Going To Buy A Schwinn Paramount One Of These Days

[mike1117]

Schwinn Waterford- Paramount 59cm - bicycles - by owner - bike sale - craigslist

Don't have to say much about this bike, those who know know. Schwinns flagship Paramount was always a top shelf classic and renowned high end bike in the 60s, 70s and 80s. This one was made for...

sfbay.craigslist.org

I am a babe in the woods when it comes to these bikes. I have no problem over spending $1000 on rusty old Stingray and Krate bikes most people would not look twice at and think I am crazy to buy them as I pretty much know what is correct, incorrect, or missing on the bikes, and what every part on the bike is worth. It would be nice if a nice Paramount I like the appearance of showed up at a bike show for sale where others who know these bikes might be there and steer me in the right direction about any of the bikes for sale. For now I am just window shopping and learning more and more bits and pieces about them. But for lack of space and knowledge I do not see buying one any time soon, maybe someday.

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

Schwinn Waterford- Paramount 59cm - bicycles - by owner - bike sale - craigslist

Don't have to say much about this bike, those who know know. Schwinns flagship Paramount was always a top shelf classic and renowned high end bike in the 60s, 70s and 80s. This one was made for...

sfbay.craigslist.org

I am a babe in the woods when it comes to these bikes. I have no problem over spending $1000 on rusty old Stingray and Krate bikes most people would not look twice at and think I am crazy to buy them as I pretty much know what is correct, incorrect, or missing on the bikes, and what every part on the bike is worth. It would be nice if a nice Paramount I like the appearance of showed up at a bike show for sale where others who know these bikes might be there and steer me in the right direction about any of the bikes for sale. For now I am just window shopping and learning more and more bits and pieces about them. But for lack of space and knowledge I do not see buying one any time soon, maybe someday.

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Mike, you’re smart to do your research as there are many subtle differences “just like with the Sting Rays”. First choice is if your looking for a Rider, or a Wall Hanger? The days of hand built steel tube frames have been replaced by carbon fiber molded frames. This has made many beautiful frames available. You just have to be patient to find the size, model, geometry, and parts group you need. Keep in mind that after 1983 (really after about 1980) Schwinn did not build and sell Paramounts as fully assembled bicycles. The customer and dealer placed an order for a custom build frame set from Richard Schwinn’s Waterford factory. The Schwinn Regional Distribution Center (Schwinn Sales West) made available assembly kits with built up wheels. SunTour, Shimano, Campagnolo, Sew-ups or Clinchers lots of choices were available to the dealer. For this reason thirty five years removed you will not find two bikes the same today. You will still find lots of original 1971 to 1974 Paramounts today. IMO the only collectible Paramounts are the frames/bikes built by the original Schwinn Family. But I’m certain you view the Walmart Schwinn bicycles differently than the early Sting Rays. John

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

Mike, you’re smart to do your research as there are many subtle differences “just like with the Sting Rays”. First choice is if your looking for a Rider, or a Wall Hanger? The days of hand built steel tube frames have been replaced by carbon fiber molded frames. This has made many beautiful frames available. You just have to be patient to find the size, model, geometry, and parts group you need. Keep in mind that after 1983 (really after about 1980) Schwinn did not build and sell Paramounts as fully assembled bicycles. The customer and dealer placed an order for a custom build frame set from Richard Schwinn’s Waterford factory. The Schwinn Regional Distribution Center (Schwinn Sales West) made available assembly kits with built up wheels. SunTour, Shimano, Campagnolo, Sew-ups or Clinchers lots of choices were available to the dealer. For this reason thirty five years removed you will not find two bikes the same today. You will still find lots of original 1971 to 1974 Paramounts today. IMO the only collectible Paramounts are the frames/bikes built by the original Schwinn Family. But I’m certain you view the Walmart Schwinn bicycles differently than the early Sting Rays. John