Hello! This is my first post but I'll be around a lot more in the coming months. haha Anyways, I'm currently in talks with a local rider whose got an 88 Paramount for sale that he's billing as a "50th Anniversary." I have not seen the bike myself (he's out of town for the holidays) but he described it as either black/white or black/silver, neither of which are colorways for the 50th anniversary Paramount, at least to my knowledge? He said the bike is in almost perfect condition and that it's currently running a full Shimano 600 group. Now, I love steel. Aluminum rides too rough and, and this is a personal bias more than anything, is soulless... and carbon's just a little too expensive for the time being. I've been looking for a nice higher-ish end late 80's/early 90's road bike for about 6 months now but have been having trouble finding one for a reasonable price (I ride a 54cm). I've never owned a Paramount personally but I'm aware of their lineage and craftsmanship so what I'm wondering, after all that nonsense, is if $700 would be a fair cost for an 88 50th anniversary with full Shimano and in mint condition. What about just a regular, non-50th 88? I'll update this thread with pictures as soon as I can see the bike and take a few.

Thanks guys!

Did you just say "colorway"?

Bikesnob reader by chance? If its the Paramount with the gold-plated fork, and its in good shape, grab it for $700 and ride it like you legally procured it.

Nope, I don't read bikesnob. hahaha I'm really bad at keeping up with blogs

Would you say it'd be worth it for an 88 non-anniversary Paramount then? I know how highly regarded the 600 group is, generally.

Fair market value:

$500 w/ a non-anniversary frame.
$1000 w/ anniversary frame and gold fork

Oh. Alrighhhhtttt hahaha Thanks!

600 group is well respected, but does not get you into this price range ($700). Pass.

Thanks for the input

Well I promised pictures when I got a look at the bike and here they are... It's no 50th (it's not even an 88) but man is it in great shape. Aside from a chip on the top tube about the size of an eraser the paint is perfect. Everything is straight and the full Shimano 600 group is obviously used but in good shape. It's probably overpriced but I love the paint scheme and the idea of owning classic American steel...

Also, sorry for the terrible picture quality... Camera phone. :/

PDG Paramounts are relatively commom and regularly show up in very good or better condition. PDG's with 600 Ultegra and Dura Ace are less common.

$500...maximum if its a Waterford frame
$200...minimum if its a Panasonic frame

Its worth is all relative to the overall condition. Is there any rust on the component hardware? Is the headset ($50) brinneled? How are the tires ($40)? It appears to be a 54cm +/- which happens to be one of the most popular sizes. Does it fit you? The bike as picture is at least 2 sizes too small for the current owner. Is it a Waterford or Panasonic frame?

I'm fairly certain its a Waterford bike based on the rear derailleur cable stop design.

The frame is the 38th frame produced by Waterford in April of 89, the headset is Campy and the tires look like they've never been ridden. It's a 53 and it fits me like a glove. However, you're right, the bike is much too small for the current owner. The bike had originally been purchased as a favor to his friend, but when that deal fell through and it sat around too long he decided to get rid of it. I assume it's configured for him currently, thus the ridiculously long stem and seatpost (which are being swapped for better sizes and quality parts before I pick the bike up.)

I'll talk him down, thanks!

Very good.

I think $500-ish is the high end of a fair street value and $500-ish is more or less current build cost. Waterford framesets in good condition can be found for $275-ish which leaves $225-ish for the components. A tri-color 600/Ultegra group with wheels can be pieced together for that.