Falcon Cycles were a historic British bicycle brand and manufacturer based in Brigg, North Lincolnshire. Originating from the Coventry Eagle and Frederick Hopper lineages dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the brand grew to prominence under cycling champion Ernie Clements in the 1950s–1970s. Today, it is owned by the Tandem Group.
Roots: Evolved from older British cycling names like Coventry Eagle, launching the Falcon name for racing and road models in the 1930s.
The Ernie Clements Era: Guided by founder and pro cyclist Ernie Clements, Falcon became a powerhouse of British frame building.
Glory Years: Served as the exclusive US and European market supplier for legendary racer Eddy Merckx during the 1970s bike boom.
Pro Teams: Sponsored notable professional racing squads, including the PMS Falcon and Falcon Banana teams in the 1980s and 1990s
Acquisition: Sold to the Elswick-Hopper group and later acquired in 1995 by the Tandem Group plc, joining a stable of classic British cycling brands.
Current Production: Operates as a mass-market brand offering affordable commuter, hybrid, and mountain bikes rather than hand-built pro racing frames.
Sister Brands: Shares corporate ownership under Tandem Group Cycles with other historic names like Claud Butler and British Eagle.
Useful Links:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/falcon.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon_Cycles
https://classicrendezvous.com/country-of-origin/the-british-isles/falcon