I have a Paramount that Richard Schwinn thinks dates from 1958 or so -
serial # probably 915 (it's hard to read). This bike was found in the back
of a shop and is in new condition. It was probably never sold and possibly
little ridden but it appears that over the years some parts were removed and
replaced with more modern components. It does still have some 50's
Campagnolo Gran Sport parts ('open-C' high flange hubs, derailleurs,
shifters) and other neat older Schwinn bits but the crankset, seat, pedals
and brakeset all seem wrong. I've heard differing opinions on what might be
right but would like to put this question to other list members. If anyone
has or is a source for the missing parts, please let me know. I've posted a
couple of photos of the bike at
http://users.adelphia.net/
Parts that concern me:
1. Cranks look like Stronglight 99. I've heard from various sources that it should have either Stronglight 3-pin steel, early Campy 151 mm, special Paramount cranks or TA Touriste - and that the first three in appropriate condition would cost me more than I paid for the bike.
2. Pedals - it came with unlabeled very cheap pedals, with reflectors. A 1961 catalog that is the earliest I've found says Paramounts came with some version of Lyotard pedals (with Christophe toe clips and Lapize straps) or an upgrade to the original Campy Gran Sport pedals.
3. Brakeset - Weinmann 605, probably installed because the black plastic parts looked good with the black paint. What should I try to get - early Weinmann 999 brakes?
4. Saddle - has anyone heard of Perache? It's made, in France, of black suede over plastic. A Brooks Competition Standard B17 seems about right.
Advice is appreciated and donations of parts will be gladly accepted. You can contact me off list at gsc2@po.cwru.edu <mailto:gsc2@po.cwru.ed> . Offers of parts at market prices will be weighed against my checkbook - and the checkbook is on a winning streak.
Regards,
Gary Chottiner
Northeast Ohio