Classic & Vintage - Early 70s Schwinn Paramount

Hello all--
I lucked into a 72-ish, from what I can tell (not sure, can't find serial number) Paramount that, well, needs some work in the paint area. I'm planning on getting it powdercoated by a local guy (I live in Chapel Hill, NC), but want to make sure to save those beautiful chrome lugs! Any suggestions for masking, since he's probably going to want to sandblast it for prep? Also, is this even the right way to go? I am NOT planning on a fully correct vintage restoration (rather building it to a era-correct fixed gear/singlespeed), but want to maintain the sexy integrity of the frame. Please help!

I can't wait for the comments on this one! :innocent:

#1: Have you seen his work before?

#2: ACE Hardware stripper in a spray can. Spray it on, wipe the paint off.

#3: Got any photos of the existing state of the paint?

#4: Are you going to remove any braze-ons? (Answering yes will automatically send a C&V lynch mob to your door)

-Kurt

Most people here would advise you not to repaint unless absolutely necessary. It's only original once. In most instances, I'd much rather have a chipped original paint job than a generic powdercoat.

I can't wait for the comments on this one! :innocent:



Yeah, well he's gonna get them.


First of all you dont need no cool Paramount to condemn to death by turning it into a fixed gear. You need an aluminum framed 'Giant' or something like that. I cant get this whole "fixey" sh't either. Its like some punk kid wearing "droopy drawers" because in his pea brain he thinks its cool.

You wanna do that bike justice, you'll either leave it alone and back the hell away from it, or give it the love it needs by leaving everything on it.




:notamused:

Serial number on the left rear drop out and pictures would help give you good answers to your questions. Serial number will be something like letter A to M with to numbers next for the year ans then two to three numbers for the frame number. An example would be B73122 which would be the 122 frame built in February 1973. Roger

I have a Raleigh Gran Sport I'll send you for free, and I'll pay you to ship that Paramount to me. Use the Raleigh for your fixie project. Please don't F up a wonderful bike like that.

First things first. I'm a total neophyte in this world. Please be kind-- the reason I came to this board was because a lot of you guys seem to know what you're talking about. This is my first vintage bike, but I'm excited to make it look really great, because it already rides beautifully. (Those campy bearings are really amazing)
That said-- I simply don't have the money to do a full restore (just finished a new house, and baby on the way), and that's not why I bought the bike anyway. This thing is NOT mint. I'm going to upload pics as soon as my wife is done with the camera.
Re: the frame-painter: I have seen his work-- he's done 3 of my buddy's bikes, and they all look great. None of the frames have these chromed lugs, though which may be a problem. If it is, I'm not going to use it. He may not even sandblast-- I don't know, I haven't talked to him yet. He's just the guy that my friends with more experience than I have recommended.
Re: the original paint: It's in pretty bad shape-- the owner was the original owner, and didn't take the best care of the frame-- odd, because the components are in GREAT shape. And no, i'm not getting rid of any braze-ons. I'm not a monster. The reason I'm repainting is because I think that it's going to accentuate how beautiful the bike is to have a fresh coat of paint. The reason I'm here asking about it is because if I'm about to do something REALLY stupid or bad for the bike, I hope someone will tell me and offer me some alternate guidance, not to get flamed for asking what is perceived to be a stupid question.

Lastly, re: the "droopy drawers" comment-- I'm 32 years old. I love bikes. I don't own a fixed gear or singlespeed, and would like one to augment my riding. I'm not some 20something pixies listening hipster with no appreciation for the history in the bike, nor am i trying to make a Frankenstein. FWIW, I'm using the original campy cranks and pedals, the original campy front hub, original campy headset and cinelli stem/bars, and I'm keeping the other drivetrain components in case I want to rebuild as a geared bike if I don't like riding fixed.
So that said, any other *constructive* comments? I'm really asking for help here.

Also, how is it effing up the wonderful bike if I'm applying a fresh coat of paint to a bike that has rust patches and flaked paint everywhere? Again, it's not like i'm putting ksyrium equipes on it and painting it lime green. I promise, I'm not a total jackass-just a neophyte, as I said.

I think if you really, really need to "repaint" it, do not sandblast it and do not powdercoat it. Get it painted with real paint. That makes it easier for the next guy to fix what you intend to have done.

