The Paramounts that were made in Chicago and Wisconsin from the 1950's to the 1970's were the best American-made factory bikes ever. Period. They could hold their own with the best bikes in the world, at any price.

Schwinn used the "Le Tour" name on a variety of bikes in the '70's and '80's. Most were just generic Asian-import bikes, reliable, and well built. But, for a couple of years, Schwinn imported higher "spec" bikes under names such as "Super Le Tour" that were well above average in quality and components.

Out on the road, the very "best" Le Tour's are likely to perform about as well as their Paramount "big brothers", even though they weigh a pound or two more.