rod,
We sort of went around on this subject a while back, and we couldn't come to a deffinite conclusion; because we actually do not know the answer. In the case of Schwinn Paramount, if I were to replicate one exactly, I suspect there may be a slight difference that one would notice if the Paramount in question was severly out of alignment or something (I suspect the poor miter at the seat tube is something that would not come out in the way the bike rides); but as far as I know, having never checked one, is that they ride well for those who like that kind of ride and steering geometry. In my case, being so small, I only get to personally experience what compromises they made to build such a small frame. In many cases the larger frames from any given company steer better than the smaller frames. Also in the case of Schwinn, they used the heavy Reynolds tubing even in the small frames, which really didn't feel good to me when I rode them. A small frame can use lighter tubing and most certainly benifit from it. But if I had to build a frame with the same poor choice of materials and the same compromised geometry, the bike would probably ride simularly, in theory. Why would it not? But if you think in terms of owning a bike that was made from carefully selected tubing combinations, built to fit perfectly and to standards of construction that Schwinn never approached, that displays individuality and creativity in a tasteful manner and rides even better than you expected plus will last many lifetimes; then one may begin to see the reasoning and value in a custom frame. Some people couldn't care less about such things, which is fine with me. Others find that some good basic stuff and one or two exceptional bikes is the way to go. The extreme end is one who insists on having nothing but high end and exotic toys. It's all good. I like to seek varity, but one who has never had the experience of owning the work of a "master" that was built to order for them (as many won't) can not really know what it is all about. As with most everything else in life, it isn't neccessary to have a custom built in order to enjoy bicycles and cycling; it's just a different part of it. One can get to point "B" driving a Yugo or a Bentley. Both will arrive, both can be fun to drive (imagine getting that Yugo up on two wheels?) but there is a rather large difference between them. Bikes are simular.
As I recall, I was going to build an exact replica of a Colnago super for a "blind test" as the result of our last trip through this subject. Still don't have time for that now, but perhaps someday. I honestly wouldn't want to build a Schwinn replica my size, who needs a lead bike when I could build a Colnago super from Columbus SL. Maybe someday we can conduct this experiment.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA
>
> Hi gang,
> I'm a little curious about all this banter regarding quality. I would hope that
> a frame built by a Baylis, Sachs or Moon is going to be A LOT better made than
> a Paramount, Peugeot, etc. That's why these frames cost the big bucks.
>
> But........if you took two basically identical frames, same tubing, angles and
> all, one built by a current "master", and one built 30 years ago by Schwinn,
> could one tell the difference in the ride if they were (tongue in cheek)
> blindfolded? If you put Baylis decals on the Schwinn would it be the hands down
> winner?
>
> Rod Kronenberg (who has only ridden and owned one "custom")
> Fort Collins, CO
> > David Novoselsky wrote:
> >
> > ><snip>
> > >It would seem that there is little middle ground here, with those that disdain
> > Paramounts as second rate on one side and those who avidly collect them on the
> > other side of this debate.
> > >
> > ><snip>
> > >
> > >
> > David,
> >
> > I hope you don't mistakenly include Steve Barner in the group who
> > "disdain" Paramounts. I suspect their lack of perfection does not
> > prevent him from lusting after them. Steve -- how many did Paramounts
> > have you owned over the years and how many do you have now? I seem to
> > recall something about a matched his and hers set -- or am I confused as
> > usual?
> >
> > Best regards,
> >
> > David -- I can't help myself, I drool every time I see a bike with
> > chrome Nervex Pro lugs -- White
> > Burlington, VT