Re: re [CR]match built Paramounts

(Example: Framebuilders:Tony Beek)

From: "goodrichbikes" <goodrichbikes@netzero.net>
To: <OROBOYZ@aol.com>, <kurtsj@mtco.com>, <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <105.2c2733c4.2bc46b1b@aol.com>
Subject: Re: re [CR]match built Paramounts
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2003 15:14:51 -0500


I'd like to clarify Dale's comments. The lugs weren't plug in style, the drop outs were. Regarding the casting lines, this illustrates the problem of a frame production facility without in-house painting. The early frames were painted by a facility that was getting squeezed hard by Schwinn and they felt no obligation hide any imperfections. I don't like to have painters hide things but often times this is the reality of price point frames in production settings. With in-house painting, production facilities can fix these things through cost analysis. They can decide if it's easier/cheaper to do it with metal work or paint. The Waterford Paramounts are a good example of this decision process. The painted frames look nice. Strip the paint and the casting lines are still there. Anyway, back to the match Paramounts. After the first couple of hundred frames, Schwinn renegotiated the contract and match was now in charge of supplying painted frames. We subcontracted the paint to a small shop in Portland, OR called Acme Paint Shop. Those frames began to look a lot better. We did a better job with cleaning up the lugs and they covered our butts when we missed something. It was a good relationship.

Curt Goodrich
Minneapolis, MN


----- Original Message -----
From: OROBOYZ@aol.com
To: kurtsj@mtco.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2003 1:12 PM
Subject: Re: re [CR]match built Paramounts



> In a message dated 4/8/2003 1:33:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time, kurtsj@mtco.com
> writes:
>
> << A quick question: why were straight bladed forks a mistake?
> Functionally,
> or aesthetically?
>
> FWIW, when I saw a couple of these frames, I was impressed, as well as
> encouraged that a high-end lugged frame was being marketed again by a large
> manufacturer. >>
>
> Opinions are like ___ but at that time, I was interested in seeing the design
> that Match was contracted to build for Schwinn. I also was excited to see a
> big company try a lugged steel top of the line product. Probably the last we
> will ever see!
>
> The design of the lugs was a backwards glance to Waterford Paramounts and
> earlier, married to Tim Isaac's own design proclivities.
>
> The Nervex and Waterford influence exists in the little points on the sides
> of the lugs.....slightly "fancy".
>
> Isaac's influence is obvious in his low-behind-the-lug "fastback" fastening
> method as he used at Trek and in his own custom frames from many years
> before. In addition we can see Tim's expertise in high production techniques
> in the production-aiding "plug-in" lugs.
>
> In my opinion, the straight forks are completely cosmetic.
>
> I was disappointed that the cast lugs were minimally cleaned up in the
> building process.. On many frames, seams and signs of the casting process
> were readily visible. As with older Nervex lugged bikes, there was not any if
> any filing or shaping. This again, is typical of frames "built to a price."
>
> But, this Match built frame is now brief chapter in the tortuous history of
> this famous lineage...
>
> Dale Brown
> cycles de ORO, Inc.
> 1410 Mill Street
> Greensboro, North Carolina
> USA 27408
> 336-274-5959
> Fax 336-274-6360
> <A HREF="http://www.cyclesdeoro.com">cyclesdeORO.com</A>
> <A HREF="http://www.classicrendezvous.com/main.htm">Classic Rendezvous</A>