Tom:
Sounds very nice. I recently sold my '73 black P-13. IIRC, the SL pedals were a $10 option back then (Campagnolo sidepulls were another $50 on P-13s, so not often upgraded to).
FWIW, within reason, I'd go ahead and do any changes you want to, as long as they are bolt-ons - you can basically turn it into a P-15 if you want to - just don't use that Elephante (Gran Turismo) rear derailleur - please!
I've always used this philosophy with old bikes and cars - if you or a subsequent owner can reverse it relatively easily, go for it. I often switch over to "period-correct" 175s on my bikes, for example, as that's the length crank I'm accustomed to using. Finding a 175 mm Record triple will be tough, though.You may want to have someone modify a 175 double for you.
The gauge of 531 that Schwinn used back then was pretty stout to begin with (to my knowledge - my P13 was one very stiff frameset). They may even have upped the ante on frames as large as your 26-inch, which wouldn't have been such a bad idea with one that tall anyways. Anyone know for sure?
Regards,
Greg Parker A2 MI USA
Tom wrote:
>
> Subject: [CR]New (to me ) Paramount is here!
>
<snip>
> The bike is really in great shape. My initial investigation indicates it's
> a '74 P10 model, the standard road touring/racing. It's all original Campy
> NR except for SL pedals and Weinmann brakes with the extension levers.
> Thanks to Jeremy Haynes for birdogging this for me, and passing on it
> himself. The bike is quite large. The seattube is 26 inches, and the top
> tube is 25 inches. But I have a fist and two fingers worth of seat post
> protruding from the frame after adjustment, so it's a reasonable fit.
>
> I've had bikes this big before, but they were rather whippy. This one
> seems very solid, after two trips around the block. Pulling the seat post
> (it came out easily, indicating good maintenance) shows the seat tube has
> been reamed. Was this to permit the use of a 27.2 post in a heavier gauge
> tubing frame? Was this common practice for Schwinn?
>
> The bike is soo nice, it's interfering with my intention to convert it to a
> triple crank day riding bike. Anyone with philosophical insights on
> whether I should monkey with such a pristine original, or leave the way it
> is? The problems are the 42x26 low gear isn't low enough, the cranks are
> 170 instead of 175mm, the Cinelli old logo bar and stem are too narrow and
> too far forward, and the 27 inch clinchers are schrader instead of presta.
> The condition of the parts and paint are really excellent (Black with the
> old classic decal scheme.)
>
> Finally, does anyone have info about the Weinmann rims Schwinn used back in
> "74? How much did they weigh, and are they durable enough for a big
> (235lb) guy like me? Converting to 700c wheels would be dodgy because of
> the cavernous brake reach in the rear.
>
> Updates to follow. Would anyone care for pics to be posted?
>
> Tom Adams, Kansas City