The Falcon San Remo range seems to have stirred some interest. Sorry not to reply to all respondants individually, but here goes. Firstly, Ernie Clements is not a well man, suffering from Parkinsons. I interviewed him two or three years ago and his memory is not good. His son, Edward is too young to know anything about Falcon models. From a long trawl through catalogues I have the following - NOT COMPREHENSIVE! First record 1967: All San Remo. Model 76 San Remo Equipe (racing team replica) specialist lugs 531 butted, chrome forks and rear ends. Campag 10 speed. Model 80 Italian design long point Continental lugs, 531 tubing and forks wrap over seat stays, Campag Gran Sport 5 speed Model 90 Mk II Prugnant lugs 531 butted Campag 10 speed, chrome fork ends and rear ends. Model 96 Pursuit 74/73 with Prugnant lugs Model 98 Sprint 74/73
Second record 1974: Model 78/79 Olympic 531 plain gauge, cotterless chainset 5/10 speed. Bottom of the range at £98.50 Model 80 Cote d'Azur 531 butted 10 speed only Model 92 Super Route 531 plain gauge 10 speed only Model 276 Equipe 531 butted special long point lugs Campag 10 speed. Top of the range at £394.
Third record 1977: no change from 1974.
Looking at one of the posted San Remo pics I notice that the seat tube top transfer refers to a Falcon Special, so perhaps this was a generic transfer rather than a specific model. Please bear in mind some of Dale's comments. Falcon was, and is, a large company and much of their production was mass produced. Their top end bikes, were, however, well made and well equipped. As for San Remo being the top of range, that depends on the model. In 1977, possibly the last year that the Eddy Merckx range was produced the most expensive bike was the Merckx Super Competition at £395, or £1 more than the San Remo Equipe. The cheapest Merckx was just £67.95 for the Super Prestige. I think this aspect is why Falcon have such a varied reputation. A Falcon Eddy Merckx at £67.95 is not made of 531 butted tubing, but the Super Competition model is! Hope all this helps clarify a complex marque. I would welcome more info from listers off line.
Nigel Land
Barton on Humber
UK