Schwinn Paramount 75th Anniversary

[Keith A]

I'm not sure this has been posted here yet, but Schwinn along with Waterford is rolling out their 75th Anniversary Paramount. They've got the first production ones finished and I think they look great.

Here's a link to their website...
http://schwinnparamount75th.com/

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/10002139334_73ea74c2fc_z.jpg

[Mikej]

They do look great, I looked at the price list and the options can really crank up the price.

[kramnnim]

A friend of mine ordered a Waterford, but it was taking a very long time so he switched his order over to one of these Paramounts.

[witcombusa]

The lug set is nice. Decals and head badge too.

The fork and having it drilled for electric shifting ruins the whole thing for me.

I'll just continue on with my '85 PDG Paramount w/7400 thank you...

[Ralph]

Love it. My first real bike was a P15 all chrome Paramount 1n 1973. Then went on to painted P13's. Last one was a 50th anniversary. I always have a special feeling for Paramounts.

[thirdgenbird]

I want to see one with a carbon fork and a Campagnolo 80th group.

[Dale Alan]

Very nice,dreamy ! I have a soft spot for Paramounts,like a fool I sold mine long ago. Did not realize what I had at the time.

[FlashUNC]

I'm just not a fan of the straight fork for that bike, whether carbon or steel.

The lug work and details are beautiful, just screams for a non-straight blade fork.

[sw3759]

holy smokes! thats one hot looking seat cluster.gotta check out the whole bike to see if measures up to that pic.wow

[Seramount]

sorry, that bike is butt-ugly.

I'll stick with my Serotta Ti version.

[T.J.]

The fork and having it drilled for electric shifting ruins the whole thing for me...

I'm shocked !!:p:p

[bigman]

Gotta agree - ugly.

[fuzzalow]

Always a tough task to walk a fine line between hitting on the right styling cues to evoke the vibe of the iconic Paramount without making the effort seem as in name only.

IMO this effort was a miss. Sloping toptube along with a straight carbon fork ruined the classic lines. They could have gone with a curved carbon fork, if there are any made, but the sloping toptube is the buzzkill for me. Too bad.

[Scooper]

Tough crowd.

The lugs are custom made for each individual bike (each lugset is individually crafted for each order), so the customer gets to decide whether it gets a sloped or level top tube. Likewise, the fork blades can be straight, curved, threaded, threadless, or carbon. Don't want it drilled for electric shifting? Fine; it won't get drilled.

Jeesh.

The first one has a level TT.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Waterford%20953%20Frame/75thAnnivFrame_zpsb268fbb9.jpg

[jr59]

Tough crowd.

The lugs are custom made for each individual bike (each lugset is individually crafted for each order), so the customer gets to decide whether it gets a sloped or level top tube. Likewise, the fork blades can be straight, curved, threaded, threadless, or carbon. Don't want it drilled for electric shifting? Fine; it won't get drilled.

Jeesh.

The first one has a level TT.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Waterford%20953%20Frame/75thAnnivFrame_zpsb268fbb9.jpg


Tough crowd around here!

I like it, and wish I had one coming.

To the rest of you; "get off my grass"!

[fuzzalow]

^ Now that's what I'm talkin' about! That's a beauty, worthy of the name and heritage.

[Ahneida Ride]

How may Central Bank shopping coupons ?

[Seramount]

IMO this effort was a miss. Sloping toptube along with a straight carbon fork ruined the classic lines. They could have gone with a curved carbon fork, if there are any made, but the sloping toptube is the buzzkill for me. Too bad.

yep, those are my objections as well. the horizontal TT version is infinitely nicer looking. the sloping POS was so bad, I didn't even view it long enough to notice the nice lug work.

that nasty fork still sucks, tho.

[biker72]

Anyone see any prices listed ???

[avalonracing]

One of the color options is Coppertone. That should be cool-looking.

