67tony 

Today I viewed some bikes that were either miniature or enormous. The enormous one is a 1971 Paramount, in the 26" size. It is a frame, BB, fork, and headset only.

Does the 26" size make it desirable or an albatross?

Any ideas on an approximate worth range?

Metacortex

I guess that would be this one: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/3639503769.html

The value depends on the condition, and from the pics it is hard to determine. It could be worth the asking price, but even so I'd try to bargain it down a bit.

I'd say the general rule of supply and demand concerning size is that bikes or frames in the more popular "medium" sizes would always sell best or be worth more than those that are considered "small" or "large".

bargainguy

As a flipper, I always snap up the size outlier bikes - really small and really tall. There is always a market for these, especially if you rebuild them well. Can't tell you how many times folks were so thankful for their outlier size bike from me - "I've been looking forever" kind of thing.

67tony 

Nope, this frame is in Michigan, and unadvertised. I believe the San Francisco listing has an error, because Schwinn used even-numbered frame sizing.

Several Paramount models were offered in 1971, so how can I differentiate between them from the frame only? Would the serial number identify it exactly?

Metacortex

Schwinn measured C-T, that seller measured C-C which is why I thought it was the 26" you were asking about. At that time Paramounts were available in any size you wanted.

Brazed on cable stops on the top tube and fender eyelets on the fork ends and dropouts generally indicates a P10/P15, the lack thereof would indicate a P13.

zukahn1 

If it is a nice Paramount frame in good condition original paint nice chrome with good original headset and BB. This is a valuable framset and the large size while not ideal for selling doesn't realy hurt value on a frame of this caliber. The fact that it is just a framset gives me a lot of puase people don't typically don't strip Paramounts to the frameset of this level unless it has issues. I would say in the $200+ if it is everything is right but I would double check everthing on the frame.

wrk101

You are more fortunate than me. XL bikes take a long time to sell, sometimes a REAL LONG time. And I list them for less.

The outlier small stuff on the other hand has a big demand and limited supply.

Now if its a 1970s era Paramount or before, there is strong demand for those bikes. Realize if you are buying it for resale, shipping will be high. At least in my experience, 60cm or less frame sets will fit in a 108 inch box ($25 shipping +/-). Anything larger goes into a 130 inch box ($65 shipping +/-)/.

Poguemahone

plus a very big one. Large frames sell at a discount. I love this as a buyer and curse it as a seller (I ride about a 62). They're also remarkably easy to find.

Michael Shaw

I have had no trouble at all, and in fact have had wonderful luck with over-sized bikes. 25, 26 and 27-inch frames are OK by me.
The right rider does say - "I've been looking for one of these..." at a premium. I had huge Bottecchia until a week ago.
I have sought them out on occasion and have these ones now.
BONUS: They can also be traded for better quality smaller bikes.

Kobe 

I agree that the really large size frames can be easier to find, but anything over 25" in a quality tubing is rare, very rare. This is because most manufacturers would change the tubing or not make it butted once it got over 24". The Reynolds 531 and Columbus SL or SLX are much harder to find. I don't know if that translates into being more or less expensive than a regular frame. I am just saying I am always looking and rarely see them.

I picked up this '72 P-15, 26" Paramount last summer last summer for $375. It was a complete bike, but was missing the original derailleurs, crank set and shifters. It also had a very small ding in the top tube that was barely noticeable but may have scared away a few buyers. I planed on riding it so it did not bother me.




If it is your size and in great shape, I would go as high as $200. If you pass on it you may regret it and spend a lot of time looking for another. If you plan on building it period correct, you better just open your wallet or find a donor bike because the original parts are very expensive.