Paramount?
04-28-14 | 08:49 AM
#1
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“part-timer”
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 659
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From: Tidewater VA
Bikes: 1975 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1978 Bertin C35, 1982 Trek 614, 1983 Trek 620, 1984 Nishiki Seral, 1995 Mercian Ko’M, 1998 Fisher HKEK, 2000 Rivendell RS, 2001 Heron Touring, 2016 Nobilette Custom
Paramount?
Hey guys - saw this "Paramount" for sale on eBay this AM, and I was wondering what you thought.
Schwinn Paramount P 13 1979 Never Ridden Original Campagnolo Nervex Lugs | eBay
I emailed the seller, and the serial number is 20648, which doesn't match the normal Paramount numbering system. That (and a bunch of other stuff that just looks wrong) leads me to think that it's an early 80s Superior that someone has stuck a Paramount headbadge and decals on, but I might be mistaken. Any thoughts?
Schwinn Paramount P 13 1979 Never Ridden Original Campagnolo Nervex Lugs | eBay
I emailed the seller, and the serial number is 20648, which doesn't match the normal Paramount numbering system. That (and a bunch of other stuff that just looks wrong) leads me to think that it's an early 80s Superior that someone has stuck a Paramount headbadge and decals on, but I might be mistaken. Any thoughts?
04-28-14 | 09:35 AM
#2
Curmudgeon in Training
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 11
From: Rural Retreat, VA
Bikes: 1974 Gazelle Champion Mondial, 2010 Cannondale Trail SL, 1988 Peugeot Nice, 1992ish Stumpjumper Comp,1990's Schwinn Moab
All original stickers are in great condition. After purchasing the bike he added the paramount stickers to make it more original
04-28-14 | 09:44 AM
#3
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 125
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From: Saint John, IN
Bikes: Independent Fabrication, Felt F2, Ciocc, Schwinn Vovageur, Paramount, Madison, Carbon Nishiki Elan, Gios Compact, Torino, Masi track, and a Yetti
It seems like there are some letters and or numbers missing from the beginning of the serial number???? What year did that groupo come out? It's Gran sport isn't it? Ask if he can post a picture of the serial number.
04-28-14 | 09:52 AM
#4
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4
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From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bikes: 1939 Paramount Racer, 1959 P12, 1969 P13, 1971 P14, 1972 P13, 1973 P13, 1975 P13, 1986 Paramount, 1939 Superior, 1971 Schwinn Sports Tourer, 1980's Mercian King of Mercia
That is an 83 Superior that's been altered. RD is incorrect, gear cluster shows a lot of grime for 'never been ridden', wrong headbadge. Those Superiors were leftover Paramount frames with a Tange fork, hence the non-matching fork crown. Guess it's OK if you want a used Superior, but it is emphatically NOT a Paramount.
I really get disgusted with all the misrepresented Paramounts on ebay.
I really get disgusted with all the misrepresented Paramounts on ebay.
04-28-14 | 10:07 AM
#5
Thread Starter
“part-timer”
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 659
Likes: 232
From: Tidewater VA
Bikes: 1975 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1978 Bertin C35, 1982 Trek 614, 1983 Trek 620, 1984 Nishiki Seral, 1995 Mercian Ko’M, 1998 Fisher HKEK, 2000 Rivendell RS, 2001 Heron Touring, 2016 Nobilette Custom
That is an 83 Superior that's been altered. RD is incorrect, gear cluster shows a lot of grime for 'never been ridden', wrong headbadge. Those Superiors were leftover Paramount frames with a Tange fork, hence the non-matching fork crown. Guess it's OK if you want a used Superior, but it is emphatically NOT a Paramount.
I really get disgusted with all the misrepresented Paramounts on ebay.
I really get disgusted with all the misrepresented Paramounts on ebay.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...servation.html
04-28-14 | 06:56 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 701
Likes: 13
From: So Cal
Bikes: Cimarrons 1835, 0836, 1767, 3517, 0768, 3408, a LHT, and a couple others
I agree, it's a Superior. Should have Tange fork tabs, and the braze-on on the down tube for the shifters is a dead give away. You can get the original decals for the bike. Head badges also come up from time to time; the correct color would be red like the Paramount headbadge that's on it. It would be yellow if the Superior was orange.
All that said, do some research on who made that Superior; if you're a Paramount fan, then there's nothing NOT to love about these bikes. If you want a beautifully brazed 70's Paramount, you want a Don Mainland frame. Or, you could find yourself an 81-83 Superior. Aside from the fork, it's the same thing.
All that said, do some research on who made that Superior; if you're a Paramount fan, then there's nothing NOT to love about these bikes. If you want a beautifully brazed 70's Paramount, you want a Don Mainland frame. Or, you could find yourself an 81-83 Superior. Aside from the fork, it's the same thing.
04-28-14 | 07:32 PM
#7
Thread Starter
“part-timer”
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 659
Likes: 232
From: Tidewater VA
Bikes: 1975 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1978 Bertin C35, 1982 Trek 614, 1983 Trek 620, 1984 Nishiki Seral, 1995 Mercian Ko’M, 1998 Fisher HKEK, 2000 Rivendell RS, 2001 Heron Touring, 2016 Nobilette Custom
I'm aware of the disirability of the Racine made Paramounts over the Chicagos, and I'd agree with you that Superiors of this era are fine bikes. I just have a major problem with someone trying to pass off a repainted Superior as a Paramount, especially for $1200. I'm pretty sure this guy knows exactly what he's doing. What's wrong with people?
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