[bobswire]

Anyone see any prices listed ???

http://schwinnparamount75th.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/SchwinnParamount75th-SRP-20130801.pdf

[evo111@comcast.net]

I think it has the right look - I second the vote for the frame with an 80th Anniversary campy group

[Scooper]

http://schwinnparamount75th.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/SchwinnParamount75th-SRP-20130801.pdf

I think Schwinn learned from the 70th anniversary Paramount project in which Waterford was also the builder. It had a sloping top tube and carbon fork, and the frameset was priced at $7,500. Each was custom built from Reynolds 953, but sales were disappointing. Having the three versions this go-around with base prices for the frames from $3,800 to $5,350 should make this effort more successful.

Here's the 70th.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Waterford%20953%20Frame/70thAnnivParamount.jpg

[ultraman6970]

Are they trying to emulate their racing heritage or something? because if that's the case the bike is not even close to racing. I find it really ugly in the geometry (white bike set as hybrid with Di2 picture). All depends a lot of what they are trying to sell or believe they are selling :)


What I would have done is just pure racing stuff and even with a quill stem as it should, that would have translated more their racing origins.

[cnighbor1]

A friend of mine ordered a Waterford, but it was taking a very long time so he switched his order over to one of these Paramounts.

Isn't these Paramounts built by waterfpord. so wait time shouldn't change much if I am correct
charles

[Keith A]

Isn't these Paramounts built by waterfpord. so wait time shouldn't change much if I am correct
charlesYes they are being built by Waterford, but only they would know how this fits in their priority queue.

[Germany_chris]

I agree the as built white one is ugly.

[WickedWheels]

I think Schwinn learned from the 70th anniversary Paramount project in which Waterford was also the builder. It had a sloping top tube and carbon fork, and the frameset was priced at $7,500. Each was custom built from Reynolds 953, but sales were disappointing. Having the three versions this go-around with base prices for the frames from $3,800 to $5,350 should make this effort more successful.

Here's the 70th.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Waterford%20953%20Frame/70thAnnivParamount.jpg

I sold one of those a few years ago and they were awesome to deal with. The bike came out real pretty with an all-silver cockpit. These ones are so much nicer than the Serotta-built Schwinns. I used to sell those, too, and they looked like budget Serottas with cheaper tubing. These, at least to my eye, don't look like any less of a bike than a Waterford, as it should be.

[christian]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Waterford%20953%20Frame/75thAnnivFrame_zpsb268fbb9.jpg

This really hits all the right notes for me. Built with an Athena/Chorus mix, mmmmmm!

(Well, excepting that this one is electronic only - that's not for me. But aesthetically, I can't find much to fault.)

[kramnnim]

Isn't these Paramounts built by waterfpord. so wait time shouldn't change much if I am correct
charles

I think the Waterford was supposed to have been done before the Paramounts were announced, but the lead time ended up being ~6 months longer than expected or something so he had time to change the order. I'm assuming the original Waterford would have arrived sooner than the Paramount will...but who knows. Either way it's taken a very long time...lol.

[redir]

I would love to have one of those, I think they are beautiful. I've always loved the old Paramount's. I took my Paramount mountain bike for a ride yesterday, don't have one for the road though.

[Rednivek]

Here is #2 done up with Campy..

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/11470392913_9cc3310a67_b.jpg

[Rednivek]

And here's a Coppertone....

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/11717183895_b2d4bf0f79_b.jpg

[Scooper]

Gorgeous.

[wtex]

Wow, those are beautiful. I hope anyone on Paceline who gets one will post pics.

[54ny77]

THAT is friggin' beautiful right there.

And here's a Coppertone....

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/11717183895_b2d4bf0f79_b.jpg

[Lazer]

these bikes look great!

[SPOKE]

The frame shown in post #29 of this thread is what I ordered in stainless. Then add the steel fork w/polished crown & dropouts (delete Di2 ports).

[ColonelJLloyd]

Are they trying to emulate their racing heritage or something? because if that's the case the bike is not even close to racing.

I would think the target audience are males 60+ who want a modern club bike that says Schwinn Paramount.

Nice looking frames, but I've yet to see an attractive build.

