In the glory days of the Paramounts, I was a teenager and not able to afford one. I probably saw one or two and that is about it. I worked in a Gitane shop, and had some contact with Super Corsas.

As an adult, I have acquired a Raleigh International and a Pro, as well as a Paramount.

Looking at the frames today, the workmanship on the Paramount is far superior. Brazing is neat and finishing is superb. Not so on the Raleighs, which were being built with the same quality of an MG made in the same era.

It may not be the best, the lightest or whatever. Today I see the Paramount as a symbol of Schwinn quality at its best and a beautiful reminder of an era that has sadly passed. Is it as good as a Masi, a Colnago, etc.? I don't know and don't care. My lust for the Paramount is still as strong as it ever was.