canam73

Since this thread is alive again I though I might add a pic:

hodgykins 

both are very nice. I had a chance to buy a Black 91 OS Paramount but had to pass did not have the cash, as I just got my White 78. I am still looking for one! Also If I could fine a Rainbow Paramount, and an Elite...I would be complete (well probably not +1 disease) :-)

hodgykins 

My new member of the family...1984 Tri-Color "Standard Paramount.

pastorbobnlnh 

Beautiful! I have a May 1983 black Paramount. Just curious; were is the serial number located? Mine is on the left rear dropout in the same format as the Chicago Paramounts.





At some point Waterford Paramounts had the serial number location and system changed. I've trying to pinpoint this change over.

Can you tell us more about how this one came into your stable?

Scooper

Bob, we know that sometime between December, 1983 (M8340) and September, 1984 (J8496), the serial number was moved from the left rear dropout to the bottom of the BB shell.

We also know that the "self-describing" serial numbering system that included the frame size was implemented sometime between September, 1984 (J8496) and April, 1985 (520AD8584).

Now we just need to narrow it down to exactly when during the 10 months between December, 1983, and September, 1984, the location change occurred, and exactly when during the 8 months between September, 1984, and April, 1985, the change to the self-describing serial numbering system occurred.

coolkat

My '92 Series 3 (identical to the blue and red one above), had a made in Japan sticker on it...

Love it, love it, love it...I bought it with STI's already installed; switching back to DT is probably the only modification I'll ever make.

Scooper

Nice looking bike. The "Made in Japan" sticker on a Series 3 is puzzling.

The information on the country of origin for different PDG Series Paramounts came from Richard Schwinn in an e-mail response to Bob Hufford (keeper of the Schwinn Lightweight Data Book) asking about what imported models were built by what manufacturers. Regarding the Series Paramounts, Mr. Schwinn replied, "The 'Series' Paramounts mostly came from Japan, but the Series 2, 20, 3 and 30 came from Taiwan (A-Pro) and eventually China by 1992."

hodgykins 

Hey Bob,

I sought your help on this frame a few months back..THANK YOU The serial number is on the bottom bracket. 580J above and L8466 below the Cinelli stamped logo. It is an interesting frame in that it is a long wheelbase (touring model), but without center pull brake braze ons. I am thinking a custom build. Perfect for me.

I found this bike on Ebay with a weird mix of modern components. I purchased just the frame and headset (Shimano 600) found period correct Shimano...6207 brakes, levers, shifters, freewheel, and hubs) used an Ofmega triple (found a lovely one NOS), handlebar, stem (Kusuki Win) and wheels(Araya) off an 87 Nishiki Tri-A, and a nice polished SR seatpost. Of course a B-17! Close to 22lbs finished with 700 X 25 Gatorskins. BTW the FD and RD are Deore XT (gold)...bomb proof and awesome shifting (early 90's)

pastorbobnlnh 

Okay, so the BB holds the serial number but it is the old Chicago Paramount style. L=November. Wow! This is crazy because in previous examples IIRC, by September or so in 1984, the new style decals were used.

The answer might be that this was a custom order placed early in the year which spec'd the older style decals. Just a guess.

Thanks to Scooper for recalling the date ranges above. Another tidbit of information.

RobbieTunes

Owned a while, but at 54.5 square, I had to move the frame.

hodgykins 

I was WRONG again. I re-looked and it is hard to read the serial below, but with a little help from a non-scratching pencil....E8466

Scooper

More clues in the serial number puzzle; we now know that by May, 1984, the serial number had been moved to the BB shell.

hogykins, is the frame size 58cm? If so, we also know that an early version of the "self-describing" serial number was used in May, 1984. The size code is above the "Cinelli" cast in logo, and the E8466 date and production number is below it (580JE8466).

Fascinating.

M A V

I have a 1972 chrome P-13 in 24-inch. It came to me missing the original tool kit, owner's manual, seatpost, seat, handlebars, brake levers, bar tape, top tube cable guides, tires, toe clips and straps also the brake cables were cut too short to reuse. It has the original red lettering decals with red pin-striping around lugs. It was purchased new at Pruitt's Schwinn on Northlake Boulevard in North Palm Beach, Florida. It came to me via a Goodwill in North Port, Florida.

hodgykins 

Yes it is a 58...top is 580J...J is the Fork style is not mistaken.

hodgykins 

Rebuilt it yet? Wow pictures are needed!

hodgykins 

Robbie that bike is awesome! Looks fast...Columbus SLX?

RobbieTunes

Yep. Sold it due to size to a girl in Colorado who was just all giddy about it.
(frameset, but I included cable housings-what a bonus!)

It's been replaced by the 531 Trek we've discussed, so I've lost my Paramount creds.

M A V

Thank you. I just tracked down the proper handlebars, they should be on their way soon, I also need to find a nuovo seatpost (at a price I want to pay, of course). It will be complete after that then I'll do a proper photo shoot. Here's how it first came to me.

hodgykins 

Awesome picture...professional. I had a photographer snap some images of my p-15 while on my car rack after a long ride. I like the texture of the photos.

M A V

Thanks, I took it. It's what affords me my bike addiction. Nice photos of yours too, good depth of field.

hodgykins 

Depth of field. I like that. Hard to describe the pictures (depth, texture, realism, point of view)...you are a professional photographer I gather? Lovely artistic eye you have for velo-beauty

M A V

Thank you. Yes, I have been for 13 years now. Here are some shots of my Schwinn New World https://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/vie...p?f=78&t=75500

hodgykins 

Wow...outstanding.

Von Stively

I just bought one for my 10 year old son... I was checking on an old cruiser at second hand sports store and noticed a nice campus green paramount with mtb riser bars and a wide seat. Long story short, I got the original seat, bars, brake levers, paramount tool kit with lots of tools, two spare stems, one is the original cinelli I think. The bike has all original parts down to tires and rear rack. From looking it over and doing a quick web search I found out I got him a 1973 built P15-9 for $300.00. My nice road bike is a 1979 Trek 710, I think he may have the nicer ride. I can't wait until spring. We are going to clean it up together, polish to chrome pieces replace cables and tires etc. over the winter. Hope nobody gets freaked that I'm putting this piece of "history" in the hands of a youngster. But this bike has very few miles. I saw it and thought it deserves to be enjoyed. Who better to enjoy a bike that an 11,12 or 13 year old. His younger brother says he is looking forward to riding it when big bro outgrows it -small frame. PS -I had to pass on the cruiser. A nice 3 speed Schwinn Corvette in that nice bronze-like red. I'll have to wait until another day to fulfill my 30+ year yearning for a US made Schwinn cruiser.

M A V

Bikes are made to be riden, glad to know another one will be enjoyed. I certainly put a fair amount of miles on mine. If your son learns the history of the bike I'm sure there will be a garnered respect for it and it will stay well preserved. The bronze like red is called coppertone and one of the best colors Schwinn makes.