jamesdak 

So, with as much as I love the ride of my 87 Prologue and 87 Circuit it makes me yearn for a Paramount too. It'd be sweet to get another 87 so I could say I have the 3 best Schwinns from 87 from the 3 different manufacturing plants. But then a 1972 really nice looking Paramount has showed up for sale locally. Am I a fool to pass up on this just to hold out for the "1987 Trilogy"?

A saving grace may be that the 1972 may be too big. The seat tube supposedly measures 58.5cm which should mean it's too large for me. They are asking a lot, appears to be a repaint (no decals) but is a very gorgeous 1972 based on the serial number. Decisions, decisions....

The Golden Boy 

Get the 72. It's a great year for the Paramount.

If it's too big or you find an 87- you've either got trade bait or something to sell to get it.

You very well may dig the 72.

Pemetic2006

What are the 3 different plants? Are they Chicago, Mississippi, and Japan?

texaspandj

That sounds like good solid advice, (I'd add it may be a while before you run into an 87 paramount). However, given my nature to not do the right thing, I'd hold out for the 87. The trilogy is a cool idea and 87 was a good year for paramount and practically any bike. And lastly if it isn't the right size, pass.

KonAaron Snake 

The trilogy "concept" seems a bit contrived to me, but if it makes you happy, that's really all that matters. I'm not going to address that part of the question, because it's personal/subjective.

As far as would I rather have an 87' or a 72', I guess it depends. The 87' will likely be significantly less expensive, and Waterford did some very cool, under appreciated stuff in that era. It will have more modern parts. It won't get as many ooooo's and aaaaaaa's because Schwinn's heyday was long over by 87'. I -think - they were already making the over sized tubing Paramounts by then, and those are very cool frames. I prefer OS tubing, so if I wanted a bike to ride a lot, that would be my preference.

The 72' is "classic" and more prestigious. You'll pay a lot more. They have the chromed lugs, the campy NR (mostly). More of a head turner/collector bike.

I really like the later Waterford Paramounts...and they had some neat paint too.

jamesdak 

Waterford for 87Paramounts, then yes the Greenville MS where the Circuit was built, and the Japanese built Prologue.

Barrettscv 

I purchased a new Paramount in 1974, I was a teenager. I kept the bike for almost 40 years, even though it was marginally too small. I sold the bike in 2009. I missed having a Paramount so much I purchased a 1972 last year.

The Paramount is a surprisingly rapid ride. It's not in the same league as my Eddie Merckx, but it's as fast a performer as my Colnago and significantly faster than my PX10.

In other words, get one. You won't regret it. They are a joy to ride and beautiful to behold. Just be sure the repaint isn't hiding any serious damage.

brandon98

What size 87 are you looking for? I know a guy.....

thumpism 

You know that as soon as you buy the '72 a great deal will turn up on an '87. Life is like that.

Darth Lefty 

Track, racing, or touring? For either

jamesdak 

I ride between a 53 to 56 max normally

jamesdak 

Of course it's contrived.

But it still would be cool to know I've got the top three 87 Schwinns from each place...just 'cause...

seedsbelize 

My 92 Paramount is too big for me, but with a 60mm stem and an inch and a half of seatpost showing, it works just fine. My newest bike is a 72 World Voyageur, and it is my hands down favorite for the longer rides. I'd go with the 72. Both of those are repaints, and they both ride wonderfully.

brandon98

Alas, this guy has a 60 x 58.5 TT. A tad big for ya.

jamesdak 

Just my luck, LOL!

texaspandj

Exactly!

RobbieTunes

Go for the trifecta. Get the '87. Then get a Tempo.
Seriously, you'll not regret it....... I've thought many times, if I had to do it over, I'd move that direction.

Just sayin'

seedsbelize 

You don't have it to do over? You're a young man yet.

The Golden Boy 

Your Paramount was the ideal of my painted "dream" Paramount. If I were to look for a specific bike- it would have been that size, that red with those decals. I was distraught when I found out you sold it and I didn't get a shot at buying it.



Otherwise a chrome 72 P-15 would be it.

Steve Whitlatch 

I had a 72 Paramount and really loved it a lot. Had to sell it. They are beautiful and truly a joy to ride. I have a 72 PX 10 now and enjoy that as well. They are completely different animals compared to late 80`s bikes. I think you need both.

repechage

I have looked on and off for a Chicago built Paramount.
My only must besides size range, is built for 700c wheels, not 27".
My wish would be Black original paint as black and chrome just work so well together.

RiddleOfSteel

I like the trilogy idea--I'd come up with the same or similar thing, too. As a big fan of '80s Schwinns across most of the road range (high/higher end especially, as much as I've been able to experience it), a trio of '87s would be sweet. And that extended P A R A M O U N T script (and font!) just looks the best. Currently the only thing Paramount that I have is a used water bottle cage from that era. It's on my Peloton, but I'm kinda really wanting a Paramount-labeled bike (of '70s or '80s vintage!) to come with the water bottle cage...

The '72 sounds fun, but if it's a little big and you're not 100% in love for the price, you may have to walk to 'save' yourself for another one that is your size--I think the last thing I or any of us want anyone else to do is shell out good money for an 1- or 2-strikes iffy proposition (strike 1 on size, strike 2 maybe on price, etc). If the owner of the '72 allows you to test ride it, I'd give it a shot. It'd be free and if you walked away it would cost gas and a little time, not to mention 'inspiration' for a better fitting one or whatever.

Time to look at CL and ebay for Paramounts for me..........

Rollfast

Two Paramounts?


Only better if you add an MGM and Twentieth Century-Fox, of course.


First World dilemmas.

RiddleOfSteel

jamesdak 

LOL, by pure coincidence speculation says that the Paramont Logo is based on Ben Lomond's peak which the original Paramont owner grew up by. That peak is about two miles, as a crow flies, from my front door and easily visible on my whole bike route.