How does a Surly Pacer compare to a Schwinn Paramount?
 

I've heard the Paramount is fricken tank. How does it (minus the asthetics and lugs) compare in ride to the Surly Pacer?

The Schwinn isn't a tank. In car terms, think of it as a GT car. Fast and luxurious, not (by most current standards) a full-on race toy. Great for fast centuries.

I have a Surly, great training bike. You can mount your fender all the way around, allows for larger tires and it's not very expensive, so for what it is (training bike) it works well.
Having said that I'd never race it. It is a tank, flexie and handles like tractor.
I'd say given the option of the two take the Schwinn