Also, we need pics of your bike. What if it isn't a really a Paramount? That will change this whole discussion.

See, now that's a constructive piece of advice. Although I'm not planning on getting rid of the bike, so not sure about the 'next guy'. And I will post pics if it proves necessary to get some help. As I said, don't have the camera right now, and actually, the bike is in the shop for the weekend to make sure that there aren't any hairline cracks in the frame. I will post pics tomorrow, I promise.

i can confirm that it is in fact a paramount. i promise.

Thanks for the clarification. We're not all bad, but we just appreciate leaving things, when possible, in either their original state, or returnable to it only by swapping components.

And pics will help. Your paint may not really be a lost cause. But if it is, you'll have backup to keep the flames away.

Can you reproduce the original color in powdercoat?

re: serial number: thanks for that advice, btw. I was looking in the wrong place(s).

What you have leaped into is the world of preservation, conservation, and restoration where people have very strong feelings about how to care for historical objects. Some say we are not owners, but caretakers. That we have a responsibility to save these pieces for our future. A 70's Paramount falls into the category of a noteworthy historical object. Those who lean towards conservation and preservation want to see the life and history of the bike because the wear and tear tells a story. Repainting erases that period of the bike's life.

Here is a poor comparison of what is happening here. Your screen name is winegeek. Try to think of it as appreciating different vintages and regions of wines. Some aficionados can tell you what the climate and soil conditions were like for a given bottle. You wouldn't want to ruin that by improperly caring for that wine, or by making blend of some sort.

Cudak888 has a 60's paramount with some beat up paint, look his bike up, it is still beautiful. I think fresh paint is bad for the value even if the original is rough. You can send all the old Campy stuff my way since you are not going to be needing it :innocent:

BTW, I am a 25 year old pixies listening, non-hipster and I appreciate the history of my bikes plenty.

-Matt

I too, would vote for paint over powdercoat on any frame of significance. But I also have my own equipment, albeit almost C&V, too, circa 1981. Having a frame painted is more expensive than pc, and that becomes an issue.

I'd think an early 70s Paramount with good chrome is deserving of a better fate than powder coat and fixie hell...

Why not sell the Paramount and use the money (1000+?) to buy a really nice new or vintage fixed gear/track frame in your ideal size with the parts you want? That's what I would do...

I think given the quality of the frame and the chrome lugs a normal paint job would be preferable as it will be much easier to change/restore at a later date. A Schwinn paramount is a highly collectible bike, you'll want to preserve its value, and powder will lower the value of the frame drastically because its so much harder to strip.


First things first. I'm a total neophyte in this world. Please be kind-- the reason I came to this board was because a lot of you guys seem to know what you're talking about. This is my first vintage bike, but I'm excited to make it look really great, because it already rides beautifully. (Those campy bearings are really amazing)
That said-- I simply don't have the money to do a full restore (just finished a new house, and baby on the way), and that's not why I bought the bike anyway. This thing is NOT mint. I'm going to upload pics as soon as my wife is done with the camera.
Re: the frame-painter: I have seen his work-- he's done 3 of my buddy's bikes, and they all look great. None of the frames have these chromed lugs, though which may be a problem. If it is, I'm not going to use it. He may not even sandblast-- I don't know, I haven't talked to him yet. He's just the guy that my friends with more experience than I have recommended.
Re: the original paint: It's in pretty bad shape-- the owner was the original owner, and didn't take the best care of the frame-- odd, because the components are in GREAT shape. And no, i'm not getting rid of any braze-ons. I'm not a monster. The reason I'm repainting is because I think that it's going to accentuate how beautiful the bike is to have a fresh coat of paint. The reason I'm here asking about it is because if I'm about to do something REALLY stupid or bad for the bike, I hope someone will tell me and offer me some alternate guidance, not to get flamed for asking what is perceived to be a stupid question.

Lastly, re: the "droopy drawers" comment-- I'm 32 years old. I love bikes. I don't own a fixed gear or singlespeed, and would like one to augment my riding. I'm not some 20something pixies listening hipster with no appreciation for the history in the bike, nor am i trying to make a Frankenstein. FWIW, I'm using the original campy cranks and pedals, the original campy front hub, original campy headset and cinelli stem/bars, and I'm keeping the other drivetrain components in case I want to rebuild as a geared bike if I don't like riding fixed.
So that said, any other *constructive* comments? I'm really asking for help here.

