An English Gentleman, Lost in the Midwest.

[Gravity Aided]

I know a fellow here who has had a Raleigh Super Course since way back, maybe the 70's. A fine bicycle, that's for sure. But mostly around here you see few British bicycles, mostly Raleigh(used to be a dealer here in town) and rebadged Hercules three speeds that hardware and department stores sold. German Bicycles even fewer, although I once owned a Matthias Stollenwerk (from Aachen). Peugeots mostly were the carbolite basic range. I own a G. LaPierre, but it's the only one I've ever seen, and it's pretty basic, but great condition for a 1970's road bike.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Spring has sprung around here, time for work to commence on the Falcon. After a couple of quick projects. This one won't be rushed.

 

[carpenter]

looks like we are about to have a late winter here!

 

[mikeymustard]

looks like we are about to have a late winter here!

It's race week here in Cheltenham - we're used to having strange weather!

 

[Gravity Aided]

In Illinois, if you don't like the weather, five minutes will bring something else. High of about 5-6C on Saturday, but slowly warming. As I work in an unheated garage, I'm rather at the mercies of weather.

 

[Kempstonian]

In Illinois, if you don't like the weather, five minutes will bring something else. High of about 5-6C on Saturday, but slowly warming. As I work in an unheated garage, I'm rather at the mercies of weather.

That's what they say about England. If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes... and its true! At the moment I have sunshine and blue sky with some fluffy white clouds - but the window has raindrops all over it and the ground is wet. The rain will probably be back soon.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Generally, it seems my dogs have an idea when rain will arrive. Currently, at dawn, with 13C, going for a high of about 18C. And 50mph winds. Usual stuff is about 5 or 6C, maybe warming to 7 or 8. March can be a real mixed bag anywhere, it seems.

 

[Kempstonian]

Dogs aren't as stupid as they sometimes act!

 

[Kempstonian]

And the rain is back...

 

[southcoast]

So anyway, I was beaten to a Craigslist curb alert (where people let you know they are throwing out stuff) by a fellow bicycle fettler, he got all the bikes and I just got some of those multi-drawer tool boxes. He messaged me today, and said this looked a bit out of his depth, due to the cottered cranks, and would I like it? I said I think I would, and went down to pick it up. I knew it was an Ernie Clements Falcon, but I didn't know it was a San Remo. Thrown out on the curb. It also had a Campy Tubular wheel (rear)not pictured. I think this will be a full on restoration, but as all the original equipment, except for the bar end shifters, are present, I think it will be a street restoration. Downtube shifters seem more appropriate. This fellow may be down on his luck, but I am hoping to restore his fortunes and his cherished place in society. View attachment 439520

Falcon racing blue war paint.
Here’s my later version.

 

[Gravity Aided]

And the rain is back...

Tornado watch here.

 

[Gravity Aided]

-7c today, but Wednesday keeps looking better and better.I have wheels, but no tires at the moment. I can't get to the co-op this week, yet more training off site, but still have to complete duties. But I have wheels,cables, and weather so at least a start can be made Wednesday.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Maximilian, inspecting the bearing cups on the steerer tube.

 

[southcoast]

Nice frame
That’s interesting, my bike has the same red oxide base coat visible on the steerer tube.

 

[carpenter]

There is something about pale blue frames