Some Basic Waterford Questions

[Clancy]

Originally Posted by bikinchris

The shop dog was named after a famous Norse King. It means "Warrior" in Norse.

My Gunnar Hyper-X had Gunnar’s paw print as a headbadge which I really liked. The new Gunnars have a different headbadge I do believe.

[Buzz Killington]

Always wondered about Waterford. I know they make quite a few bikes, but if I’ve seen more than 1 or 2 in 20 years of riding I’d be surprised. They must sell stronger in some parts of the country than others....here in the Hudson Valley I never see them.

[maxcolumbus]

Waterford and Gunnar are both great choices.
But as mentioned here, you need a local dealer as your point
person. I think you said you are in Georgia, if you don’t
go in this direction I would highly recommend contacting
Zukas Cycles in Augusta for a more intimate builder experience.
Nate does world class work and is a great guy.
Good luck in this project!!

[Hawker]

Originally Posted by maxcolumbus

Waterford and Gunnar are both great choices.
But as mentioned here, you need a local dealer as your point
person. I think you said you are in Georgia, if you don’t
go in this direction I would highly recommend contacting
Zukas Cycles in Augusta for a more intimate builder experience.
Nate does world class work and is a great guy.
Good luck in this project!!

Thanks Max, I'll keep this in mind.

[edward12]

I don't have a Waterford authorized dealer near me, so I ordered directly from Richard. He was absolutely great to work with. I'm very happy with my Gunnar Street Dog. I've two Waterford's in the past and the paint quality has definitely improved.

[eddief]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAi1...&feature=share

[sg8357]

The LBS here is a Waterford dealer, so lots of Waterfords on club rides.
I've seen dozens of them, fine paint and workmanship.
On both lugged and tigged frames.

[Hawker]

Originally Posted by eddief

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAi1...&feature=share

I'm only a year late in thanking for this. Gorgeous bike and impressive build. I may have to make the 150 mile drive just to visit his shop some day this winter.

[Rpoole8537]

I still have a RS 1200 in black with red and silver trim, built for me in 1997! It is still beautiful. They may have been using Imron paint during that time, I cannot remember. When I tell people it is 22 yo they can’t believe it. Lugs are also sweet and well done. It rides like a luxury car. Not as stiff as my CSI, but sweet and somewhat lighter feeling. Both are 64 cm bikes, so more steel than most!

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Hawker

Understood, but unfortunately they don't show any dealers in the state of GA. But I would hope they have an alternative solution for those in the same situation as I?

Most of your questions have been answered but anyway....
I sold Waterford and Gunnar for a long time, I have owned 3. Richard and the main production guy, Mark Mueller, have been doing the bike frame thing for a long time. Richard grandson of original Schwinn.
They are old school in the sense of every Waterford is custom w/o an up charge. Made to order. Gunnar, same tubes, welders, location, just 'production' with fewer paint choices.
They know their stuff, have 'modernized' ala disc brake and thru axle stuff but they are still a premier, steel only, frame production facility.
They make 'Waterfords', along with frames for some others...Boulder Bicycle, Mikwaukee bikes, some others.

Great company run by a great guy. Yes, there are other, smaller, direct builders out there but few with the experience of Richard and his crew.

AND, they can sell direct if you don't have a dealer local. You DO need accurate numbers tho, via a bike fit.

[Hawker]

Thanks oldpotato, I actually ran into Mr. Schwinn at the Philly Expo last weekend and found him tremendously friendly and helpful. Too many good steel options these days!

[SPOKE]

I have a few of the Paramount 50th Anniversary bikes/frames and absolutely love the way they ride. The paint was really top notch during that time frame too!
The newest bike I have from Waterford is a 75th anniversary Paramount that is a fancy polished lugged stainless frame set with painted main triangle. Really nice ridding bike too with custom geometry. Only minor gripe is the paint isn’t extremely ”crisp” around the lugs.

[colker]

Originally Posted by SPOKE

I have a few of the Paramount 50th Anniversary bikes/frames and absolutely love the way they ride. The paint was really top notch during that time frame too!
The newest bike I have from Waterford is a 75th anniversary Paramount that is a fancy polished lugged stainless frame set with painted main triangle. Really nice ridding bike too with custom geometry. Only minor gripe is the paint isn’t extremely ”crisp” around the lugs.

I would rebuild this thing w/ silver everything. Is it a 53 c-c?

[SPOKE]

Originally Posted by colker

I would rebuild this thing w/ silver everything. Is it a 53 c-c?

I know it would look great with silver bits but since I had the group sitting on the shelf I decided to use it.
It’s actually a 55cm top tube.

[bocobiking]

I bought a Gunnar last spring, and my wife rides a Waterford bought through Potato's shop. Fantastic bikes.

What I especially appreciated is that I can get a custom steel frame without waiting in a long queue, for a reasonable price, from a responsive company that doesn't depend on a one-man operation.