Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Paramount frame

I have a circa 1976-77 Schwinn Paramount frame in good condition. I am planning on selling it and wondered if you guys could give me a ball park as to it fair market value or direct me to some resources where I can determine a fair value? Thanks for your help.

What size would that be?

Photos?

East Hill

http://completed.shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=schwinn+paramount&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=See-All-Categories&_okw=schwinn+paramount&_oexkw=&LH_Complete=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=200&_fpos=&_fsct=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50

I don't have photos at the moment. This is a friend's bike and he has asked me to help him sell it. I don't know the exact size, but I ride a 58 cm road bike and it fits me perfectly. Were Paramounts of that vintage measured in cm's or inches?

I don't have photos at the moment. This is a friend's bike and he has asked me to help him sell it. I don't know the exact size, but I ride a 58 cm road bike and it fits me perfectly. Were Paramounts of that vintage measured in cm's or inches?

In '76 it could be a challenge to find a metric tape measure at your local hardware store in Chicago, so the good folks at Schwinn measured in inches. Check out the small print under the frame specifications. :)
http://www.geocities.com/sldbconsumer13/1976/76ccpg11.jpg

Adding to Pastor Bob's excellent comments, Schwinn measured the frame size from the center of the crank to the top of the seat tube.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/FrameSize.jpg

Here is some additional information on my Paramount frame: it is stamped with the serial number E72300 on the rear dropout. So, accrding to the Waterford site, this was the 300th frame manufactured in 1973. But it also says that only pre-1965 frames have the serial number stamped on the drop out. I'm a little confused by this. Also, it measures 23" from the center of the BB to the top of the top tube. Does this help?

Here is some additional information on my Paramount frame: it is stamped with the serial number E72300 on the rear dropout. So, accrding to the Waterford site, this was the 300th frame manufactured in 1973. But it also says that only pre-1965 frames have the serial number stamped on the drop out. I'm a little confused by this. Also, it measures 23" from the center of the BB to the top of the top tube. Does this help?
Your frame was the 300th Paramount frame built in May, 1972. "E"=May, "72"=1972, "300"=sequential number during the month of manufacture (May). It sounds like yours is a 23" frame, although the measurement should be to the top of the seat tube, not the top tube.

Paramount frames had the serial number stamped into the left rear dropout through the end of 1979 when production in the Chicago factory "cage" stopped. Sometime after production was resumed at the Waterford, WI, facility in 1981, the serial numbers were moved to the bottom of the bottom bracket shell.

Scooper,

Do you have an estimate of its value or would you need to see pictures first? I am not looking to make a a lot of money, just thinking about a reasonable price that I can set as a reserve on Ebay. $400-500? Thanks.

+1 Need pictures first. Condition is everything to value.

IMHO, rather than setting a reserve on any auction, you are better off just starting it at a higher price. So if you want $400 minimum, just start the auction there.

I hate reserve auctions. I do not hold them on items I sell, and I do not bid on auctions with a reserve.

YMMV.

Good, detailed pictures are necessary. As wrk101 says, the condition of the frame (straight, free of rust, dents, and dings), paint, components, and having original components make a huge difference in what it'll sell for.

Here is an example for you to start with:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=140295870488

-Kurt

P.S.: Please do not PM me asking for more details, and make absolutely sure you do not tell me what color your Paramount is. I've been desiring one for a while now (in fact, I lost out on this auction), I ride 23", and I'm trying my best to restrain myself. Don't ruin my resolution :p