Hohn; I'm not sure I understand what is going on with the list on this one. I guess we were all amazed at the price, as typically Paramount, chrome or not don't quite reach that level. It is obvious that this bike is a very special Paramount, no matter what the cost, in excellent unrestored condition. Such bikes are nearly impossible finds. I dis post a comparison or query to the group of what my rare Hetchins might be worth if the Paramount sold for the $3650. Seems like it set off a war between the Brits and us acrross the Pond. It wasn't my intention, as I was just posing a question.
Bottom line for me, and should be for everyone else. Cost aside, you've got a wonderful rare piece of American and World cycling history which I'm sure you'll cherish and enjoy.
Best regards, Peter Naiman
If your coming to Cirque in June, I'd love to see the Paramount in Person.
John Waner <x76911s@socal.rr.com> wrote: Well I was going to stay out of this...but now that it seems for some reason become a us against them thing for some. I must speak up. My ebay handle is x76911s and I won the chrome paramount and this is the 3rd bike/frame that I have purchased that has elicited amazement as to how someone can justify spending so much for a bike or frame.
first was a 69 Masi Special frame only that had been updated with braze ons and repainted as a Daccari (sp). I have since had it taken back to original spec. , no braze-ons and repainted to a traditional white with red panels. Painted by Brian Baylis, the result , in my opinion, we rescued a frame that had been terribly abused.
The second one was a green Pogliaghi. Don't know how that will turn out it is still with Brian Baylis. Here again was a bike whose components had been altered and had suffered some frame damage. And when it is done it will be beautiful and bring me many happy moments.
And now the paramount, it is already prefect in my eyes! Is it the best bike I have, or the one I am most finantialy invested in. I don't know and I don't care! I collect bike that appeal to me whether it be Masi, Cinelli, Galmozzi, De Rosa, Hetchins, Girardengo, Claud Butler, Paramount, 3t, Viking, (hopefully some day even a Brian Baylis). They all have 2 wheels and are chain driven and each one is unique in its own way. I collect them because there is something about each that attracted me to them. Maybe it is because I have lived all around the world I do not prejudge a bike by where it was built.
It has been a little strange having people judge my knowledge of what a bike is "worth", and I appreciate reading those that seem to get it.
John Waner
Huntington Beach, CA.