[thirdgenbird]

Nice looking frames, but I've yet to see an attractive build.

Agreed. The frame has a lot of potential, but every build thus far has let me down.

[FlashUNC]

I would think the target audience are males 60+ who want a modern club bike that says Schwinn Paramount.

Nice looking frames, but I've yet to see an attractive build.

Agreed. The frame has a lot of potential, but every build thus far has let me down.

They'll get it right eventually. There's a couple on order for a local shop here. Curious to see what it looks like when it arrives.

[thirdgenbird]

They'll get it right eventually.

Oh, I know they will. I will keep checking back in.

[Rednivek]

The frame shown in post #29 of this thread is what I ordered in stainless. Then add the steel fork w/polished crown & dropouts (delete Di2 ports).


Awesome, steel fork with SS crown and drops here, too.

[Rednivek]

Agreed. The frame has a lot of potential, but every build thus far has let me down.


What would you do if you were ordering and building one?

[SPOKE]

Wait for it........

[thirdgenbird]

What would you do if you were ordering and building one?

Here were my two ideas:

Light blue paint on air frame
Steel fork
Full silver Athena
Silver T11 hubs laced with silver spokes to hard ano tb14 rims
Veloflex master tires
Ritchey classic post/stem/bars

grey paint w/ polished stainless stays
Painted carbon fork
Campagnolo 80th
Black Record hubs laced with silver spokes to black tb14 rims
Veloflex Master tires
Moots post and stem with deda bars

Wait for it........

I think spoke gets it.

[Scooper]

I'm curious why customers are interested in painting an all stainless steel frameset.

In the 1970s, the chrome plated Paramounts were very desirable and one of the reasons for their desirability (besides the bling factor) was that there was no paint to chip, scratch, peel, or oxidize. With an all stainless frame there are the same advantages, plus the added benefit of not worrying about hydrogen embrittlement or the extra weight of chrome plating (or paint).

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Waterford%20B07014/Lugs.jpg

[SPOKE]

I'm curious why customers are interested in painting an all stainless steel frameset.

In the 1970s, the chrome plated Paramounts were very desirable and one of the reasons for their desirability (besides the bling factor) was that there was no paint to chip, scratch, peel, or oxidize. With an all stainless frame there are the same advantages, plus the added benefit of not worrying about hydrogen embrittlement or the extra weight of chrome plating (or paint).

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Waterford%20B07014/Lugs.jpg

The new Stainless Steels will actually develop some light surface rust if the finish is " bright brushed" finished using a non-woven abrasive such as a Scotchbrite pad/belt. If the tube has a bright "chrome-polish" then the chance of this surface rust developing is greatly reduced.

I've got a brushed stainless frame and it's a little bit of a challenge to keep the rust spots away

[Scooper]

The new Stainless Steels will actually develop some light surface rust if the finish is " bright brushed" finished using a non-woven abrasive such as a Scotchbrite pad/belt. If the tube has a bright "chrome-polish" then the chance of this surface rust developing is greatly reduced.

I've got a brushed stainless frame and it's a little bit of a challenge to keep the rust spots away

Thanks; I've heard that. Mine is nearly seven years old with a high polish finish, and there has never been even a hint of rust or staining. I just wipe it off occasionally with a damp terry cloth towel, but that's the only maintenance I've ever performed on the finish.

[kykr13]

Anyone see any prices listed ???

I've been eyeing them for awhile. Definitely an "if you have to ask..." sort of thing. :) Frame only starts at $3800.

[Scooper]

Price List. Note that the full stainless frame has polished or painted main tubes for the same price.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Schwinn%20Publ%20Pages/SchwinnParamount75th-SRP-20130801_zpsffe4bc5f.jpg

[Rednivek]

Blue Flame...

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/12024597906_397bef1d00_b.jpg

[SPOKE]

Blue Flame...

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/12024597906_397bef1d00_b.jpg

This one turned out really nice. Wish they would show he forks though.