What you have leaped into is the world of preservation, conservation, and restoration where people have very strong feelings about how to care for historical objects. A 70's Paramount falls into the category of a noteworthy historical object. Those who lean towards conservation and preservation want to see the life and history of the bike because the wear and tear tells a story.

Here is a poor comparison of what is happening here. Your screen name is winegeek. Try to think of it as appreciating different vintages and regions of wines. Some aficionados can tell you what the climate and soil conditions were like for a given bottle. You wouldn't want to ruin that by improperly caring for that wine, or by making blend of some sort.

jifw-- I'm starting to understand that, believe me. I promise I didn't set out to offend. And I have flamed plenty of people who I perceive to be morons on wine boards, so I guess the moral is 'karma's a *****.'

I guess my point is that I have no intention of ruining the bike. I actually want to maintain the integrity of the bike, believe it or not. I'm happy to spend the money on 'real paint', and even do it myself, if that's a project that you guys think is do-able by someone who hasn't done it before.


Without pictures, I know it's tough to tell, but for the sake of getting advice--I paid $150 for this bike-- came without saddle/seatpost. I'm not sure this is the original paint job--it's white. The decals are gone in places, though they're there in others. The chrome ALL needs to be polished, although it doesn't appear to be terribly pitted--and as I originally stated-- I really want to make the chrome pop and DON'T want to damage it when I paint, which is why I came here.

First things first. I'm a total neophyte in this world. Please be kind-- the reason I came to this board was because a lot of you guys seem to know what you're talking about. This is my first vintage bike, but I'm excited to make it look really great, .




Well I know what the hell I'm talking about, but I do apologize for being too harsh. I've been riding road bikes my whole life and I'm 53 years old. Old bikes (of any kind) are somewhat of a passion for me, so forgive me for getting rather "bristled". Old Paramounts are highly coveted around here, and apparently you have a gem. I just wouldnt want to see it come to a bad end. But you do seem to have a good idea on bringing that cool old bike back to its former glory, so I commend you on that (only without the 'fixey' part, but thats just me). :D

Cudak888 has a 60's paramount with some beat up paint, look his bike up, it is still beautiful. I think fresh paint is bad for the value even if the original is rough. You can send all the old Campy stuff my way since you are not going to be needing it :innocent:

BTW, I am a 25 year old pixies listening, non-hipster and I appreciate the history of my bikes plenty.

-Matt

I will look his bike up. And Matt- I listen to the pixies too. I was just pointing the 'generalization' gun in the other direction, since it seems that the immediate impression of me was about as far from reality as it gets. Don't worry-- the campy's not going ANYwhere. if anything i'll put it on one of my other (nonvintage) rides.

Fixie v. singlespeed on this bike:
You stated that you plan on reusing as many original components as possible. If you go fixed:
1. You'll have to buy a new rear wheel. It will come with a 42mm chainline. Your front and rear wheels will not match.
2. You'll need to change out the bottom bracket or find an ISO spindle to achieve a 42mm chainline with your Campy NR crank. Or you buy a complete new BB and crankset
or GO Singlespeed
1. Keep your rear wheel and redish/ respace as necessary to match the chainline with either the inner or outer chainring landing, your choice. Your wheelset will match.
2. No new BB or spindle.

Results with the singlespeed
a. You really will end up with a "period-correct" bike.
b. You saved some money that you can put into paint "restoration" or new paint, if needed.

on the decal front-- any idea where i could get a set of appropriate decals? (of course you will...) they look really neat, and i'd like to be able to restore *that* part...

ok... that all makes sense. sounds like singlespeed is the way to go, because the BB is in good shape and the crank is absolutely gorgeous. thanks bob-- that part's out of the way. could i run the original NR rear hub singlespeed?

I agree with those that advise paint over powder. Powdercoating lacks the finesse that it takes to preserve/enhance a nice frame like your Paramount. That said, the frame would have to be in quite a sad state for me to go to the trouble. A nice touch-up job and a good cleaning can go a long way. I am always much more impressed with a frame with it's original paint, even with a few scars, than a repaint. Unless you are making a showpiece just rock the original paint!

