Mdl

Hi Everyone,
What do you think a good value would be for this 1992 Schwinn Paramount PDG Series 7 Schwinn (700 cc rims) (see below link)?
https://m.ebay.com/itm/1992-Schwinn-Paramount-Series-7-PDG-Early-90s-53-cm/382293495100?hash=item590277cd3c:goAAAOSwCJxaGGYw

Also, would you know whether I could add a pannier rack on it?
I’ve read the bike was made by Panasonic and it seems like they were excellent quality for the money. I haven’t ridden one and I’m new to this. I’d appreciate any info you may provide. Thanks.

coolkat

That's an ok price with the upgrades. They are some fantastic riding bikes. I did have an oddly difficult time selling my Series 3 (ended up trading it, actually) but there were some other factors at play.

You could get a rack on but there are way better/easier bikes for that purpose

ramzilla

That bike has had major upgrades from it's original configuration. Probably a very good riding machine. Looks well used & reasonably cared for. $395 sounds like a fair price. I don't know why you would want to put pannier racks on something like that. The frame geometry isn't well suited for touring. No threaded eyelets for racks. So, you would would have to find another solution for attaching racks. Short chain stays would be a problem. Your heels would probably bang into panniers mounted in back. A rack mounted in front might work better.

Mdl

Ok. Thanks. I don’t want to do any serious touring on it. I thought maybe my son and I may spend an afternoon on one of the local trails. I was thinking some kind of rack would be good to carry lunch. I guess I could look for one that attaches to the seat post?
I’m a little anxious about buying a bike without riding it first. Has anyone here ever done that?

wrk101

Its a race bike, not a touring bike. I've got one, they are real nice. But touring? Forget it. That being said, depending on the surface of the trail, if its pretty well packed, I've done a lot of them with a racing bike.

For simple stuff, a backpack, or maybe a seat post clamping rack (I personally hate them). A handlebar bag would be my choice.

I buy bikes all the time without riding them first, probably 95% of the time.

tmh657 

^This. Once you know your size and fit it's pretty easy. The good part is if you know the value of what you buy and it doesn't work out you can resell and not lose money.

So the solution is buy this bike to go fast and a different bike for trails.

oddjob2

If you are 5'8" or taller, that bike is too small.

DMC707

Looks rode hard and put away wet -- ive bought filthy bikes before though

I personally prefer to buy a bike like this that has most of its factory equipment intact, but the price isnt too outlandish , but as oddjob said - a 53 means about 5'8 max

coolkat

53 is not out of the question for an aggressive modern fit. I'm around 5'9.5 - 5'10 and my Prelude is a 53. I've had a professional fit done, and the fitter agreed that it is a perfect fit.

Of course, my older bikes are closer to a 56 which works too, but it depends on the setup you're going for

tkamd73

I bought a 92 PDG series 5 without riding it first, just make sure the frame fits. Replaced the tires with 28c Gatorskins, great on the trails, very responsive, series 7 should be even better. Paint way better looking on series 7, also I’d ask the seller for the original stem, if still in their possession. Put your lunch in a backpack, bike will not look right with a rack. Tim

Mdl

Thanks, guys.
I’m just under 5’8” so I’m thinking this would be a good fit (but, admittedly, I’m a newbie). I road a 52cm Klein at a LBS this fall. The owner said it fit me perfect but, to be honest, it just felt a little small (not to mention just kinda dead feeling).
BTW, the seller of this PDG 7 said it needs a new chain. I also noticed the Specialized stem and, you know, it just throws me off a bit. Good advice - I’ll ask if he has the original. Something’s keeping me from pulling the trigger on this... I wish I knew what it is...
Honestly, I had my sights set on a Schwinn Tempo in Ohio but the guy won’t ship it. Ugh

Mdl

Thanks, guys.
I’m just under 5’8” so I’m thinking this would be a good fit (but, admittedly, I’m a newbie). I road a 52cm Klein at a LBS this fall. The owner said it fit me perfect but, to be honest, it just felt a little small (not to mention just kinda dead feeling).
BTW, the seller of this PDG 7 said it needs a new chain. I also noticed the Specialized stem and, you know, it just throws me off a bit. Good advice - I’ll ask if he has the original. Something’s keeping me from pulling the trigger on this... I wish I knew what it is...
Honestly, I had my sights set on a Schwinn Tempo in Ohio but the guy won’t ship it. Ugh

DMC707

Im in your height range and a 52 is also too small for me -- 55 is too big, and a 53 or 54 usually works out to be just right

Actually the stem is a late model Cannondale stem and the bars are Specialized. If it needs a new chain, it probably also needs a new cassette, the shifters are throwing me off because one is lettered Shimano and one isnt, --- could just be the lettering worn off on the more heavilly used right lever though

The crankset looks shabby with mis matched rings and heavy oxidation,

I think even as a self described newbie, you are seeing the same things i am seeing but maybe just cant quite put your finger on it.

That said, -- this bike is 25 or 26 years old, -- framesets typically outlast components, so if the bike has been used, all of that stuff is kind of common, but there are likely cleaner examples out there for sure

Whats is your region? This is a group of enablers and we could do a cursory scan to see what might be available in your area too on the popular sale mediums

Mdl

LOL "enablers"

I am in Central NJ. What'cha got?

DMC707

I am on my i pad so cant figure out how to post a link, but there is a "mid 80s 54cm Trek Touring" in New Brunswick that looks very interesting

Since you asked initially about racks, this one would do it and is already so equipped.
Regarding quality? Its Reynolds 531, so its amongstbthe best you could get in this era

Mdl

Oh wow. Thanks. Unfortunately, the posting has been deleted.

DMC707

http://https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/d/mid-80s-54cm-trek-touring/6531306929.html

Mdl

This one (a Schwinn Premis) did catch my eye. I think the frame is the same as Tempo's I've been looking for. The colors on the other hand, I'm not so sure about?
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/b...539556019.html

DMC707

Seems like its still working

Mdl

Oh thanks! I see it now. Very cool. I'm gonna call and check it out. Any thoughts on the Schwinn Premis here?
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/b...539556019.html

DMC707

Not that familiar with them, but some of the better Schwinns from that era were also made by panasonic, like that pdg you originally posted

wrk101

Craigslist sellers rarely/never ship. You need to do the leg work, find a local shop in their area that will pack and ship for you.

I like the Trek a lot better than the Premis.

Mdl

And then there's this Schwinn Tempo: https://www.ebay.com/itm/332580102521?ul_noapp=true