'59 Schwinn Paramount - Bare Frame - Build Suggestions
03-23-14, 10:30 PM
#51
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According to the Waterford website, 270 Paramounts were built in 1959. Many of those were tourist models with Sturmey-Archer internal gear hubs and fixed gear track bikes. In 1959, Schwinn was just starting to market derailleur equipped bikes although a few had been previously made on a case-by-case basis in response to customer requests.
03-24-14, 06:19 AM
#52
Extraordinary Magnitude
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At some point, when you realize you have something special that's going to outlast you, I believe you do have a responsibility to others after you.
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
03-24-14, 06:53 AM
#53
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That bike looks great, and cool tires too.
03-24-14, 07:09 AM
#54
Thrifty Bill
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Having collected antiques now for almost 50 years, and having restored a handful of vintage homes, I like to say that I don't own anything, I rent everything. All of my antiques and vintage homes have had prior owners, and after I am gone, all of them will have new "owners". My ownership is temporary! Items that can last more than one lifetime and are not consumed will continue on well after us. What we do while these items are in our possession can determine whether they will make it to the next generation. As such, with the nicer stuff, I consider myself a caretaker, "do no harm". In the early years, I really screwed up refinishing antique furniture, removing the old worn finish and replacing it with a fresh new finish. Good example of an irreversible change. And it dropped an atom bomb on the value of those antiques.
My home restorations are the most involved, from finding period correct lighting fixtures to undoing misguided remodeling efforts. I am over the four year point on the current restoration, and I am almost "done". It seems like every house I undertake is on the verge of collapse at the start of the project. The current one the inspector recommended I knock it down and build new. I would rather preserve and protect so the next generation can benefit. Whether this is "cost effective" can be debated for sure.
The neat thing on vintage bikes is that many changes are reversible, particularly those that can enhance riding enjoyment (components).
My home restorations are the most involved, from finding period correct lighting fixtures to undoing misguided remodeling efforts. I am over the four year point on the current restoration, and I am almost "done". It seems like every house I undertake is on the verge of collapse at the start of the project. The current one the inspector recommended I knock it down and build new. I would rather preserve and protect so the next generation can benefit. Whether this is "cost effective" can be debated for sure.
The neat thing on vintage bikes is that many changes are reversible, particularly those that can enhance riding enjoyment (components).
03-24-14, 08:30 AM
#55
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Based on Scooper's referencing, not that many. Just over 1 a workday and as he follow on mentioned a good number were track bikes and the road versions most common used internal geared hubs, so no need for Campagnolo road dropouts. True road bikes were uncommon.
That bike looks great, and cool tires too.
That bike looks great, and cool tires too.
So perhaps they were built about one week apart, it seems. I've very glad that I acquired mine. I just stumbled onto it on eBay, many years ago, as was often the case 'back then.' I have four Paramounts total (this one is the oldest, the others are '63, '73, and '84), and three of them were found on fleaBay.
03-27-14, 01:54 PM
#56
bike camper
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Wow, you made my day
This is pretty amazing to have a bike 6 away in the production run! Especially a road model, since Scooper helpfully pointed out that only 270 existed, mostly tourist and track models. So serendipitous and a treasure in terms of a restoration reference. Hard believe how well preserved your example is. A stunning bike all around. I really appreciate the parts information too.
This is pretty amazing to have a bike 6 away in the production run! Especially a road model, since Scooper helpfully pointed out that only 270 existed, mostly tourist and track models. So serendipitous and a treasure in terms of a restoration reference. Hard believe how well preserved your example is. A stunning bike all around. I really appreciate the parts information too.I have #C66 in original paint and decals:
The base Paramount had no chrome, but you could pay for it as an option. My crankset was a steel cottered Stronglight Competition, but Campagnolo Record was an option by '59, so I upgraded to that.
Bar and stem are Titan.
Brakes are Weinmann center-pulls.
Pedals are early Campagnolo (Gran Sport).
Hubs are Campagnolo Record, rims are Weinmann tubulars.
Ders. are Gran Sport.
Edit: oops - that image is tiny. Let me re-try attaching it....
The base Paramount had no chrome, but you could pay for it as an option. My crankset was a steel cottered Stronglight Competition, but Campagnolo Record was an option by '59, so I upgraded to that.
Bar and stem are Titan.
Brakes are Weinmann center-pulls.
Pedals are early Campagnolo (Gran Sport).
Hubs are Campagnolo Record, rims are Weinmann tubulars.
Ders. are Gran Sport.
Edit: oops - that image is tiny. Let me re-try attaching it....
03-27-14, 02:10 PM
#57
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I don't know if this helps but this ebay listing ended without a bid.
Campy Campagnolo 1950s 60s Track Pista Pedals Shifter Script Paramount Schwinn | eBay
Campy Campagnolo 1950s 60s Track Pista Pedals Shifter Script Paramount Schwinn | eBay
03-27-14, 02:27 PM
#58
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^^ "This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available."
03-27-14, 03:44 PM
#59
bike camper
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As wrk101 said; it's your bike, your choice. But with a frame that is literally only one of a handful in existence, you could seriously damage not only its monetary value but its historical value by not restoring it correctly. Instead of spending $250 on plating that will forever alter the frame, only to cover it up at a later date, save that money and do the restoration correctly. To do otherwise would be like taking Eddie Merckx's world record breaking Colnago and making a fixie out of it!
You are fortunate enough to have been graced with a frame of considerable historical significance. If it's truly beyond your financial means to honor its history with a correct restoration, please consider selling it to someone who can afford it.
You are fortunate enough to have been graced with a frame of considerable historical significance. If it's truly beyond your financial means to honor its history with a correct restoration, please consider selling it to someone who can afford it.
03-27-14, 07:04 PM
#60
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D and D Cycles in San Lorenzo might be a more reasonable option for paint. D&D Cycles - San Lorenzo, CA | Yelp
03-27-14, 07:46 PM
#61
Decrepit Member
D and D Cycles in San Lorenzo might be a more reasonable option for paint. D&D Cycles - San Lorenzo, CA | Yelp
D&D Cycles, 2574 Grant Ave, San Lorenzo, CA 94580, Phone: 510-278-2976
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