1989 Paramount frame value?
 

Guy is selling a 49 cm Paramount frame/headset for $295. It has a "W" in the serial number to denote Waterford, is made from Columbus SLX tubing (know nothing about that material), and is blue with white paint spatters. Is that price fair? I'm looking for a high-end rider in my size and have been mostly focused on older Raleighs, but have heard Waterford Paramounts are pretty sweet.

If you'll allow me to get ahead of myself for a second, any recommendations on a budget build for such a frame? I'd want to keep the whole project, including the frame, under $1000, but also wouldn't want to waste the whole summer searching for wheelset deals on craigslist.

It's quite fair if it fits and it's in good shape.

Yep that's a pretty good deal for an SLX frame, esp if it was built by Waterford. Should ride really nice.

You could turn it out pretty well with 8-speed Ultegra. If you shop smart, you should be able to put everything together including a nice wheelset for around $800.

If it's SLX, it has to have been built by Waterford.

I probably should have asked to begin with, but what do these roughly go for as complete bikes? Don't want to pour more in than I can get out...

It's hard not to put more in than you can get out. It's a bummer, but that's how it is. Price as a complete bike could vary widely based on group and condition, so it's hard to say.

Your $1000 budget would put you way upside down, at least around here. Of course, parts can be removed and the frameset itself sold later. PAramounts from that era do not bring the $$ of the 1970s Paramounts (I have a 1985 Paramount). $295 for the frameset is a deal, assuming the paint and decals are good.

Myself, I would be seeking a donor bike, one with the parts you want. Look for something in the $200 to $300 range, depending what group you are seeking.

Came to tentative terms with the owner. Am starting a new thread in the C&V section to get into the weeds on components.