Wee! I own a Paramount!
02-24-08 | 07:24 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 541
Likes: 2
From: Philadelphia
Bikes: Formerly...1978 Proteus, 1981 Miyata 912, 1983 Schwinn Paramount, 1962 Raleigh Sports Deluxe, 1976 Alan Super Record.
Wee! I own a Paramount!
I never thought I'd get the chance to own a bike this nice but I somehow managed to scoop this up. (I have also obliterated my bike budget for 2008.) Forgive me for boring you with this story, but I am SUPER EXCITED.
This bike originally popped up on the local Craigslist nearly two months ago, I had just purchased (practically stole) an OCLV Lemond a few weeks earlier and I was looking to flip it. I tried to e-mail the guy and asked if he was up for a trade, unfortunately my genius self had inadvertently set my e-mail spam filter to block ALL incoming messages and I never heard back. I eventually figured out why I wasn't getting any e-mails and finally got an answer...no. So I posted on CL/eBay finds here for another BF member to pick up. I kept seeing the bike pop on various regional Craigslists and soon enough, the author had deleted all the posts. (Heartbreak!) Then...two weeks ago I drove down to Westminster, MD for the annual Stop/Swap/Save and from afar I see a blue 25" bike standing on a table. I instantly recognized it and made a dazed, zombie-like trek over to the table. I introduced myself and told him that if I sold the Lemond I brought with me I would immediately be there with the cash to buy it. The Lemond didn't sell so I spent most of the day just staring at the wonderful blue bike. Anyways...the Paramount didn't sell either! I was thrilled and asked the guy what he was going to do with it. It was to end up on eBay but he said he would wait a little while. (Seller is an awesome guy.) I immediately went home and put the Lemond on eBay and sold it last week.
I'm the third owner of this Paramount. It started its life as a warranty replacement for an older Paramount and was not built up until a few years ago. It is in awesome shape and fits me perfectly. It's nearly all Super Record, save for the seatpost which is Nuovo. (Brake hoods are Modolo.) It will be receiving NR pedals, because they are prettier than SR. Stem and bars are Nitto.
The only number I can find on it anywhere is "635" on the Cinelli BB shell. Did Waterford have their fancy coding system in 1983? (Where would the serial be?) And I'm not sure what I want to do with the saddle!
This bike originally popped up on the local Craigslist nearly two months ago, I had just purchased (practically stole) an OCLV Lemond a few weeks earlier and I was looking to flip it. I tried to e-mail the guy and asked if he was up for a trade, unfortunately my genius self had inadvertently set my e-mail spam filter to block ALL incoming messages and I never heard back. I eventually figured out why I wasn't getting any e-mails and finally got an answer...no. So I posted on CL/eBay finds here for another BF member to pick up. I kept seeing the bike pop on various regional Craigslists and soon enough, the author had deleted all the posts. (Heartbreak!) Then...two weeks ago I drove down to Westminster, MD for the annual Stop/Swap/Save and from afar I see a blue 25" bike standing on a table. I instantly recognized it and made a dazed, zombie-like trek over to the table. I introduced myself and told him that if I sold the Lemond I brought with me I would immediately be there with the cash to buy it. The Lemond didn't sell so I spent most of the day just staring at the wonderful blue bike. Anyways...the Paramount didn't sell either! I was thrilled and asked the guy what he was going to do with it. It was to end up on eBay but he said he would wait a little while. (Seller is an awesome guy.) I immediately went home and put the Lemond on eBay and sold it last week.
I'm the third owner of this Paramount. It started its life as a warranty replacement for an older Paramount and was not built up until a few years ago. It is in awesome shape and fits me perfectly. It's nearly all Super Record, save for the seatpost which is Nuovo. (Brake hoods are Modolo.) It will be receiving NR pedals, because they are prettier than SR. Stem and bars are Nitto.
The only number I can find on it anywhere is "635" on the Cinelli BB shell. Did Waterford have their fancy coding system in 1983? (Where would the serial be?) And I'm not sure what I want to do with the saddle!
02-24-08 | 07:41 PM
#7
stringbreaker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,463
Likes: 2
From: wa. State
Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
Oh YEAH its a keeper. Nice score
__________________
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
02-24-08 | 07:51 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 4
From: Puyallup Washington
Bikes: Motobecane Mirage fixed gear, Nashbar Alpha Road 5000, Bianchi Grizzly, Coppi Fiorelli, , Schwinn Trike, , GT All Terra, Old Peugeot, Nishiki 3 speed, Bugatti, Cannondale Black Lightning, Dura All, Bianchi Touring, Bridgestone T700 & more
Stunning.........I second the vote for a Brooks Team Pro. That current saddle has got to go!
Hey that rhymes......
Kelly D
Hey that rhymes......
Kelly D
02-24-08 | 08:17 PM
#9
Freewheel Medic
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 13,572
Likes: 3,316
From: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Yogurt,
Make that three votes for a Brooks Professional. The blue is great and you made perfect choice! Are those tubular tires and rims?
501breeze, this is a Waterford Standard Paramount from '83. The lugs are rather plain, but were expensive Henry James investment cast lugs, actually. But what the lugs lack in flare, the decals make up for.
Make that three votes for a Brooks Professional. The blue is great and you made perfect choice! Are those tubular tires and rims?
501breeze, this is a Waterford Standard Paramount from '83. The lugs are rather plain, but were expensive Henry James investment cast lugs, actually. But what the lugs lack in flare, the decals make up for.
__________________
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
Last edited by pastorbobnlnh; 02-24-08 at 08:58 PM.