[cnighbor1]

They do look great, I looked at the price list and the options can really crank up the price.
Last week or two I asked Richard Schwinn about availability
Three left to order
charles

[Ahneida Ride]

The new Stainless Steels will actually develop some light surface rust if the finish is " bright brushed" finished using a non-woven abrasive such as a Scotchbrite pad/belt. If the tube has a bright "chrome-polish" then the chance of this surface rust developing is greatly reduced.

I've got a brushed stainless frame and it's a little bit of a challenge to keep the rust spots away

Spoke ..

My Bedford has full polish KVA seat and chain stays.
Kelly hand polished it to a finish better then chrome.
I have no signs of surface rust.

So I guess you are correct ...

[cachagua]

Probably there's such a simple answer that this question will look dumb. But -- about the head tube extension: what's the advantage over simply joining the top tube higher on the head tube?

Is a shorter head tube better? Can't think why. Is it to avoid a sloping top tube? No, plenty of bikes have sloping top tubes and head tube extensions.

There must be a reason. Anybody? Bueller?

[bart998]

Probably there's such a simple answer that this question will look dumb. But -- about the head tube extension: what's the advantage over simply joining the top tube higher on the head tube?

Is a shorter head tube better? Can't think why. Is it to avoid a sloping top tube? No, plenty of bikes have sloping top tubes and head tube extensions.

There must be a reason. Anybody? Bueller?

Top tubes were traditionally level, not slanted. So, the seat tube length (frame size back then) set the head tube length.

[Tim Porter]

Well, I guess I fit that demographic (old Paramount lovers), so I must disclose that I'm down for No. 25 (at least I was told that I got the last one). Over 40 years ago, an orange all-Campy Paramount was my first serious racing bike, bought when it was a couple years old from a guy in Columbus, Ohio. My new one will look just like the copper tone one shown above (though the seat lug will not be polished--that's not how MINE was, doncha know).

I'm considering orange, light blue (like the Olympic team Paramounts in the '72 Olympics) or maybe the candy red. The one I had was chromed on the lower part of the fork, the seat stays and the chain stays. I may not be able to get that look on the fork, though I'm going to get the steel fork with the SS dropouts and crown.

The decals will be like the copper tone one, not like the red one that has a big white panel on the DT. Level top tube. Along with the steel fork, I plan to spring for an Enve fork painted to match--I've had some great rides on steel bikes with carbon forks, so I want that option. [My '70 Paramount had a second fork as well--a Paramount track bike fork painted to match. History is hysterical.]

Here I am (was) after winning a time trial on the Paramount over FORTY ONE YEARS AGO. Holy ___. I was clearly working on my aero position even then:

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a583/porterphoto1/Image_zps259d24b8.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/porterphoto1/media/Image_zps259d24b8.jpg.html)

[wallymann]

i grew up in CMH...love the FBCI jersey! brings back memories. where was this picture taken?


Here I am (was) after winning a time trial on the Paramount over FORTY ONE YEARS AGO. Holy ___. I was clearly working on my aero position even then:

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a583/porterphoto1/Image_zps259d24b8.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/porterphoto1/media/Image_zps259d24b8.jpg.html)

[Tim Porter]

wallymann: Pretty sure it was in Kokomo, Indiana, but it was long ago and far away. The next season I joined the Wolverine Sports Club--seems I've seen you write about that, too. Tim

[wallymann]

yep -- moved from c-bus up to d-town in 1990...J-O-B came callin!

wallymann: Pretty sure it was in Kokomo, Indiana, but it was long ago and far away. The next season I joined the Wolverine Sports Club--seems I've seen you write about that, too. Tim

[josephr]

The websites look different...but the concept seems the same as what Gunnar (really Waterford) did for Ben's...co-branded built-to-order....meh.
Joe

[Ahneida Ride]

Probably there's such a simple answer that this question will look dumb. But -- about the head tube extension: what's the advantage over simply joining the top tube higher on the head tube?

Is a shorter head tube better? Can't think why. Is it to avoid a sloping top tube? No, plenty of bikes have sloping top tubes and head tube extensions.

