Classic & Vintage - Let's make it official: 1992 Paramount OS Series 5 PDG

So, I'd been searching for this bike for a bit (I know it was kind of a weird bike to have on the wishlist, but it had a bit of nostalgic value), and finally have it. Found this one with all original parts except for the levers and drivetrain, which the original owner had replaced with 8-speed STI (a nice bonus). Changed the bar tape, slapped on my own tires, and installed some pedals with clips and straps while I replace the stock pedals with some PD-R540's.

A little on the heavy side, but SOLID bike.

Took it on its first real ride yesterday. Fun times.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/aquatek/nate_pdg_218.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/aquatek/nate_pdg_218_2.jpg

That's STOOOPID nice!!!!!

I have the exact same bike in my keeper fleet, that I plan to convert to STI. Nice find.

Hawt.

Changed the bar tape

So, how long have you had that tape stashed for this bike? :p


Also, those look like 8 speed 105 STI levers... was the rear wheel upgrade as well?

I've seen that bar tape on eBay. I think its a FUBAR?

lol. I have to admit, I did buy the tape in advance, hoping I'd find this in my size sometime soon. Looks like it worked.

And yes, it's FUBAR tape.

Cassette is a Hyperglide 8-speed 12-21, which is different from the stock 7-speed 13-21. Rear wheel appears to be the stock Campy Omega Strada, though.

Thanks, guys!

Nice find. The Series Paramounts are significantly undervalued IMHO.

Thank you. Agree.

Who knows... seems that vintage road bikes are gaining popularity again. These Series Pmounts might see a price surge eventually.

Glad you finally scored one of those sweet rides.

Looks good.
Here's one that I'm debating to build or not.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z107/shiftityo/IMG_0939.jpg

Looks good.
Here's one that I'm debating to build or not.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z107/shiftityo/IMG_0939.jpg

What's there to debate?

I've got an '87 Circuit, and I think if I build another japanese Schwinn I want to find a mid-late '80s Peloton.
Not to mention I've got several other projects looming around here.

I've got an '87 Circuit, and I think if I build another japanese Schwinn I want to find a mid-late '80s Peloton.
Not to mention I've got several other projects looming around here.

I feel you. I've got a few that I'm kicking around here myself. What tubeset do these Paramounts use?

I feel you. I've got a few that I'm kicking around here myself. What tubeset do these Paramounts use?
'92 Schwinn catalog says

Tange/Paramount Precision Butted OS Tubing, investment cast BB and seat lug, tapered stays, flared oval seat tube, forged dropouts
http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1991_2000/1992_Pmt_23.html
http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1991_2000/1992_Pmt_24.html

'92 Schwinn catalog says

http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1991_2000/1992_Pmt_23.html
http://www.trfindley.com/flschwinn_1991_2000/1992_Pmt_24.html

Wow, they were so informative... Lol. What Tange tubeset I wonder?

What's there to debate?

Unicrown fork? :p

I know, I know, they are allegedly lighter and stiffer. Whatever :rolleyes:

Does anyone have a catalog scan with legible geometry charts for the Series Paramounts? Those who shall rename unnamed occasionally whisk out higher resolution scans than on trfindley.

yeah... I read it and was like "ehhhh ok. that didn't help much" lol.

no idea beyond what's on the catalog. Did some quick searching, didn't find any other info.

' glad you found one Nate.

Welcome to the PDG Paramount Owner's Group (I just made that up :D ).

I think I'm keeping mine after all.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa87/DVC45/IMG00023-20100823-1205.jpg

Thank you, sir!

It's definitely a keeper IMO

Bump with a question: Are the original saddle (Vetta Turbo Astrale) and stem (PDG 4130) worth anything?

I'm replacing both of these. Wondering if they're worth selling (ballpark?) or if I should just keep them in the parts bin. I'd rather sell em.

Quick question: Is that paint called "Urban Snow Camo?" Jus' kidding, your Paramount looks great!

This winter I've re-done a '93 and a '96 Cannondale, both equipped with NOS or nearly new 105 gear from the same years. Can't wait to give them a spin this spring.

Bump with a question: Are the original saddle (Vetta Turbo Astrale) and stem (PDG 4130) worth anything?

I'm replacing both of these. Wondering if they're worth selling (ballpark?) or if I should just keep them in the parts bin. I'd rather sell em.
The saddle is an individual taste item, a lot of people like the Selle Italia Turbo, not sure about the Vetta version.
Figure $15

The PDG4130 stem is sometimes desired by PDG Paramount owners, because it matches the frameset, as does a water bottle cage that is out there. Tange made a Prestige stem that looked identical. The stem market if fairly limited due to it's low height and long reach, but I find them cool. I'd also figure $10-$15 on that, unless you find someone who really wants the PDG stem.

Nothing wrong with a PDG Paramount. Those who put them down as fake Paramounts can ride what they want.
Frames were not that different from the Series 2 (below) to the Series 7, which came in 700c and 650c.
The frames are underrated, IMO, and the OEM groups were not up to the frame quality until you got to the Series 5 The Series 9 was a monococque CF by Kestrel.
http://velospace.org/files/TripleParamount[3].jpg

I'd be interested in the stem and saddle possibly, pending price. Unless you needed a trade in return.

A little on the heavy side, but SOLID bike.

The catalog quotes 22lbs. Is it heavier than that?


Quick question: Is that paint called "Urban Snow Camo?" Jus' kidding, your Paramount looks great!

I believe reality has trumped your attempt at humor: White w/Purple Slime (http://bikecatalogs.org/SCHWINN/1992/Paramount/FULL/1992_Pmt_24.jpg).

Thanks guys.

Yeah I was actually planning to replace the Vetta with a Selle Italia Turbo. I have one of these on my other bike and my butt really likes it lol. The Vetta feels close, but not quite the same. Also, this Vetta is not in GREAT shape. The lining is rubbed / faded and even kind of loose in some areas. Overall I'd give it a 6/10. I asked mainly in case there are "hardcore" Vetta collectors who would still want it regardless.

As for the stem, I do like it and I would keep it... if it were shorter. It's 125 mm, when in reality, I needed something like 100 mm. Actually, based on the Schwinn catalog, the stock stem on the 54cm SHOULD be 100mm. Looks like the original owner had monkey arms and replaced it with this longer one. Anyways I bought a cheap 100 mm kalloy as a temporary replacement last night to take care of the reach thing asap, while I take my time looking for a nicer stem.

@realestvin once I get a replacement saddle, I could sell these to you if, after reading what I just wrote about the Vetta, you're still interested in it.

Also might be open to stem trades, if anyone has a nice 100 mm black stem.

PS: new saddle: black or white? I was sort of leaning towards white, but not sure if it'll make it too matchy match.