Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Tange Decal Identification

Hello Forum Members,

I have an inquiry about the Tange Decals on my 1990 Schwinn PDG Bike.
This bike was the market test version so its not in catalogs nor is the tange decal on the complete decals chart.

One on the fork:

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s463/8Limbs5Families/IMG_20120202_092223.jpg


Another Similar Decal:

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s463/8Limbs5Families/IMG_20120202_092246.jpg

I see that it's Cr-Mo and it has a P in it. I would like to know what type of Tange Tubing it is in relation to the lineup. Is it Prestige or otherwise?

In truth it doesn't really matter as the bike is great regardless, but I really am enjoying the research and learning about everything on my bike.

Let me know if you have anything. Thanks

Sorry I can't help you with the decals, but just out of my own curiosity could we see a picture of the whole bike? We love pictures.

I don't want to seem rude but how do you know it is the "test market" version? I don't believe I ever heard of such a thing and I always thought most manufacturers tested stuff via sponsorship or their employees.

What model bike is it? the tubing should be very similar to what is listed in the catalog for that model.

That's a Paramount style P. It doesn't represent Prestige. It could be just about anything from a standard Tange tubeset with a custom Paramount decal up to an actual custom tubeset, drawn to Paramount specs.

As you requested FastJake here's a pic:

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s463/8Limbs5Families/IMG_20120202_151214.jpg

Hmm.. Thanks for the response T-Mar. Is there a way I can find out what type of Tange tubing without relying on decal designation?

Bianchigirll, I have come to an understanding that this is a test market through research I have done and from when I asked the seller when purchasing the bike. He did mention something about getting it from an Amateur race team he worked with. This bike doesn't have a model number or a series number designation on it. It's hard to find specific info on this bike because it was sold originally as a frame/fork only.


Though for the record and for future owners of this bike who want information on it, here is what I have compiled so far:

This was a response from Richard Schwinn to my email asking the history of the bike

"This was an early version of the Series Paramounts, Paramount branded products built in Japan. Yours was probably built in 1990, possibly 1991. It was developed by a group of Schwinn employees in California. As a result, it never appeared in any Schwinn catalog. There were probably 500 built. The program was expanded to a rather extensive line of road and mountain bikes in subsequent years. "

"It's a very early test market version of what became the Paramount Series bikes. It was built in Japan, probably in 1989 or 90 by National Panasonic." - taken from a Richard Schwinn posting in a forum

"The earliest of the Asian-built "Series" Paramounts (a/k/a "Japamounts") did not have a designation. They were built in 1989-90 - mostly for the west coast market. The Series program got into full swing for the 1991 model year. Panasonic was the original supplier, but by the 1992 model year, Taiwanese suppliers were added." I believe this was a Schwinn Posting as well.

Just posting these to help people find info on this bike for the future. Any other input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your posts, I'm just having a blast finding out about the bike I have had so much fun riding.

I've got to look at my 1992 Series 5, as I recall, its decals were very similar. I've got quite a few Schwinnasonics in the family fleet right now: two 1987 Prologues, a 1973 World Voyageur, and the 1992 Series 5.

OK, I just looked at one of my pics (the Series 5 is at the other house), and the ST decal is a match.

The Prologue FWIW is clearly marked Tange Prestige. Of the late 80s/early 90s Schwinnasonics, the Prologue continues to be my favorite. But they were all nice.

...Is re a way I can find out what type of Tange tubing without relying on decal designation?...

Possibly. If it is Prestige (or a custom version) as you suspect, there are two unique characteristics. First, Prestige came with several optional seat tubes, so if the post is larger than the traditional 26.8mm used on their other tubesets, it should be Prestige. Second, during the is era, Prestige was the only Tange tubeset to use reinforcing ribs inside the bottom of the fork's steerer tube. BTW, what is the serial number? Or is there one?

Very interesting.