1973 Paramount back on the road.
04-15-12, 10:48 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: The First State.
Posts: 1,168
Bikes: Schwinn Continental, Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn High Plains, Schwinn World Sport, Trek 420, Trek 930,Trek 660, Novara X-R, Giant Iguana. Fuji Sagres mixte.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 22 Times
in
10 Posts
1973 Paramount back on the road.
It's been a journey. Backstory is that I bought the frame in 1974 and built it up with components from my wrecked PX-10. I rode the bike up to the point we moved due to a job change. I had stripped the frame down to touch up the paint, had the OEM Schwinn paint and then we moved, rather abruptly. The box of parts with the paint disappeared during the move. I stopped riding due to prostate issues and had vague notions of selling the frame, meanwhile it sat in the garage for 25 years... Fast forward Fall of 2011. They have better saddles now and I started trail riding on a vintage Giant Iguana. My riding buddy discovered that I had a 1973 Paramount frame in the garage and chided me for letting a 531 frame just sit there. I decided to build it up to a functioning bike, made a repair stand and with the help of copies of Glenn's and Zinn's books and bikeforums.net, accumulated tools and started sourcing components. I decided early on not to go with the period correct Schwinn components as the bike I rode in the 70's and 80's did not have them anyway. It had Suntour bar-end shifters with a mixture of Shimano and Campy drivetrain components and Mafac brakes. This time around, I realized that, based on the mountain biking, I wanted a triple crankset, it's hilly here, and that sort of led to the other stuff.
Box O' Tools:
IMGP4968 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
Bike on repair stand:
IMGP4511 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
The first front derailleur, a Shimano Arabesque, did not survive as it could not quite handle the shift up to the 48t chainring on the VO Grand Cru triple. Neither did a Campy Mirage or a Deore LX for other reasons. I finally settled on a Shimano 105 triple that I found at a local bike swap for $5 from a guy that had converted his bike to a compact double.
IMGP4972 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
I found a set of NOS Dura-Ace centerpull brakes on Ebay:
IMGP4981 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
I decided to go with a VO threadless stem adapter and Tektro aero brakes.
IMGP4988 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
I went with a 700c VO PBP freewheel wheelset with high flange Grand Cru hubs. The rear of the bike was coldset from 120mm to 126mm to accommodate the new rear hub. Freewheel is a Shimano 13-28. The rear derailleur is currently a NOS Deore LX.
IMGP4991 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
The shifters are NOS Shimano BL-BS50, 7-speed indexed/friction from Ebay. Handlebars are NittoB135 randonneur.
P4140480 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
Modified Huret clamp-on downtube cable stop from Ebay with cable adjusters from VO. Top-tube cable clamps are NOS Shimano from Ebay.
P4140482 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
Grand Cru crankset, Shimano 105 FD. Pedals are currently Shimano SPD dual sided clipless/platform. I don't like them, too heavy. I am thinking of these.
P4140483 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
The completed bike:
P4140478 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
Box O' Tools:
IMGP4968 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
Bike on repair stand:
IMGP4511 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
The first front derailleur, a Shimano Arabesque, did not survive as it could not quite handle the shift up to the 48t chainring on the VO Grand Cru triple. Neither did a Campy Mirage or a Deore LX for other reasons. I finally settled on a Shimano 105 triple that I found at a local bike swap for $5 from a guy that had converted his bike to a compact double.
IMGP4972 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
I found a set of NOS Dura-Ace centerpull brakes on Ebay:
IMGP4981 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
I decided to go with a VO threadless stem adapter and Tektro aero brakes.
IMGP4988 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
I went with a 700c VO PBP freewheel wheelset with high flange Grand Cru hubs. The rear of the bike was coldset from 120mm to 126mm to accommodate the new rear hub. Freewheel is a Shimano 13-28. The rear derailleur is currently a NOS Deore LX.
IMGP4991 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
The shifters are NOS Shimano BL-BS50, 7-speed indexed/friction from Ebay. Handlebars are NittoB135 randonneur.
P4140480 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
Modified Huret clamp-on downtube cable stop from Ebay with cable adjusters from VO. Top-tube cable clamps are NOS Shimano from Ebay.
P4140482 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
Grand Cru crankset, Shimano 105 FD. Pedals are currently Shimano SPD dual sided clipless/platform. I don't like them, too heavy. I am thinking of these.
P4140483 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
The completed bike:
P4140478 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
Last edited by Paramount1973; 04-24-12 at 02:21 AM.
04-15-12, 10:50 AM
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: The First State.
Posts: 1,168
Bikes: Schwinn Continental, Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn High Plains, Schwinn World Sport, Trek 420, Trek 930,Trek 660, Novara X-R, Giant Iguana. Fuji Sagres mixte.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 22 Times
in
10 Posts
04-15-12, 12:56 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 1,398
Bikes: Trek 720, Trek 620, Trek 520, Steel Schwinns, AD Puch, Kona, Nishiki Pro, All City Disc Spacehorse, Waterford
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Liked 101 Times
in
52 Posts
That is a sweet bike!
04-15-12, 01:12 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Minnesota- the frozen tundra
Posts: 1,946
Bikes: 1977 Raleigh Super Grand Prix, 1976 Gitane Tour de France
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Very nice, it's great to see a bike with it's original owner after so many years.
04-15-12, 01:13 PM
#5
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,513
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2422 Post(s)
Liked 4,395 Times
in
2,092 Posts
The Grand Cru crankset is surprisingly suiting to the Paramount, even though it is a modern part. Well chosen!