Paramounts make lovely fixed gear conversions, don't let the anti-fix curmudgeons sway your intent. I agree, though, that you should not amputate any bits from the bike.

ok... that all makes sense. sounds like singlespeed is the way to go, because the BB is in good shape and the crank is absolutely gorgeous. thanks bob-- that part's out of the way. could i run the original NR rear hub singlespeed?


Easily. You'll just need to determine the amount of respacing (moving some washers) or redishing to get the chainline to match the front. You'll need to decide if you'll use the inner or outer landings up front for your single chainring.

Hi WineGeek: Paramounts are beauties, enjoy this one. I have three -- a 72 road, a 73 road full chrome, and an '86 anniversary with gold fork. All very nice riders. I sent the 72 back to Richard Schwinn and Waterford for restoration, and boy did they do a wonderful, wonderful job. The original color was silver, and I had them restore it to that classic burnt Schwinn orange. They masked and polished the lugs flawlessly, put on NOS original decals, with a beautiful clear coat. The restored frame was returned to me with a provenance report, confirming date of original manufacture, point of sale, et cetera. I'd highly reconmmend you take a look at the option of having Richard and his crew at Waterford do a resto job. check out the Wateford www site for details. (As a winegeek, you'll be happy to know that these paramounts get a lot of riding in throughout Sonoma and Napa valleys. The Dry Creek Valley is an awesome place to ride.) Whatever you do with the bike, spend some time learning about the history on the Waterford site... and know that these frames like to be ridden, they are wonderful road bikes.

You know how on the Antiques Roadshow they always have some guy who ruined the patina and value his antique object by refinishing or repainting? Unnecessary powdercoating is the C and V equivalent. You'll definitely reduce the monetary value of the bike by doing so. Even a high quality repaint can be a money loser.

In fifteen years, there are going to be endless threads attempting to identify vintage framesets that were powdercoated during the ss/fg boom.

Do what you need to stop the rust, but my vote is to leave the "patina" alone. A cosmetically challenged original bike will always be more interesting (and have more integrity) than a bike that was powdercoated to match it's deep Vs.

Just my 2cents. You'd get a different opinion on other forums. Of course, as always, it's your bike to do with what you please.

on the decal front-- any idea where i could get a set of appropriate decals? (of course you will...) they look really neat, and i'd like to be able to restore *that* part...

JRRestore on here is a decal maker. He's made two sets for me. ('83 Trek 600, '92 Guerciotti GLX awaiting a warm weekend to paint)

If its not too badly worn, keep the original paint. A modern powdercoat will extend the life of an original frame a long time - and if I had to do it, repaint it the original color and apply fresh decals. That's what I did in restoring a Raleigh Twenty and it looks better than the original factory paint. I can't tell it apart from the original paint Raleigh Superbe next to it.

Easily. You'll just need to determine the amount of respacing (moving some washers) or redishing to get the chainline to match the front. You'll need to decide if you'll use the inner or outer landings up front for your single chainring.

I'm using the inner, which my mechanic explained to me how to do-- outer's going to be a little big for SS where I live. Not trying to pop a patellar tendon like one of my buddies did... too old for that stuff! :)

I don't agree about the original components. Many 70s components on a Schwinn where ugly and modern components bring out the sexy lines of the frame and also add to its riding pleasure. And they also make the bike easier to maintain. I'm not a museum quality maintainance kind of guy. I like to mix and match and try to make the bike to fulfill my riding needs and still respect the heritage.

You know how on the Antiques Roadshow they always have some guy who ruined the patina and value his antique object by refinishing or repainting? Unnecessary powdercoating is the C and V equivalent. You'll definitely reduce the monetary value of the bike by doing so. Even a high quality repaint can be a money loser.

In fifteen years, there are going to be endless threads attempting to identify vintage framesets that were powdercoated during the ss/fg boom.

Do what you need to stop the rust, but my vote is to leave the "patina" alone. A cosmetically challenged original bike will always be more interesting (and have more integrity) than a bike that was powdercoated to match it's deep Vs.