02-24-08 | 09:01 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 933
From: In transit
Bikes: 07 Vanilla, 98 IRD road frame built up with 25th Ann DA, Surly cross check with 105 comp, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, 85 Centurionelli
Yeah, a honey Team Pro; have one on my blue Vanilla and it looks awesome. Thanks for posting the great shots of her, that is one fine bike. Ride her in good health!
02-24-08 | 09:17 PM
#11
Chrome Freak
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,208
Likes: 26
From: Kuna, ID
Bikes: 71 Chrome Paramount P13-9, 73 Opaque Blue Paramount P15, 74 Blue Mink Raleigh Pro, 91 Waterford Paramount, Holland Titanium x2
You didn't bore me with the story at all. I love stories like this!
Congratulations, it looks like it is brand new. Oh, and put my vote down for a Brooks saddle, too.
Congratulations, it looks like it is brand new. Oh, and put my vote down for a Brooks saddle, too.
__________________
1971 Paramount P-13 Chrome
1973 Paramount P-15 Opaque Blue
1974 Raleigh Professional Blue Mink
1991 Waterford Paramount
Holland Titanium Dura Ace Group
Holland Titanium Ultegra Triple Group
1971 Paramount P-13 Chrome
1973 Paramount P-15 Opaque Blue
1974 Raleigh Professional Blue Mink
1991 Waterford Paramount
Holland Titanium Dura Ace Group
Holland Titanium Ultegra Triple Group
02-24-08 | 09:37 PM
#14
Keeper of the SLDB
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 6
From: Springfield, MO
Bikes: '75 Schwinn Paramount P-10, '86 Ritchey Commando, '87 Schwinn Cimarron, '91 Trek 990, '87 Schwinn High Sierra, '73 Schwinn Super Sport, '4? Schwinn New World, '76 Swing Bike.
Congrats! That bike is stunning.
Bob
Bob
02-24-08 | 09:46 PM
#15
Lanky Lass
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 21,434
Likes: 7
From: Take a deep breath, and ask--What would Sheldon do?
Bikes: Nishiki Nut! International, Pro, Olympic 12, Sport mixte, and others too numerous to mention.
Phew!
I can see why you had eyes only for that bike. What a beauty! AND in your size
.
Congratulations!
East Hill
I can see why you had eyes only for that bike. What a beauty! AND in your size
.Congratulations!
East Hill
__________________
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TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
___________________________________________________
TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
02-24-08 | 10:06 PM
#16
Velocommuter Commando
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 38
From: Houston, Texas
Bikes: '88 Specialized Sirrus, '89 Alpine Monitor Pass, two '70 Raligh Twenties, '07 Schwinn Town & Country Trike, '07 Specialized Sirrus Hybrid
02-24-08 | 11:10 PM
#18
Gorgeous ride! Congrats. I was supposed to look at a chrome paramount today, but the owner didn't hit the flea market this weekend. Maybe next weekend,,,,BD
And I will buy the Avocet O2 from you!! I have one on my PGN10 and love it!!!
,,,,BDAnd I will buy the Avocet O2 from you!! I have one on my PGN10 and love it!!!
__________________
So many bikes, so little dime.
So many bikes, so little dime.
02-24-08 | 11:58 PM
#19
Super Course fan
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,720
Likes: 9
From: Lost on the windswept plains of the Great Black Swamp
Add another vote for a Brooks. Beautiful bike.
02-25-08 | 08:21 AM
#20
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 541
Likes: 2
From: Philadelphia
Bikes: Formerly...1978 Proteus, 1981 Miyata 912, 1983 Schwinn Paramount, 1962 Raleigh Sports Deluxe, 1976 Alan Super Record.
Hmmm...I'm trying to read between the lines here, but I think what everyone is trying to tell me is that I need to put a Brooks on it. Thanks for all the comments!
02-25-08 | 08:59 AM
#22
feros ferio
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,413
Likes: 1,878
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;
That is a great-looking bike, but it does indeed need a Brooks Pro or Team Pro saddle. A pair of pedals may make it easier to ride.
__________________
"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
02-25-08 | 09:25 AM
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 14
From: Medford, MA
Bikes: Bob Jackson Super Tourer, '83 Trek 700, Gazelle Champ Mondial, Nishiki Comp II, Moto Grand Record, Peugeot UO-10 SS
saddle
No Yogurt, no. I'm going to be the lone voice of dissent here.
That ABA-styled logo is begging for a white Regal. Begging.
That ABA-styled logo is begging for a white Regal. Begging.
02-25-08 | 05:24 PM
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: Tucson AZ
Terrific find - Congrats.
But I have a different take on the saddle. I'm from the group that can't tell a Brooks from other medieval torture devices, but I think the Avocet O2 Air 40R is the most comfortable saddle ever. Unlike Brooks, they're no longer being made. From the prices they're recently fetching on ebay (see example here), I infer that my favorable opinion is shared by at least a few others. If it's in good shape and photographed well, you may be able auction if off for enough, or almost enough, to cover the cost of a B-17.
But I have a different take on the saddle. I'm from the group that can't tell a Brooks from other medieval torture devices, but I think the Avocet O2 Air 40R is the most comfortable saddle ever. Unlike Brooks, they're no longer being made. From the prices they're recently fetching on ebay (see example here), I infer that my favorable opinion is shared by at least a few others. If it's in good shape and photographed well, you may be able auction if off for enough, or almost enough, to cover the cost of a B-17.
02-25-08 | 07:59 PM
#25
Man what a beauty... also, best use of a nitto stem I have seen to date. The perfect extension to length ratio makes it look normal. I may have to reconsider one for the gazelle.
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1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear