Classic & Vintage - 1992 Paramount for $325? on Craigslist

So, on a local Craigslist, there is a 1992 Paramount for a mere $325. Anything I should know before throwing my money at him? Seems like quite the deal for a paramount, just figured there may be something I dont know about this model that makes them less collectible or something.

Heres a quote from the post (you didn't think I would give the link do you? haha):


Schwinn Series 2 Paramount, 1992. Purchased from the original owner (includes Schwinn manual and original bill of sale), this non-Waterford Paramount has Shimano 500 EX components. Nice Paramount features, including integrated cable guides, precision butted OS tubing, etc. 58 cm frame. Some typical marks (chain stay has some scratches), but the bike is in remarkable conditions for its 15 years.

Has been gone over by LBS, recently tuned with new Panaracer tires, tubes, bar tape, etc.

I intended to ride this for years, but I just purchased a modern carbon fiber/aluminum bike and need to sell the Paramount.

Thanks guys

The "Series" Paramounts of the early nineties were built in asian factories and were an attempt by Schwinn to exploit the Paramount brand, offering imported Paramounts at a lower price point than the Waterford Wisconsin built Paramounts. The Series 2 was the cheapest "Series" road bike with the lowest end components.

IMHO, not worth close to the $325 asking price.

FMI, CLICK HERE (http://www.waterfordbikes.com/2005/data/culture/paramount/index.php) and then click on "---PDG 'Series'" along the left side of the page.

Yes there is something you should now. This is the Series bike, machine built in Taiwan. As stated in the ad, this isn't the PAramount hand built in Waterford Wisconsin. IMHO, it has little or no collector or classic value.

It still's a nice bike. However in my opinion, with those componets, it would have to be in pristine condition to be worth close to $325.

GREAT! Thanks so much guys. I got a little excited when I saw "Paramount" and "$325" in the same sentence. I think I will pass on that and pick up the Davidson Ive been eyeing up for $230.

Thanks for saving me some grief!

-Jerry

About a year ago I saw an early 70s Paramount listed on the Boston
Craig's List for $25. Someone helping an elderly neighbor clean out her
basement I think. I am sorry I didn't have the sense to just offer $325 or
whatever in the email I sent. The poor guy probably got 50 emails in the first
3 hours.

About a year ago I saw an early 70s Paramount listed on the Boston
Craig's List for $25. Someone helping an elderly neighbor clean out her
basement I think. I am sorry I didn't have the sense to just offer $325 or
whatever in the email I sent. The poor guy probably got 50 emails in the first
3 hours.

Wow, now THATS a steal!

Yes there is something you should now. This is the Series bike, machine built in Taiwan. As stated in the ad, this isn't the PAramount hand built in Waterford Wisconsin. IMHO, it has little or no collector or classic value. It still's a nice bike.

I am looking at the exact same bike right now. It clearly says 'Made in Japan'. And its a very nice lugged chro-mo frame. The 500 EX components work really well. Agree its not a Collector's bike--but on the other hand, its a heck of nice lugged steel bike with the best of the pre-STI equipment. Heck, even the calipers are dual pivot.

I am looking at the exact same bike right now. It clearly says 'Made in Japan'. And its a very nice lugged chro-mo frame. The 500 EX components work really well. Agree its not a Collector's bike--but on the other hand, its a heck of nice lugged steel bike with the best of the pre-STI equipment. Heck, even the calipers are dual pivot.

I'm not doubting its a nice bike, but I really don't need anything but a frame, and I have a line on a Near-mint Davidson frame-set for only $230. Davidsons are quite epic themselves.

Thanks Guys!