Just my 2cents. You'd get a different opinion on other forums. Of course, as always, it's your bike to do with what you please.

ha-- excellent analogy. ok, so I'm not going to powdercoat. When I put pics up, I think you'll agree that it will need painting-- so, in advance, what type of paint do you guys suggest? brands? where to find paint like this? (btw, i'm not putting deep Vs on it... again, not making a frankenstein).



re: decals-- how much does JRrestore charge for a set?

re: waterford website-- I've been all over that website. very cool. Even without asking, though, I know that I can't afford a full frame restoration. totally out of the question. I'm getting enough ****e from my wife for buying this bike in the first place, believe me!:love:

I don't agree about the original components. Many 70s components on a Schwinn where ugly and modern components bring out the sexy lines of the frame and also add to its riding pleasure. And they also make the bike easier to maintain. I'm not a museum quality maintainance kind of guy. I like to mix and match and try to make the bike to fulfill my riding needs and still respect the heritage.

FWIW, it's full campy nuovo record. not at all ugly. I'm going to use the originals where it makes sense to do so, and getting rid of the stuff that won't work, eg, the chain is effed, so i'm getting a new chain, and rims are bent on both wheels, but i'm using the original hubs. hoods are cracked, so I'll probably get new hoods, too-- although vintage hoods would be cool-- any idea where i could get some of those?

Yeah, JRrestore seems to do excellent work. Pastorbob's bike "sporty" has decals from JRrestore and they look amazing.

Waterford is probably the only place that could restore and update your Paramount to original showroom quality appearance. They have just made the 70th anniversary of the Paramount in a limited edition.... if you have that much loose change lying around, its the one to get! :D:innocent:

Vintage Campy hoods go on ebay and usually bring an insane price. Modolo 919 anatomic hoods fit too, but they seem to be getting expensive. The cheapest hoods are asian made, plain hoods, they run about 20.00 a pair and look pretty decent. I can't remember the name of the company off hand but they sell them on most online bike stores and ebay.

I dunno about NOS parts. Keep the Campy though, its nothing like the junk Schwinn installed on its second line models that look like an eye sore. I'd get 700C wheels for more tire choices. Just get modern hoods that look like the original hoods in color. Its still rubber.
[

The decals are available from Waterford as well as any other established bike painter; though usually only with a paint job. Here's my 72 Paramount, fortunately found unmolested and a track, repainted by Brian Baylis, expensive but not end of the world so, and worth every penny to me...

If you're a wine guy, imagine pulling a bottle of fine, vintage red, setting it in the sun for a few months, then using it to make some beef stew. Kinda revolting to the purists.

But its your bike, do whatever you want to it, or be brave and get it in the hands of someone who'd love it for what it is...

ha-- excellent analogy. ok, so I'm not going to powdercoat. When I put pics up, I think you'll agree that it will need painting-- so, in advance, what type of paint do you guys suggest? brands? where to find paint like this? (btw, i'm not putting deep Vs on it... again, not making a frankenstein).



re: decals-- how much does JRrestore charge for a set?

re: waterford website-- I've been all over that website. very cool. Even without asking, though, I know that I can't afford a full frame restoration. totally out of the question. I'm getting enough ****e from my wife for buying this bike in the first place, believe me!:love:
You can learn a lot about painting and powdercoating by browsing through THIS THREAD (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=301459).

As much as I appreciate and sympathize with all the advice you've been given, the fact is it's your bike and you can do what you want with it. Except for strongly advising against doing anything that isn't reversable - like cutting off derailleur hangers and braze-ons - I'd say fix it up like you want and enjoy it. Just save the NR components for the day when you're rich and want to do a technical restoration. :)

winegeek, not trying to be rude, but your desires could be met by any number of less desirable bikes easily and cheaply obtained.

Sell the Paramount on for a good profit in its original state and find and build up something else. Your single speed experience will not be lessened and a good, worthy bike will survive.

First, props for not Drewing the frame. You must excuse the gruffness of some of the fellows here - the wide proliferation of the hipster trends (e.g., hacking Cinelli Super Corsas and rattle canning them black) often put the members here on an immediate defensive mode.