There must be a reason. Anybody? Bueller?

You don't want the top tube to hit you somewhere
and start singing alto.

My Bedford has a 2 deg slope. really not detectable.
so it's 65 in the back and 66 up front.

My Best

:banana:

[Rednivek]

wallymann: Pretty sure it was in Kokomo, Indiana, but it was long ago and far away. The next season I joined the Wolverine Sports Club--seems I've seen you write about that, too. Tim

Cool, are you in the Wolverines now?

Multiple Paramounts on a Wolverine ride would be awesome.

[Rednivek]

Schwinn Paramount 75th Anniversary Edition - air-hardening steel main tubes with stainless stays, in classic black.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3672/12207138886_34fe134a7c_b.jpg

[Tim Porter]

Rednivek: No, I left the midwest many, many years ago now. I'd love to go on a Wolverines ride some day--I still have a brother in that area. It'd be particularly neat to see if there are some folks around from my coaches' (Mike Walden/Clair Young) era. Mike used to ride around on a chrome Paramount, IIRC! Tim

PS. Please keep the pics of new frames coming! The black is gorgeous. I see that some are getting studs for down tube shifters on their frames. Can those be used interchangeably for bar mounted modern "brifters" by installing the correct adjusters?

[Rednivek]

I'd love to go on a Wolverines ride some day--I still have a brother in that area. It'd be particularly neat to see if there are some folks around from my coaches' (Mike Walden/Clair Young) era. Mike used to ride around on a chrome Paramount, IIRC! Tim

Continental Bike Shop is still there in Hazel Park, though changing their name now... but they have Schwinn/Wolverine wool jerseys hanging up on one wall. I think Walden's grandson is opening another bike shop in Ferndale.

Here's an annual Wolverine ride you might find interesting:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/227895231

I see that some are getting studs for down tube shifters on their frames. Can those be used interchangeably for bar mounted modern "brifters" by installing the correct adjusters?

Good eye, I didnt even pay attention because my current bike has the downtube mounts but with adapterss over them to become cable stops. But the blue Paramount has what I would call cable stops. People actually going old school friction downtube shifters?

[cnighbor1]

Here's an annual Wolverine ride you might find interesting:

wow the western part of that route brought back memories from my youth in Detroit and riding with the Wolverine's in early 50's the lived right on the route just below outer drive and grand river
Many times I would out on Outer drive for a solo spin
Charles

[Rednivek]

Here's an annual Wolverine ride you might find interesting:

wow the western part of that route brought back memories from my youth in Detroit and riding with the Wolverine's in early 50's the lived right on the route just below outer drive and grand river
Many times I would out on Outer drive for a solo spin
Charles

Wow, that picture is really neat, thanks for sharing it!

[DoubleButted]

Cool pic! I just retired and left the area, but lived 3 miles north of there. Amazingly, the cider mill is still in business and doesn't look much different.

[technicolor]

I grew up in that area. I have a vivid memory of being stung by a bee at that cider mill. Those donuts...so good.

[soulspinner]

that is friggin' beautiful right there.

+100

[Rednivek]

Anyone gotten their Paramount yet? Pictures?

[Tim Porter]

Mine's scheduled for April 30 but you know how that goes. . . . I'm sure it won't be long after that. I ordered the black, btw. Tim

[Rednivek]

Any more 75th Anniversary Paramounts?

[SPOKE]

I'm still waiting on mine. When I placed the order I was told late March delivery. Not concerned. I'm still trying to decide what parts to put on my Kirk 10th anniversary.

[thirdgenbird]

I'm still waiting on mine. When I placed the order I was told late March delivery. Not concerned. I'm still trying to decide what parts to put on my Kirk 10th anniversary.

Super record rs

(For the Kirk)

[Rednivek]

No carbon, anyone?

[Dired]

No carbon, anyone?

Red that looks sweet, yours? More pics please.

[Rednivek]

This feels like a strip tease....

[thirdgenbird]

That looks hot.

