Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Is This 1972 Paramount Worth $2K?

http://denver.craigslist.org/bik/1037184977.html

I don't know if it's the same bike but a chrome Paramount sold for $2200 a few months back. It had been in a bike shop in Michigan and was NOS. I spoke with the owner in Colorado and told him I thought it was worth $2200. At the time he responded that he had a buyer at $3000. Obviously he didn't as it later appeared on Ebay. He also had the orange Volare on Ebay. So I guess it's possible to get $2000 for a chrome Paramount.

Not the same guy... That one was a bigger frame.. This one has a different story than the "Never used" Volare/Paramount guy (who is a Trek dealership owner). Same neck of the woods though...

Lagrassa, if you have anybody in our area send them to look at it, otherwise I can run up there for you and call w/ details as this bike is about 30 min from my home.... I think that this same bike came up last year for $1800.00 and I passed on it, but I don't know for sure if it's the same one as this head tube looks a bit smaller...And I can't see the components very well on this photo.....

If you can get better/comprehensive photos maybe Scooper or Bob H will chime in...

bigwoo: Yes, please do take a look if you can. The frame is just my size.
You could PM with the details (phone #'s etc).
Thanks.

For $2K, I would expect it to be in absolutely perfect original condition. The photo is too small for me to tell if the chainring is a double or a triple, but the small chainring looks small enough so that it's probably a triple, which means it's a P15-9. It's certainly not a 27.5" frame; more likely, it's 21" or 22".

From the photo, the seat tube decal looks messed up. I'd check the frame very carefully for dents, chrome pitting, component condition, evidence of collision damage (wrinkled top tube/down tube at the head lugs, bent fork, etc.), and pull out the stem and seat post to make sure they're not stuck. While they're out, look into the seat tube and head tube for any sign of corrosion before even thinking about forking over $2K. My $.02.

I paid $1300 for my '72 chrome P15-9 about four years ago (eBay) from the original owner, and it was in like new condition.

Two more pictures gottten from the owner. It is a triple.

Additional information from the owner:

"Here are some photos, as for the size its about a 52cm. Chicago built w the nervex lugs. Could use a good wipe down and then it would shine like gold. Thanks for the interest."

At that price, it warrants a direct, in-person inspection.

-Kurt

The OP's bike as shown looks like it has that god-awful campy boat-anchor rear touring derailler on it, that should be a $200 deduction right there!

Not worth it to me, but I would never get a hall pass for a $2K bike, even if it is worth it.

It's not worth 2K even if it's in great shape, IMO. Closer to 1K if it's nice; maybe $1200 to $1500 if its really nice. From the pic, it doesn't look that nice. I'm about to sell my chrome '68, nice shape, and I'll be looking for about $1200. That 4K Paramount was a clear anomaly, and lightning rarely strikes twice. And the market isn't where it was 2 years ago, either. In the long run, maybe a good investment for the buyer, if it's preserved.

I'd just as soon buy A.Winthrop's, if he'd ever sell it.