Man you have nice bikes! Here is a pic showing the down and seat tubes. I must have really been hoping they would be different...

Jim, I agree they look the same at the BB shell, but the seat tube looks smaller up by the front derailleur clamp. Some 28.6mm OS seat tubes flared to 31.7 at the BB to stiffen the BB area, but I don't have the profiles for the early True Temper OS to know if the seat tube had a flare at the bottom. This description of the "Paramount Tubing " (True Temper OS) in the 1989 catalog says the seat tube has a flare at the bottom. Bottom line, I think the bike has OS tubing, but the only way to know for sure is to measure it.

Very interesting thread, for me, since I am lucky enough to have a Waterford. The serial number is...

E96058 (all I can see through the paint). Perhaps these pictures will help and any information offered here, will be much appreciated. As for paying Waterford $50.00 for a report, probably not.

Randy, E96058 decodes to the 58th frameset scheduled for production during the month of May, 1996. "E" is May, "96" is 1996, and "058" is the production sequence that month.

By 1996, Waterford had reverted from the "self-describing" serial number format described above in this thread to the basic serial numbering format used in the 1970s by Schwinn.

Is there a model number on the seat tube decal?

Brilliant Stan! Yes, if I count Pixels for the downtube near the shell vs by the derailleur I get a difference of about 9%. Pretty close to what you would expect! Thanks!!

Over the years, when I've noticed model information posted on the Waterford website or Waterford forum, I've saved these notes. This information helps sort out the construction (lugged or TIG welded) and geometry of the various models.

Waterford Model Notes

The 1100, 1200, 2200 all share the same race/criterium (also referred to as 'R' geometry i.e. R-14, R-33) handling geometry. The 1100 was built out of a custom Reynolds 531 tubeset and came in stock even geometries from 50cm to 62cm and non-stainless dropouts.

The 1200 upgraded to a custom Reynolds 753 set (heat-treated 531) that was lighter and stronger. It was available in both stock geometries in 1 cm increments and customs. They had stainless dropouts. 1100/1200 production ceased in 2002 when Reynolds put all of their promotion behind 853 and discontinued 531 & 753.

Waterford introduced its own brand of custom bikes in the summer of 1993, taking advantage of a newly reawakened relationship with Reynolds. Reynolds was willing to build custom versions of their top of the line offering - 753. Waterford introduced the 1200 Road Race, 1400 Off-Road Race and 1600 Multisport editions. Our section on product history covers the development and evolution of Waterford's model lines.

1996 –

What We Build:

Model 1200/2200 Road Racing Frameset

Our premier road racing frameset represents over a century of technological advances and careful refinements. This design balances the need for minimum weight, maximum pedaling efficiency, rider comfort, responsive handling and superb fit. Twenty one standard sizes. From $1,100.

Model 1100 Road Racing Frameset

Our entry-level road racing frameset represents an economical path to a world class ride. Same geometry as the 1200, but with our special Reynolds 531 OS tubeset, forged chrome-moly dropouts and our exclusive integrated cable guides. Seven standard sizes. From $800.

Model 1250 Sports Touring Frameset

Perfect for supported touring such as RAGBRAI and BAMMI, the 1250 combines the athletics of the 1200 with the comfort of a classic road touring bike. The 1250 includes rear rack support for credit card touring. Twenty-one standard sizes. From $1,100.

Model 2400 Off-Road Racing Framesets

More and more riders have come to appreciate the Waterford off-road Ride. Great fit, supple handling and durable construction add up to great performance! Fourteen standard sizes. Rigid or suspension forks available. From $1,050.

Model 1600/2600 Multisport Competition Frameset

From the pioneers in 650B wheel design comes a bike with the ideal acceleration and rider aerodynamics for multisport competitors. Seventeen standard sizes. From $1,100.

Model 1700/1800/2800 Competition Track Frameset

Bred from decades of world championship competition, our competition track framesets thrive on the rigors of track. Each tube and lug has been custom engineered to meet the requirements and withstand the rigors of track riding. Our geometries and stiffness insure the maneuverability needed to excel. From $600.

Model 1900 Adventure Cycle

New for '96, our model 1900 Adventure Cycle frameset builds into a bike ideal for both cross-continent unsupported touring as well as commuting around town. Clearance for big 700x40C tires, canti- brake studs, double front and rear eyelets, rack braze-ons, triple water bottle bosses support all the creature features you'll ever need. Twenty-one standard sizes. From $1,100.


The 2200 is the custom 853/True Temper OX Plat version and is the current lugged execution with this geometry.

[U]Component build kits are entirely at the whim of the owner as we don't offer complete bikes.[/B]

11's, 12's and 22's are lugged and silver-brazed. The 14 and 33 series are TIG welded.

Jim, I scaled the photo assuming the down tube was 31.7 (OS). The seat tube at the BB shell is the same (31.7) as the down tube, but at the FD clamp it slims down to 28.6. I'm convinced the bike has True Temper OS tubing with a flared seat tube at the BB shell, but taking a caliper to it will confirm.

You, sir, are very helpful! I'm pretty sure I will be purchasing this bike!

There is a decal on the top tube "Precision 1200 Cycles. USA but there is nothing like that on the seat tube. I should get out and take some pictures of this bicycle, just busier than two flies on a pig's butt, working on my cottage, these days.

Old thread revival. Looking at a frame that is supposed to be Waterford Paramount, circa 1986. This is the number: 6 0D W M86051. Looking at it, I think is says 60 centimeter frame D? W? made in December 1986, #051 of that month. What do the D & W stand for?

"D" is the fork steerer tube length, and would be correct for a 60cm frame. There should be three digits in front of the D, and it is the seat tube length from the center of the crank spindle to the top of the seat tube in millimeters. If it's a 60cm frame, that would be 600D...

"W" indicates the frame was made at Schwinn's Paramount Design Group (PDG) facility in Waterford, Wisconsin.



You've got the M86051 decoded correctly. Since it was a December build, the specs are likely 1987 model year.

Thanks!