Advice On Used Bikes
07-22-23, 11:51 PM
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Advice On Used Bikes
Hi,
Hoping for some help. I know very little about bikes, but I do a lot of street riding, at least what I consider a lot for me, about 50-75 miles a week. I currently have a Timberline FS GT, which I like, but I always feel like I'm slow on the bike, and that is probably because I'm a slow rider. A friend very graciously offered to give me two of his bikes he doesn't ride anymore. I'm wondering if either one would improve me ride in any way? The two bikes are: the Schwinn Paramount PDG Series 3 and the Schwinn Le Tour, . Any advice?
Hoping for some help. I know very little about bikes, but I do a lot of street riding, at least what I consider a lot for me, about 50-75 miles a week. I currently have a Timberline FS GT, which I like, but I always feel like I'm slow on the bike, and that is probably because I'm a slow rider. A friend very graciously offered to give me two of his bikes he doesn't ride anymore. I'm wondering if either one would improve me ride in any way? The two bikes are: the Schwinn Paramount PDG Series 3 and the Schwinn Le Tour, . Any advice?
07-23-23, 06:44 AM
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The Paramount is a much newer bike, made after Schwinn stopped using Waterford for nearly all of the Paramount models https://waterfordbikes.com/w/culture...bikes-1989-94/. It would have been made in Asian factories for Schwinn. The earlier bikes made in Wisconsin by Waterford are high quality and still in much demand.
Most of the LeTours were made by Panasonic in Japan. I remember them from the early 1970s when you could buy a Panasonic bike for around 30% less than the same model with "Schwinn Approved" labels on the components. If the labels are still on the frame look for Made in Japan. It was Schwinn's attempt to sell a basic 10 speed bike that didn't better serve as a substitute for barbells than a bike. You can read an extensive story about the Le Tour here https://frugalaveragebicyclist.com/2...oogle_vignette.
Most of the LeTours were made by Panasonic in Japan. I remember them from the early 1970s when you could buy a Panasonic bike for around 30% less than the same model with "Schwinn Approved" labels on the components. If the labels are still on the frame look for Made in Japan. It was Schwinn's attempt to sell a basic 10 speed bike that didn't better serve as a substitute for barbells than a bike. You can read an extensive story about the Le Tour here https://frugalaveragebicyclist.com/2...oogle_vignette.
07-23-23, 07:35 AM
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The one that fits best.
The one you like most.
Both.
Otherwise = the Paramount.
The one you like most.
Both.
Otherwise = the Paramount.
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07-23-23, 07:49 AM
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Will you be faster? Who knows, but at the same speed you will be using less energy on a road bike.
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07-23-23, 12:24 PM
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Fit and function .... First and foremost always with any bike ... . does it fit? If ti doesn't fit and cannot be made to fit without compromising safety, it is not a good bike for you.
Since these come from the same source I would assume both will fit or not fit the same.
Second is function---which one works better. What is your budget for refurbishing? Do you plan to do your won work or are you planning the take the new old bike to a shop?
I assume that these are older bikes and not ridden, they might have dry-rotted tires, sticky grease, vulcanized brake shoes, rusty cables .... do either of them have damage? When parked, did each shift and brake properly?
(do not read: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...eries-3-a.html)
The paramount is the more modern offering and is more likely to accept modern components. I believe the Le Tour stayed with 27" wheels, and possibly 126-mm dropouts, which means you might have to look for older wheels, and drive train upgrades would be limited.
If you are a slow rider ... don't expect a bike to make you anything except a slow rider on a new bike. You might gain a tiny amount of efficiency if you ride in a more aero position and if the tires have less rolling resistance, and a tiny bit of acceleration if the bike is a little lighter ....
You will probably Feel faster without that suspension fork weighing you down and with what will probably lighter wheels and tires ... but overall your numbers won't change much. However, joy of the ride numbers might increase since you will be spending a little less energy to keep your preferred pace.
Since these come from the same source I would assume both will fit or not fit the same.
Second is function---which one works better. What is your budget for refurbishing? Do you plan to do your won work or are you planning the take the new old bike to a shop?
I assume that these are older bikes and not ridden, they might have dry-rotted tires, sticky grease, vulcanized brake shoes, rusty cables .... do either of them have damage? When parked, did each shift and brake properly?
(do not read: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...eries-3-a.html)
The paramount is the more modern offering and is more likely to accept modern components. I believe the Le Tour stayed with 27" wheels, and possibly 126-mm dropouts, which means you might have to look for older wheels, and drive train upgrades would be limited.
If you are a slow rider ... don't expect a bike to make you anything except a slow rider on a new bike. You might gain a tiny amount of efficiency if you ride in a more aero position and if the tires have less rolling resistance, and a tiny bit of acceleration if the bike is a little lighter ....
You will probably Feel faster without that suspension fork weighing you down and with what will probably lighter wheels and tires ... but overall your numbers won't change much. However, joy of the ride numbers might increase since you will be spending a little less energy to keep your preferred pace.
