The 1975 catalog shows a picture of the "optional high-performance, short coupled frame" and states it is available only in the P10-9 for the "deluxe touring Paramount". I believe the 10 stands for the 10 speeds (2 x 5). Not available in the P15-9 with the triple front. The picture and words appear only for the "deluxe touring Paramount" model, not the "professional track" model (P14) or the "professional road racing" model (P13-9)road
The 2 sentence description for this style frame from the 1975 catalog is as follows (page 11):
"The illustrated 10 speed model is equipped with an optional high-performance, short coupled frame. This option design, first developed for hill climb racing, has been refined the Schwinn team of engineers to combine a truly racing style frame with the components of a refined touring bicycle"
The before and after text is standard for either frame style.
The 1976 catalog has the same 2 sentences, but the picture shows only a standard frame (also page 11). In both the 75 & 76 catalogs the P14 & P13-9 do not mention an "optional high-performance, short coupled frame".
It seems it puts more weight on the rear wheels which should help in hill climbing.
Was the top tube lengths the same for either a straight seat tube or a bent seat tube?
I also thought Schwinn offered the curved seat tube design in a Panasonic made model, the Traveler (lugged 1020 frame), but it may be after 1976. I do not have later catalogs.
It would be fun to ride one of these models to see how it feels.
John "pretty flat in Southern NJ" Hawrylak Woodstown NJ
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Rich Pinder Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2005 5:06 PM To: classic Subject: [CR]Schwinn 'bent seat tube' P 13
Can anyone comment on the ride charactistics of the bent tube Paramounts, vs the standard tube framed ones ?? I assume the logic of the bend was for racing or time trials - was it a way to get feelings of a stiffer rear triangle ? (I'd not seen any Schwinns made this way before - do recall seeing some british frames with the bent tube though)
Thanks for any thoughts
Rich Pinder Van Nuys CA
(here's an example of the look:
http://www-hsc.usc.edu/
(from Sheldon's site:
> Seven standard frame sizes from 20" to 26" as well as optional short
> couple (bent seat tube) sizes from 21" to 25".