That out of the way:
Before jumping on a new paint job, consider polishing out the original paint and leaving it as-is - at least, until you've put aside enough cash to get a good quality paint job. You're the father of a new child and the owner of a new house - the last thing you need - especially in this economy - is extra expense put towards a luxury such as this (keep in mind that with a nice paint job and decals come nice replacement components where the originals would look too worn/rusty to use).

Incidentally, without photos, I dare say it would make more sense not to pass judgment on the paint at this moment. It might be, as you say, a bit far gone; or it might be most suitable for polishing out to a nice "all original" state.

-Kurt

P.S.: To save you from digging up photos of my '61 as mkeller suggested:


http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_11.jpgCLICK FOR LARGE (http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_11.jpg)


http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_6.jpgCLICK FOR LARGE (http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_6.jpg)


http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_9.jpgCLICK FOR LARGE (http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_9.jpg)


http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_8.jpgCLICK FOR LARGE (http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_8.jpg)

You'd be surprised what a gentle rubdown with polishing compound and a good waxing can do to bring back a paint job.

Model paint can be used to touch up areas, if its white may not be too hard to match. You can sand patched areas gently with 600 sandpaper, feather into the original paint, rubout and wax.

Here's a white Raleigh Pro I have: quite beat when I got it. Touched up paint, few decals replaced, presents very well now. Followed the steps I just indicated.

I once mixed up a dark metallic blue and repainted almost 1/2 of a 50s Olmo... you know, it doesn't look that bad!

i want photos!!! :)

Good score on the paramount. Ive spent the last few months converting my 73 paramount to a single speed with a free hub. The bike makes the process pretty user friendly, and a lot of fun. I did upgrade to a campy crankset and a sealed campy BB. It made a huge difference. You might find that upgrading your chainrings on that stock Nervar Crankset might be a bit of an obsolete task.

And yes I would love to see some photos too.....

You might find that upgrading your chainrings on that stock Nervar Crankset might be a bit of an obsolete task.

Since when were Nervars stock on Paramounts? Me want pix too...

-Kurt

Good score on the paramount. Ive spent the last few months converting my 73 paramount to a single speed with a free hub. The bike makes the process pretty user friendly, and a lot of fun. I did upgrade to a campy crankset and a sealed campy BB. It made a huge difference. You might find that upgrading your chainrings on that stock Nervar Crankset might be a bit of an obsolete task.

And yes I would love to see some photos too.....

ok ok-- if you read the earlier posts in the thread-- i can't take pics till tomorrow. in the shop for inspection over the weekend and shop's closed on sunday. will post pics tomorrow...

First, props for not Drewing the frame. You must excuse the gruffness of some of the fellows here - the wide proliferation of the hipster trends (e.g., hacking Cinelli Super Corsas and rattle canning them black) often put the members here on an immediate defensive mode.

That out of the way:
Before jumping on a new paint job, consider polishing out the original paint and leaving it as-is - at least, until you've put aside enough cash to get a good quality paint job. You're the father of a new child and the owner of a new house - the last thing you need - especially in this economy - is extra expense put towards a luxury such as this (keep in mind that with a nice paint job and decals come nice replacement components where the originals would look too worn/rusty to use).

Incidentally, without photos, I dare say it would make more sense not to pass judgment on the paint at this moment. It might be, as you say, a bit far gone; or it might be most suitable for polishing out to a nice "all original" state.

-Kurt

P.S.: To save you from digging up photos of my '61 as mkeller suggested:


http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_11.jpgCLICK FOR LARGE (http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_11.jpg)


http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_6.jpgCLICK FOR LARGE (http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_6.jpg)


http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_9.jpgCLICK FOR LARGE (http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_9.jpg)


http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_8.jpgCLICK FOR LARGE (http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount_BM_8.jpg)

beautiful bike, Kurt. the paint on mine is NOWHERE NEAR the condition of that. I wouldn't consider painting at all if it looked that good, believe me. i think your suggestion makes sense-- after all, it's not as though i don't have bikes to ride (the point my wife made, i believe). again, will post pics tomorrow.

Since when were Nervars stock on Paramounts? Me want pix too...

-Kurt

crankset, like all other componentry except stem and bars, is campy NR, not nervar. lugs are nervar chrome.