I own a 1972 Paramount P-13 and a 1967 Cinelli Speciale Corsa. Both are chrome frames with almost identical geometry and dimensions. Yet they ride very differently. The Schwinn is stiffer and harsher (although still quite nice), while the Cinelli seems to glide over bumps and road irregularities with aplomb.
I had a conversation about this with Don Mainland who built Paramount frames in Wisconsin in the seventies under contract for Schwinn and he told me that matching the ride of the Cinelli's was their goal, but they never quite achieved it. Something in the Cinelli fork design or knowing how much stiffness is required in the brazing of the lugs...
I also had a conversation about this topic at the Cirque last spring with the late Dave Staub, who also remembered the ride quality of the Cinelli being a goal for the Paramount designers.
David Cooper
Chicago, Illinois