hubs is not specified but Maillard is quite likely. Maillard hubs have the date of manufacture engraved on the outside of the barrel, using a dating system of the form NN NN. The first pair of numbers is the week of the year, 01-52. The second two numbers are the year of manufacture (e.g. 84 for 1984). Sometimes the bike will be built the same year and somtimes later.

Thanks for those brochure copies. Those quarter inch sizes, are they to the top of the seat tube? Mine doesn't say 'Professional' - why not I wonder? What are those drop-outs do you know? A friend picked mine up. I will get him to date the hubs.