Ernie Clements

[SirLurkalot]

Picked this up today. The plan is to swap the group set over from my Galaxy which is too big. Anybody have an idea of age or model? I'm guessing 1980's? Not sure if the paint's saveable and clements decals might be a problem. Any information welcome.

 

[Midlife]

Any info here?

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/ernie-clements-falcon-vintage-road-bike.286112/

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Reynolds decals are 80s I think, H Lloyd has a date list so you can check.

 

[Mandobob]

Picked this up today. The plan is to swap the group set over from my Galaxy which is too big. Anybody have an idea of age or model? I'm guessing 1980's? Not sure if the paint's saveable and clements decals might be a problem. Any information welcome.

EC left Elswick-Falcon in June 1982 and was making bikes under the Coventry Eagle and other names out of the Newown factory in Wales. This continued until December 1989 when his business (again) went bust and then he traded from his bike shop in Ledbury until 2006. It was in this latter period he made (had made?) bikes sold as Clements.

 

[SirLurkalot]

EC left Elswick-Falcon in June 1982 and was making bikes under the Coventry Eagle and other names out of the Newown factory in Wales. This continued until December 1989 when his business (again) went bust and then he traded from his bike shop in Ledbury until 2006. It was in this latter period he made (had made?) bikes sold as Clements.

Thank you, I did wonder if this was a generic Taiwan made frame with Clements decals added. I can't find any frame numbers on it and there isn't any manufacturer names on the headset and bottom bracket.
I'm going to get it powder coated because the paint is bad with a lot of surface rust. The only issue is going to be the Clements decals. I've had a quick look on H Lloyd and they only have the older style (Which are better looking but not period correct.)

 

[SirLurkalot]

I looked up the Reynolds decals and they are from 1982 to 1989. Doesn't look like very high end components were used going by this and the no name BB and headset.

 

[SirLurkalot]

The big decision now. What colour? Wife suggested Old English White or Sage Green. I was thinking British Racing Green but not sure now.

 

[Mandobob]

The big decision now. What colour? Wife suggested Old English White or Sage Green. I was thinking British Racing Green but not sure now.

Sage green with tan saddle, handlebar tape and toe straps?

 

[SirLurkalot]

Next decision do I keep non indexed or change to indexed gears? I'm going to have to get different shifters because of the braze on bosses and I've got a MT60 derailleur in my stash as well as a Suntour XCE derailleur and 7 speed freewheel.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Next decision do I keep non indexed or change to indexed gears? I'm going to have to get different shifters because of the braze on bosses and I've got a MT60 derailleur in my stash as well as a Suntour XCE derailleur and 7 speed freewheel.

Indexed gets my vote, I run friction but indexed is just better imo.