1968 chrome Paramount
#3
Master Parts Rearranger

Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 2,800
From: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Bikes: 1987 Woodrup Competition - 2025 Trek Checkpoint SL 6 Gen 3 - 1987 Lotus Legend - 2024 Trek Emonda ALR Rim Brake - 1980 Trek 510 - 1988 Cannondale SR500 - 1985 Trek 670 - 1982 Trek 730
There were a few sub-models of Paramount in 1968 (as there were most years). Do you know what sub-model it is? Or is all you know just the frameset? As always, details, please. And doubly so (especially if you are unsure of sub-models): pictures.
Paramounts came in Track, Deluxe, Tourist, Tandem, and Road Racer.
Catalogs don't get specific during these years, but they were 27" wheel bikes. Generally, they sported components sourced from all over. Campagnolo here, Weinmann there, Schwinn-Approved over there, etc. What are your plans for the bike, component-wise? Original as possible build? Matching groupset? Strategic modernizing while keeping the original spirit of the thing?
Paramounts came in Track, Deluxe, Tourist, Tandem, and Road Racer.
Catalogs don't get specific during these years, but they were 27" wheel bikes. Generally, they sported components sourced from all over. Campagnolo here, Weinmann there, Schwinn-Approved over there, etc. What are your plans for the bike, component-wise? Original as possible build? Matching groupset? Strategic modernizing while keeping the original spirit of the thing?
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,519
Likes: 39
From: Tacoma, WA
Bikes: 1962 Schwinn Paramount P12, 1971 Schwinn Paramount P13-9
Here is the dealers catalog for 1968.
SLDB 1968 Dealers Catalog Page C
SLDB 1968 Dealers Catalog Page C
#5
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 109
Also you have to consider Paramounts most of the time were a custom build to the customers order and there was a liberal use/variaty of parts to the owners wishes. My 1974 P10-9 touring for example came with Campy brakes as an up grade over the stock Weimans. Also there were very few Schwinn dealers stores that you would walk into and see a Paramount in much less all the variations. Roger
#8
And welcome to Bike Forums, by the way, I know many here including myself will be interested in following your build. There's tons of knowledge here.
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-NOS-ne...p2047675.l2557
Wow, if this is the frame, it might be suggested that it not be built up but rather left in it's pristine condition. If it must be built up, it would be neat to source all the parts as NOS as well. Hanging any crusty used parts on that would be ugly.
This frame was probably a custom order, so adhering to any standard parts spec would not necessarily be important...it should be built as someone imagining their dream component set back in 1968.
Wow, if this is the frame, it might be suggested that it not be built up but rather left in it's pristine condition. If it must be built up, it would be neat to source all the parts as NOS as well. Hanging any crusty used parts on that would be ugly.
This frame was probably a custom order, so adhering to any standard parts spec would not necessarily be important...it should be built as someone imagining their dream component set back in 1968.
#10
Freewheel Medic



Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 13,567
Likes: 3,313
From: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Just to help everyone visualize this beauty---

Since only the frame is available with no fork, I'd say the sky's the limit.
But if you wanted to remain "stock" you'd need to source a 151 BCD Campagnolo Record crankset, Record FD & RD, the appropriate shifters, and Record pedals. It would have come with Weinmann centerpull calipers and levers, unless the original purchaser would have upgraded to the Campagnolo calipers and levers. A drop bolt would be needed for the rear caliper.
The wheels would have had Record high flange hubs most like laced to Mavic tubular rims. There is a chance the hubs would have been laced to 27" clincher rims. The freewheel would be a Regina Oro, 14-21 or 14-23 five speed. The stem and bars would be Cineli. A Record seat post, BB, and headset would round out the build with a Brooks Professional saddle.
You can see the challenge in sourcing all of these parts. Not easy. This is why I'd encourage you to build it with what you can find and then ride and enjoy it.

Since only the frame is available with no fork, I'd say the sky's the limit.
But if you wanted to remain "stock" you'd need to source a 151 BCD Campagnolo Record crankset, Record FD & RD, the appropriate shifters, and Record pedals. It would have come with Weinmann centerpull calipers and levers, unless the original purchaser would have upgraded to the Campagnolo calipers and levers. A drop bolt would be needed for the rear caliper.
The wheels would have had Record high flange hubs most like laced to Mavic tubular rims. There is a chance the hubs would have been laced to 27" clincher rims. The freewheel would be a Regina Oro, 14-21 or 14-23 five speed. The stem and bars would be Cineli. A Record seat post, BB, and headset would round out the build with a Brooks Professional saddle.
You can see the challenge in sourcing all of these parts. Not easy. This is why I'd encourage you to build it with what you can find and then ride and enjoy it.
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 21
Bikes: Fillet-brazed Schwinns
Being a full chrome non-track frame it was almost certainly a P13 model. You can see the original specifications and componentry here:

Being a 23" frame it appears to be a standard frame and not a custom order. You could verify that with a provenance report from Waterford Cycles.

Being a 23" frame it appears to be a standard frame and not a custom order. You could verify that with a provenance report from Waterford Cycles.
#12
feros ferio

Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,403
Likes: 1,871
From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
I love option 15(d): replace that beautiful Brooks Pro with a cheapo Unica Nitor plastic saddle at ... no extra cost.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#14
Full Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 450
Likes: 60
Just to help everyone visualize this beauty---

Since only the frame is available with no fork, I'd say the sky's the limit.
But if you wanted to remain "stock" you'd need to source a 151 BCD Campagnolo Record crankset, Record FD & RD, the appropriate shifters, and Record pedals. It would have come with Weinmann centerpull calipers and levers, unless the original purchaser would have upgraded to the Campagnolo calipers and levers. A drop bolt would be needed for the rear caliper.
The wheels would have had Record high flange hubs most like laced to Mavic tubular rims. There is a chance the hubs would have been laced to 27" clincher rims. The freewheel would be a Regina Oro, 14-21 or 14-23 five speed. The stem and bars would be Cineli. A Record seat post, BB, and headset would round out the build with a Brooks Professional saddle.
You can see the challenge in sourcing all of these parts. Not easy. This is why I'd encourage you to build it with what you can find and then ride and enjoy it.

Since only the frame is available with no fork, I'd say the sky's the limit.
But if you wanted to remain "stock" you'd need to source a 151 BCD Campagnolo Record crankset, Record FD & RD, the appropriate shifters, and Record pedals. It would have come with Weinmann centerpull calipers and levers, unless the original purchaser would have upgraded to the Campagnolo calipers and levers. A drop bolt would be needed for the rear caliper.
The wheels would have had Record high flange hubs most like laced to Mavic tubular rims. There is a chance the hubs would have been laced to 27" clincher rims. The freewheel would be a Regina Oro, 14-21 or 14-23 five speed. The stem and bars would be Cineli. A Record seat post, BB, and headset would round out the build with a Brooks Professional saddle.
You can see the challenge in sourcing all of these parts. Not easy. This is why I'd encourage you to build it with what you can find and then ride and enjoy it.
#16
feros ferio

Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,403
Likes: 1,871
From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Interesting -- perfect half-step gearing was stock that year.
By sometime in the early 1970s Schwinn had changed to 14-16-18-23-26, with that big ugly 5-tooth jump right where I want a gear. (I run 14-16-18-20-23-26 6-speed on the Bianchi, which works very well with either 50-47 half-step or 50-42 1.5-step.)
By sometime in the early 1970s Schwinn had changed to 14-16-18-23-26, with that big ugly 5-tooth jump right where I want a gear. (I run 14-16-18-20-23-26 6-speed on the Bianchi, which works very well with either 50-47 half-step or 50-42 1.5-step.)
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#18
Master Parts Rearranger

Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 2,800
From: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Bikes: 1987 Woodrup Competition - 2025 Trek Checkpoint SL 6 Gen 3 - 1987 Lotus Legend - 2024 Trek Emonda ALR Rim Brake - 1980 Trek 510 - 1988 Cannondale SR500 - 1985 Trek 670 - 1982 Trek 730
If it is indeed a frame with no fork, there are several chrome off-the-shelf options available, though they may be better suited to 700C wheels with 28mm tires max. Hopefully the chrome tones match. We shall see. I hope it came with a fork.
#19
Senior Member


Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,951
Likes: 688
From: Port Angeles, WA
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Well, since there's no fork included, I'd build it first with a CF fork, just because. See how I like it.
Why not?
Why not?
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#20
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 5
While researching my 68 Paramount I came across this thread. As it turns out this is my frame. The original poster passed away and I bought this frame and some other bikes and parts from his estate. Through the link to eBay in this thread I was able to see the original description and the serial numbers match. He had found most of the parts for it and all I had to do was put it all together. As stated the fork was/is an issue. When I completed the required posts I will post pictures. It was exciting to find out the frame had never been built.
#21
Senior Member




Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16,142
Likes: 9,516
From: PDX
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
While researching my 68 Paramount I came across this thread. As it turns out this is my frame. The original poster passed away and I bought this frame and some other bikes and parts from his estate. Through the link to eBay in this thread I was able to see the original description and the serial numbers match. He had found most of the parts for it and all I had to do was put it all together. As stated the fork was/is an issue. When I completed the required posts I will post pictures. It was exciting to find out the frame had never been built.
In the meantime, welcome aboard, glad you found us, you're in the right place.
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