Enjoy!
-Kurt
Enjoy!
-Kurt
__________________
04-15-12, 02:39 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Mishawaka Indiana
Posts: 226
Bikes: 1985 & 1986 Schwinn Peloton, 1986 Schwinn Super Sport, 1985 Schwinn Super Le Tour, 1973 silver Schwinn P13 Pamanount 1972 Chrome Schwinn P13 Paramount
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thats a very nice looking build. It also seems to be a nice mix of parts. I find these kinds of builds to be interesting and encouraging.
04-15-12, 05:04 PM
#8
Chrome Freak
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kuna, ID
Posts: 3,208
Bikes: 71 Chrome Paramount P13-9, 73 Opaque Blue Paramount P15, 74 Blue Mink Raleigh Pro, 91 Waterford Paramount, Holland Titanium x2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 26 Times
in
14 Posts
As a fellow owner of an Opaque Blue 73 Paramount, I say excellent work!
__________________
1971 Paramount P-13 Chrome
1973 Paramount P-15 Opaque Blue
1974 Raleigh Professional Blue Mink
1991 Waterford Paramount
Holland Titanium Dura Ace Group
Holland Titanium Ultegra Triple Group
1971 Paramount P-13 Chrome
1973 Paramount P-15 Opaque Blue
1974 Raleigh Professional Blue Mink
1991 Waterford Paramount
Holland Titanium Dura Ace Group
Holland Titanium Ultegra Triple Group
04-15-12, 05:21 PM
#9
hi
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Kingston, NY
Posts: 2,605
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Is that Specialized Roubiax bar tape? It looks like it may be.
Anywho, if it is, you may find that it will gradually slip on the bar at the bend between the flat and the brake hood, gradually showing your bar. Use some double sided tape on the bar and you should be ok.
Nice looking bike, a classy blend of modern with an appreciation for the old.
Anywho, if it is, you may find that it will gradually slip on the bar at the bend between the flat and the brake hood, gradually showing your bar. Use some double sided tape on the bar and you should be ok.
Nice looking bike, a classy blend of modern with an appreciation for the old.
04-15-12, 07:09 PM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: The First State.
Posts: 1,168
Bikes: Schwinn Continental, Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn High Plains, Schwinn World Sport, Trek 420, Trek 930,Trek 660, Novara X-R, Giant Iguana. Fuji Sagres mixte.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 22 Times
in
10 Posts
Is that Specialized Roubiax bar tape? It looks like it may be.
Anywho, if it is, you may find that it will gradually slip on the bar at the bend between the flat and the brake hood, gradually showing your bar. Use some double sided tape on the bar and you should be ok.
Nice looking bike, a classy blend of modern with an appreciation for the old.
Anywho, if it is, you may find that it will gradually slip on the bar at the bend between the flat and the brake hood, gradually showing your bar. Use some double sided tape on the bar and you should be ok.
Nice looking bike, a classy blend of modern with an appreciation for the old.
04-16-12, 03:50 PM
#12
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,647
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,702 Times
in
937 Posts
Beautiful bike with a sensible mix of parts!
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
04-16-12, 06:56 PM
#13
my name is Jim
Great bike! I too like the mix of parts.
__________________
Flickr Albums
ebay: cicloclassico
70 Pogliaghi ItalCorse, 72 De Rosa, 72 Masi Gran Criterium, 75 Masi Gran Criterium, 77 Melton, 79 Bianchi Super Leggera, 79 Gios Super Record, 81 Picchio Special, 82 Guerciotti Super Record, 82 Colnago Profil CX, 83 Colnago Superissimo, 84 Fuso
Flickr Albums
ebay: cicloclassico
70 Pogliaghi ItalCorse, 72 De Rosa, 72 Masi Gran Criterium, 75 Masi Gran Criterium, 77 Melton, 79 Bianchi Super Leggera, 79 Gios Super Record, 81 Picchio Special, 82 Guerciotti Super Record, 82 Colnago Profil CX, 83 Colnago Superissimo, 84 Fuso
07-24-12, 08:39 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 1,895
Bikes: to many to list
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 296 Post(s)
Liked 1,064 Times
in
262 Posts
great looking bike. I love that color
__________________
From Illinois. Collector of many fine bicycles from all over the world. Subscribe to my Youtube channel. Just search John's vintage road bike garage
From Illinois. Collector of many fine bicycles from all over the world. Subscribe to my Youtube channel. Just search John's vintage road bike garage
07-24-12, 11:28 AM
#17
Full Member
Very cool build...I am sure you enjoyed the journey!
07-30-12, 11:41 PM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: The First State.
Posts: 1,168
Bikes: Schwinn Continental, Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn High Plains, Schwinn World Sport, Trek 420, Trek 930,Trek 660, Novara X-R, Giant Iguana. Fuji Sagres mixte.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 22 Times
in
10 Posts
Building it up was the most fun I have had in a long time. With regard to the color, I got a deal on the frame because the owner of the LBS where I bought it told me that the male cyclists who looked at it weren't sure they wanted a robins egg blue bike. I thought it was beautiful.
07-31-12, 12:26 AM
#19
- Bikes Not Bombs -
Ya' done good! I love those chromed lugs
07-31-12, 07:46 AM
#20
Decrepit Member
Great job! I 
Opaque Blue, and that crank looks right at home. Very nice.
Opaque Blue, and that crank looks right at home. Very nice.
