Would you ride it?
#1
"Florida Man"
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: East Florida
Posts: 1,667
Bikes: '16 Bob Jackson rando, '66 Raleigh Superbe, 80 Nishiki Maxima, 07 Gary Fisher Utopia, 09 Surly LHT
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Liked 1,706 Times
in
855 Posts
Would you ride it?
On Ebay now is a '72 Paramount, mint, that it is claimed was never ridden.
Assuming you buy that, and assuming you bought the bike, what would you do with it?
(It would be nice if someone could post the link or maybe a pic for me; still no internet since the hurricane.
But I do have cell service now! )
Assuming you buy that, and assuming you bought the bike, what would you do with it?
(It would be nice if someone could post the link or maybe a pic for me; still no internet since the hurricane.
But I do have cell service now! )
__________________
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
#2
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,513
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4559 Post(s)
Liked 2,802 Times
in
1,800 Posts
Stuff it and mount it on the wall at a hipster coffee shop or microbrewery tap room.
#4
"Florida Man"
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: East Florida
Posts: 1,667
Bikes: '16 Bob Jackson rando, '66 Raleigh Superbe, 80 Nishiki Maxima, 07 Gary Fisher Utopia, 09 Surly LHT
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Liked 1,706 Times
in
855 Posts
Yes, sorry I did not see that other thread (or maybe it was in the Ebay finds thread?). I'm just now making contact with the outside world after a week with no internet. (This is where I would punch in a picture of Robin Williams from Jumanji "What year is it?!", If I wasn't on my phone.)
Yeah, it's my size, like 25+1/2. It looks unridden, from the pics. I don't think I have the cash or the room for it right now, but I'm sure another like it will come along in 20 or 30 years...
Yeah, it's my size, like 25+1/2. It looks unridden, from the pics. I don't think I have the cash or the room for it right now, but I'm sure another like it will come along in 20 or 30 years...
__________________
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
#7
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,953
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6178 Post(s)
Liked 4,796 Times
in
3,308 Posts
I'd ride it for sure. I'm not a collector, so I'd never pay that much for an old bike. If it is pristine, it'd be a shame if someone that does collect doesn't have one like this.
Price wise I think it's 3000 too much for anyone just wanting a vintage Paramount to ride. Any body followed this bike and seen how many times it's been re-listed? I had been watching Paramount's earlier this year and I don't recall seeing it then.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Schwinn-Para...AAAOSwytlZru95
Price wise I think it's 3000 too much for anyone just wanting a vintage Paramount to ride. Any body followed this bike and seen how many times it's been re-listed? I had been watching Paramount's earlier this year and I don't recall seeing it then.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Schwinn-Para...AAAOSwytlZru95
#8
Senior Member
There was much discussion re: unridden or not. There is a lot of grease on the small chainring for being "unridden".
#9
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,327
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3897 Post(s)
Liked 4,829 Times
in
2,228 Posts
At my age, nothing's too good to 'not ride'. Might not get another chance.
If it suits my riding styles then it'll go in the rotation.
If it's not a pleasure to ride, it could go on the wall permanently.
Wouldn't take long to figure which category.
Maybe needs new saddle/stem/bars to be an outstanding ride.
If it suits my riding styles then it'll go in the rotation.
If it's not a pleasure to ride, it could go on the wall permanently.
Wouldn't take long to figure which category.
Maybe needs new saddle/stem/bars to be an outstanding ride.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 09-16-17 at 11:04 AM.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Loveland, CO.
Posts: 207
Bikes: 1992 De Rosa SLX, 1992 Specialized Epic, Late 60's Bottecchia Proffessional, 1998 Stumpjumper M2, 1992 Stumpjumper M2 (in a box)
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 73 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
This kind of thing comes up in the classic motorcycle world too. Some cool old bike, with 15 miles on it and a high asking price aimed at a collector. The problem is, if you buy something like that, or this Paramount, and then ride it, you immediately kill it's value. And if your gonna ride it, why pay so much for it in the first place?
So to me, since I'm a rider and not a collector, this isn't something I'd want. I'd hold out for a cheaper one with some honest wear and go ride the wheels off it.
So to me, since I'm a rider and not a collector, this isn't something I'd want. I'd hold out for a cheaper one with some honest wear and go ride the wheels off it.
#13
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,644
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: 2607 Post(s)
Liked 1,696 Times
in
935 Posts
Campagnolo Grand Turdismo
EDIT: I've never used one, so some may say I've not earned the right to refer to it as such. But it is funny.
EDIT: I've never used one, so some may say I've not earned the right to refer to it as such. But it is funny.
__________________
*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.
#14
52psi
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 4,014
Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 801 Times
in
390 Posts
Buy a bicycle; don't ride it.
...Just sounds wrong.
...Just sounds wrong.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
#15
Senior Member
Yes I'd ride it. I'd look at it like I'm buying a brand new bike. I'd be excited, happy and content.
Since I'm not a collector, the reason I'd buy a new bike is no one else has ridden it, and therefore all road scars would be done by me. And for some reason that's a cool thing to know about your bike.
Btw, Chewy, wishing you a quick recovery from the hurricane and a return to normalcy.
Since I'm not a collector, the reason I'd buy a new bike is no one else has ridden it, and therefore all road scars would be done by me. And for some reason that's a cool thing to know about your bike.
Btw, Chewy, wishing you a quick recovery from the hurricane and a return to normalcy.
Last edited by texaspandj; 09-16-17 at 05:27 AM.
#16
Senior Member
I was given a tour of a Schwinn bike shop outside of Milwaukee a couple years ago. They had a Chrome Paramount, "in the box", along with a few Krates "in the box". It will be interesting to see the money those bring when they come to auction. Also gotta wonder if other old Schwinn shops hoarded the good stuff. And will there be a new batch of unridden Paramounts when their owners give up the business.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: San Mateo,Ca.
Posts: 3,984
Bikes: TRIMMED DOWN THE HERD
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1090 Post(s)
Liked 935 Times
in
600 Posts
Heck yeah I'd ride it, unridden or not! I don't buy garage queens. Bikes are meant to be ridden, not just displayed.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,048
Mentioned: 201 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3011 Post(s)
Liked 3,788 Times
in
1,405 Posts
I'd take it to the car compactor, crush it into a cube, sell it as art.
#20
"Florida Man"
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: East Florida
Posts: 1,667
Bikes: '16 Bob Jackson rando, '66 Raleigh Superbe, 80 Nishiki Maxima, 07 Gary Fisher Utopia, 09 Surly LHT
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Liked 1,706 Times
in
855 Posts
Thanks. The initial rain hit was a close call, and now we have one more as we wait for the St. John's river to crest. The creek is about 18 inches from a flood now. If it goes over, we'll be a couple feet under, at least. All the waiting and worrying is worse than the storm.
__________________
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
#21
Master Parts Rearranger
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Posts: 4,402
Bikes: 1982 Trek 720 - 1985 Trek 620 - 1984 Trek 620 - 1980 Trek 510 - Other luminaries past and present
Mentioned: 221 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1556 Post(s)
Liked 2,024 Times
in
989 Posts
I understand the 'it's perfect now, keep it perfect' mentality as it is a preservation mentality. But...it's chrome. And vintage Schwinn American chrome. The honey badger factor is very high with that plating, as my semi-lowly all-chrome previously-not-super-loved Super Le Tour can attest to. $4000 is an easy $2000+ too much in my younger mind. Ride the thing. Dust won't hurt it. Heck, with decent care, rain will have a hard time hurting it as well! The fact that it's a P15 sub-model means it's meant to tackle more than a nice road ride or race. If one want to preserve the original parts, then remove them and put on a slew of more modern stuff and watch how nothing is sacrificed and so much is gained by riding these wonderful things. My '74 P15 is treated a bit nicer than normal (which is already quite nice!) due to its paint job (by me) being not as durable as a factory effort. Otherwise, it's a very nice bike and needs to get out there!
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 538
Bikes: Trek 400 Elance, Losa Winner, 1994 Schwinn Paramount, Specialized Tarmac Pro, Miele SLX, Ibis Ripley, Colnago Oval CX, 84 Masi GC, 1986 Schwinn Voyageur, 1988 Schwinn Tempo, 1998 Schwinn Peloton, 1991 Paramount Ser3
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 150 Post(s)
Liked 90 Times
in
55 Posts
Sometimes I feel sadness for cool bikes I find and bring home, because they were clearly lonely and unused for 20 or 30 years, in the back of a dark, cold garage or storage room. And then I feel good because I know I am giving them a second chance! Ha ha. But that has crossed my mind. How sad would a Paramount that had never been ridden in it's 45 year life be?!?!?
#23
Senior Member
No way this bike was never ridden... not much but it's not NOS.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 376
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Some people don't take NOS to literally mean New Old Stock, they throw the term out there under a loose interpretation as "well it's in really good condition " which of course is wrong.
Not saying with authority that this bike is being misrepresented, but rather that I have encountered electronic and music gear being wrongly labeled as NOS by sellers that were clueless and/or unethical.
Not saying with authority that this bike is being misrepresented, but rather that I have encountered electronic and music gear being wrongly labeled as NOS by sellers that were clueless and/or unethical.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 3,412
Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 2011 Jamis Quest, 1980 Peugeot TH8 Tandem, 1992 Performance Parabola, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-S LTD, 197? FW Evans
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 525 Post(s)
Liked 979 Times
in
510 Posts
I am more of the "It's perfect now, let's try to keep it perfect as long as possible". In other words, at first I would be very careful with it, only riding on sunny days, wrapping it in a blanket to transport, etc. But inevitably, it will get that first scratch or ding. Once that happens, the aura is not so bright and the level of protection lowers a notch. As the scars accumulate, hopefully over a long time, the bike becomes just another member of the herd. But I will have a memory of what it was, as well as memories of all the rides.