I usually have several Winter bike projects. This year has been a bad one
for them. I bought a bike that had been intentionally decaled with the
wrong maker's name. I have a bike at Brian Baylis' shop that seems to be
stalled out while he is so busy, I have a bike at Doug Fattic's that my
enthusiasm for finishing has cooled somewhat towards and last week ...well,
last week took the cake.
I had bought a bike I had coveted for a long time, a '72 black Paramount
with chrome lugs...my very favorite Paramount color scheme. You've all
heard horror stories about shipping a bike. Well, this bike was completely
destroyed in shipment. The stays bent, the bottom bracket shell dented in
so that the cranks wouldn't turn, the wheels arrived hanging out of the box
and, unbelievably, one end of an axel, nut and spacer were ground completely
off! Looked like it had been pushed across a concrete floor by a lift truck
while hanging out through the box. This wheel had, in turn, banged the
tubing all up on the frame...hard to imagine such carnage, isn't it? I
refused delivery and the seller, who had previously boasted to me of his
bike packing prowess tonight refunded my money.
Now you'd think that after all this I would be backing off winter
projects...any sane person would, I'm sure...Not me...here I go again...
I am seeking a black '70s Paramount with chrome lugs, originality and
condition important. I need a 22 inch, but perhaps could use a 21. I want
a touring model, preferably with a triple chainwheel set up. If you have
such a bike (or very close to) to sell, please drop me a line off list and I
will start all over again. If you have no such bike, will you folks all
please keep an eye open for me for one? I have wanted one like this for
some time.
One thing I have always found...if you want something...ask this list and
you'll often get results.
Thanks folks,
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi