Why? Doesn't sound ridiculous to me, and I'm a Paramount fellow...about as close as I want to get to a PX10 is my '83 PSV-10 (which, with Super Vitus 980, is lighter then either the PX10 or the Paramount).

Sentementality to a particular machine, even if inferior (not that I'm plunging the PX10 in that category), in many cases, surpasses the quality/condition of the machine.

For instance, my daily rider is a 1969 Raleigh-made Robin Hood Sports, and I wouldn't trade it for an NOS '70s Paramount. The Robin Hood, mind you, is 99% rust and 1% 20-30 steel. Yet, it's the darned most reliable 3-speed in my fleet, and it has taken every bit of abuse I've thrown at it without so much as a rattling rear reflector. May I note, that bike has done some fair offroading at 15 mph (a.k.a.: grab the bars and HANG ON).

Would I part with this rusty, crusty steed?

No.

Would I trade it for a PX10?

No.

Would I trade it for a Paramount?

No...I've already got a Paramount :p ;)

-Kurt

I'm primarily a "Schwinnie", but I won't flame you. I own three paramounts, a 1962 P13, 1971 P15 tourer, and a Y2K Serotta built titanium framed Paramount. I also own an early seventies PX-10. I like them all. I have to admit though that my favorite bikes are my two circa 1970 Gitane Tour de Frances :p .

nuffin' ever seems completely ridiculous. I have a 1971 61 cm frame and fork hanging in the garage when you decide you'd like to see what one is like. Straight, no dents, sprayed with black Imron over total chrome (paint's rough. dunno what the chrome under the paint looks like, though. Might be great, might be awful). No decals.

I feel the same way about my TdF. It's a relatively cheap bike, but they got the frame geometry just right, IMO.

There are some really interesting Gitanes on eBay right now, including a track bike and an Interclub frame with very cool rear dropouts.

Are you a troll who's just baiting us or a dumb *ss?

Tim

folks
Lets keep it friendly here, we at C&V have a reputation for civility we
need to maintain.

thanks,
Marty

Summary:

The original question was "Is the Paramount overrated?" I counted 4 distinct opinions that it was and 16 distinct opinions that it was not overrated. A number of posters gave reasons why they held it in high regard and corrected prices and weights used in the comparison. Some of the posters seemed to display a fair amount of objectivity and also opined that the Peugeot PX10 was a fine bicycle as well.

Conclusion: Paramounts are highly regarded on the Classic & Vintage bike forum and not deemed overrated.

Amen!

Hey Kurt! I already said that--- all the way back at post #79!

So be it!

Bob

Late to the party....wow, I missed a good one. I have a 71 Paramount and a 71ish PX-10. I like them both and actually think that they have very similar rides...if I had to pick my two best riding machines these two would rank at the top. The Paramount is a bit more versatile due to more clearance for fenders, but both are cool in their own way. The Paramount is the king of American bikes (at least for a 70's child of suburbia) and the Peugeot is...well, French. Both bikes are fine riding steeds and I think we all need to get one of each!

I'm not sure what year Paramount you weighed that came out to 26lbs. In the later half of the 90's a paramount frame and fork in the 56cm size weighed a triffle over 4.3 lbs. These were made with either tig welded Reynolds 853 or you could geta lugged Reynolds 853. I have a 58cm and with all gear, bags and water bottles, and the actual wieght is 20lbs 10oz.

Are Paramounts Overrated?

Yes, in context.

Technically, any experienced and capable builder with a 531 tubeset, Nervex lugs, and Campagnolo dropouts could assemble these components into a technical twin, but where the Paramount shines is in another department.

Schwinn had the resources, and more importantly, the desire to actually test geometry during riding conditions. Fork rakes were tested to a great degree for example.

The Paramount was way ahead of it's time, and basically established the European stereotype that American bicycles were too carefully crafted and jigged etc. This of course was not meant as a compliment, and most European bikes from this same era will prove this out.

The "Golden Years" Paramounts were, and still are 100% roadworthy, and one will not ever doubt the integrity of the construction. That actually is a big deal.

The Paramount is it's own animal, and has a unique ride.

The comparison to race victories etc. only highlights the fact of the Paramount's unique pedigree, an American effort to build a World Class racing bicycle in a country that the sport of roadracing virtually did not exist, talk about pioneers!

I will keep my Paramount, thank you.