[Rednivek]

This is my 2nd favorite...

[SPOKE]

Super record rs

(For the Kirk)

Kirk will probably be DA Di2 since it's setup for the electric kit.
The paramount just might get the Campy RS kit or the 80th kit that I already have stashed....

[SPOKE]

This feels like a strip tease....

Really sweet!!!

[thirdgenbird]

Kirk will probably be DA Di2 since it's setup for the electric kit.
The paramount just might get the Campy RS kit or the 80th kit that I already have stashed....

You have both stashed??

80th seems like a great idea pending bike color.

[SPOKE]

Only have the 80th kit stashed.
Torn between the DA Di2 & Campy SR EPS (or Chorus EPS) for the Kirk.

[thirdgenbird]

Only have the 80th kit stashed.
Torn between the DA Di2 & Campy SR EPS (or Chorus EPS) for the Kirk.

How bout you slit the difference.

Record hubs laced to black archetype rims with silver spokes
Record crankset
Record brakes
Campagnolo bottle cages
Chorus EPS shifters and derailleurs

The Paramount should get record hubs to tb14 rims. The two will complement each other nicely.

[SPOKE]

The wheel choice is probably more difficult for me than the rest of the parts....:(

[Rednivek]

More of the reveal... with Brooks and Campy Record Ti seat post.

[thirdgenbird]

I like it so far.

[Stephen2014]

I would prefer a real one:

http://classiccycleus.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/1939-Schwinn-Paramount-track-bike.jpg

[Tim Porter]

I had a real one; it's long gone.

But I got one of the new ones--very happy. Really sweet bike. I got both the ENVE fork and a steel one. The delivery of the steel fork lagged behind the frame so the carbon fork is on there for the foreseeable future while I check out the ride. Stainless rear triangle and lugs. No retro anything, except maybe the overall look of the tires and frame with shiny lugs. More pics in the gallery. Kudos to Waterford for beautiful fabrication and Signature Cycles for acting as the dealer in the absence of one near me. Lori Hoefer nailed the fit, and thanks to Dave Kirk for sending me a schematic of one of my Kirks fixed up with a level top tube. The ride is sublime.

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a583/porterphoto1/IMG_4667_zps970d2ce3.jpg

[54ny77]

wow, got more pics of that black paramount? looks beautiful.

[Tim Porter]

I put a few more in the gallery section.

[93legendti]

Tough crowd.

The lugs are custom made for each individual bike (each lugset is individually crafted for each order), so the customer gets to decide whether it gets a sloped or level top tube. Likewise, the fork blades can be straight, curved, threaded, threadless, or carbon. Don't want it drilled for electric shifting? Fine; it won't get drilled.

Jeesh.

The first one has a level TT.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Waterford%20953%20Frame/75thAnnivFrame_zpsb268fbb9.jpg
Nice. Pity around here that the knee jerk reaction is to be negative.

[soulspinner]

And here's a Coppertone....

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/11717183895_b2d4bf0f79_b.jpg

Im all done right there.............:hello: The late Tom Teesdale built me a frame something like this color and I hung Campy 8 on it. This color is more what I was looking for from the foco Tom built me (which will be raced by my neighbor, whom I gave the bike to).

[SPOKE]

Mine arrived at CycleSport in Park Ridge NJ last Friday. It will make it to Raleigh in a week or so. I told the shop owner he can display it for a while if he wants. I'm not in a hurry to get it built.

[bobswire]

Mine arrived at CycleSport in Park Ridge NJ last Friday. It will make it to Raleigh in a week or so. I told the shop owner he can display it for a while if he wants. I'm not in a hurry to get it built.

Man, I'd be going ape sh*t to get it. Photos please.

[bobswire]

Im all done right there.............:hello: The late Tom Teesdale built me a frame something like this color and I hung Campy 8 on it. This color is more what I was looking for from the foco Tom built me (which will be raced by my neighbor, whom I gave the bike to).

Raleigh International Cooper.

http://i62.tinypic.com/2rq0gfb.jpg