anomaly

Some talk had gone around about the sub $2000 BIN chrome Paramount track that was up on ebay a few weeks ago. I sadly didn't win the bike, but I have found some photos. It was up on ebay at that price for less than an hour as I understand it.

Here is the info/pictures from Velospace:
https://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/...bikes/album20/


"Bike as listed on ebay"


Original Paramount hubs. There was a 40ish Paramount track on ebay recently with claimed "original" hubs, but they were not. The Paramount hubs are very distinct. In talking with a collector last night the earliest models used alum flanges and steel hub shells. They do NOT have dust shields.


Oil port and Paramount track cranks clearly visible

And as it is now finished:


It also came with a set of NOS period correct bars, though not original equipment. I've heard that the price was as low as 1500, but possibly as high as 1800. Either way, the new owner got the steal of the century.

dbakl

I have a similar one I've been trying to get back together for decades. Bought $200. bucks, basically was just a frame and the wheels with wood rims, but there were enough wrong parts to build it up. I've since found a stem, still need a left crank arm. Those Paramount parts are impossible to find! Bar, seatpost and pedals I settle for whatever!

anomaly

The collector, who has a very nice 38, said he paid $484 for a NOS stem. Finding the parts is always an expensive and time consuming process. I still can't believe he got such a good deal. He lives in VA, maybe I can track him down =)

dbakl

I think I paid $85. for a nice used one...

stem that is!

anomaly

I think you should sell me the bike =)

dbakl

Dig the patented Varsity/Continental stay treatment:

https://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/...+%234.jpg.html

Picchio Special

You had to find those pictures. I stared at that bike on ebay for 5 minutes and hemmed and hawed before finally walking away. I believe it is too small for me, but it still hurt not to pull the trigger. I seem to recall the price was closer to the $1500 figure, but there's so much about that day I've blanked out ...

Mike Mills

In the first picture, there appears to be a big dent in the top tube. In a later picture, that tube is wrapped with something. What's that all about?

cudak888 

You know, now that I see these photos, I remember the bike vividly. I saw it before it sold.

It did have a big dent in the top tube - that's why I never paid much attention to it in the first place.

-Kurt

dbakl

Its from the bars swinging around in a fall. Track bikes typically used that bumper of handlebar tape to help avoid (or cover the dent in this case).

schwinnderella

I was lucky to buy this one years ago an an estate sale for $250.I believe it is a 1939 model.There was also a raleigh professional at the same sale that i could have purchased for the same amount,but i only had enough money for one.

cudak888 

Far better deal, much nicer example!

-Kurt

anomaly

Very nice, what is the serial number?

It's a shame it doesn't have the Paramount hubs, they are very very very hard to find.

dbakl

When I got mine, it came with 2 extra Paramount rear hubs. I traded one for a front, then sold the pair on ebay! Still have the wheels that go to the bike.

dbakl

Airlite hubs on ebay; possibly the model for Paramount hubs:

https://cgi.ebay.com/AIRLITE-LARGE-FL...1%7C240%3A1318

cudak888 

Not according to the bike shown by the OP. The outer flange edge where the steel center meets the aluminum sides are flared out considerably larger on the P-mount hubs.

-Kurt

anomaly

Airlite look similar but aren't the same ones.

anomaly

Pictures of yours? What's the SN?

dbakl

Didn't say the same... Schwinn based their Paramount parts on European ones it seems...

dbakl

I'll try an dig it out... its apart. From conversations on the phone with people in the know it may be a 50s one.

schwinnderella

My serial number is A567.Yea I wish it had the correct hubs but these I think are a period replacement I suspect from a superior so it does not bother me much.I also have a prewar superior and strangely it came with paramount hubs but they are in very poor rusty condition.Here is a pic of the superior.The picture does not show the paramount hubs as the wheels with the paramount hubs are trashed.I do have the other parts.

dbakl

Mine has been hanging in my basement at least 10 years since I had it painted. I've since gotten a headbadge and the correct decals for it. I have the Paramount hubs on wood rims, but wheels should be rebuilt. Have a Paramount stem, the drive crank, a seatpost bolt and the headset and bottom bracket.
Serial number is 1912 on bottom bracket. Also came with 2 extra rear hubs, alloy bar and stem, weird pedals and an English track crankset. Seller said his father raced it. I paid $200. for everything probably 15 years ago... frame was bare metal when I got it.