Simoncini Falck Steel Frame ATB / MTB / tourer build

[Cilva Cycla]

I posted this on other forums but was recommended to try Retrobike so here we go.

I have had this Simoncini frameset for a while trying to decide what to do with it. I think it dates from the late 1980s judging by the type of tubing but any information about the frame and what components might originally have been fitted would be greatly appreciated. Apart from the decals the only markings I can see are 47 stamped on the bottom bracket ( ? seat tube length ) and 7 stamped on the steerer.
My inclination at the moment is to build it as a touring / light off-road (unsurfaced bike tracks) bike with drop handlebars. I have collected Campagnolo NOS Euclid and Centaur components from around 1990 and have had a pair of 26" wheels built with Campag Mirox rims on the Centaur hubs. Again, any advice on this type of build, particularly using drop handlebar brake levers with cantilever U brakes, would be greatly appreciated.
As you can see from the photos the frame has not been cleaned up yet. There are plenty of paint chips but no dents and no rust, probably as a result of the nickel coating. I am not inclined at this stage to have the frame re-painted / re-chromed at what would probably be quite a high cost as I am not sure it would be worthwhile and I don't dislike the colour scheme.
Anyway, look forward to any comments, suggestions and advice.

 

[kingoffootball]

That's a really nice frame, I like that

Building it up with drops and set up for a little off-roading sounds like a good way to go to me. What's the tyre clearance like?

 

[Rod_Saetan]

Not sure how to date it, would guess at very late 80s though as any earlier would *probably* have a U brake. Like many of the MTBs built in Italy it will no doubt well made but ill-thought through (geometry) and massively over-built.

Used to live in Melton, I heard Machin's had closed a few years back, shame.

 

[Cilva Cycla]

That's a really nice frame, I like that

Building it up with drops and set up for a little off-roading sounds like a good way to go to me. What's the tyre clearance like?

Thanks, I like it. Shame, as I say, that the frame is a bit tatty otherwise it would be really smart.

When you say clearance do you mean width or between fork / stays ? I think there is plenty of both. With 26 x 1.25 tyres there is about 15mm each side to the forks and about 40mm to the fork crown / rear stays so I think it would easily take a wider tyre / mudguards, etc although I haven't fitted the brakes yet so not sure about the clearance to the calipers.

 

[Cilva Cycla]

Not sure how to date it, would guess at very late 80s though as any earlier would *probably* have a U brake. Like many of the MTBs built in Italy it will no doubt well made but ill-thought through (geometry) and massively over-built.

Used to live in Melton, I heard Machin's had closed a few years back, shame.

I agree re the build which is why I thought it might be better as a tourer with careful choice of bars and stem.

I haven't lived in Melton long but I think Machin's was on Mill Street? Luckily there are a few other good bike shops not too far away in Loughborough and Nottingham.

 

[barry2017]

That looks nice.

You won't have a problem with U brakes and normal road levers. U brakes are great, apart from their tendency to eat tyres if you don't pay attention to them.

 

[Rod_Saetan]

That doesn't take U brakes, takes standard canti mounts.

 

[xxnick1975]

Looks cool, I'd build it up as an mtb and not bother with the drop bars

Agree with others it's no u brakes

 

[Cilva Cycla]

That looks nice.

You won't have a problem with U brakes and normal road levers. U brakes are great, apart from their tendency to eat tyres if you don't pay attention to them.

Thanks for the comment and advice re the brakes

 

[Cilva Cycla]

That doesn't take U brakes, takes standard canti mounts.

Yes, you are correct I was getting confused with the later Campag Euclid brakes which are U brakes but the original ones are standard cantilever