Hello,
My name is Marcus Helman. I live in the Detroit suburbs.
Current bikes: LeMond Alpe d'Huez, late 1990's (I know, I know) Raleigh Gran Sport, 1981, rebuilt as a fixed gear (this is the Japanese-built, non-DB version)
Former bikes: Ritchey, 1980, built first w/all Campy, then revised as a touring bike w/Specialized triple, Deore long cage rear. A beautiful frame, but it never had that spark, the liveliness that makes for a great bike Galmozzi, late 1970's, all Campy, except for a black aluminum headset. This is the one that I wish I had never sold. I got rid of it to buy the Ritchey. Atala, mid 1970's. My first pro bike. I bought it used, and it was too big, but it was so exciting to have such a cool bike. Campy with Universal Centerpulls Gitane, 1973. My first 10 speed. Cottered cranks, Simplex derailleurs, Mafac Centerpulls. I built a pair of sew-up wheels for it using Campy Nuovo Tipo HF hubs and Fiamme Red Label rims, and following the directions in The Complete Book of Bicycling. How long ago that now seems.
Current obsession: A friend has an old Paramount that he doesn't ride much anymore. I am guessing it is late 1960's because the rear brake (currently a Weinmann sidepull) looks like a long reach. Frame: painted silver. A few rust spots around the lugs. Paint is faded enough so that the area under the decals is discolored Original equipment: derailleurs, crank arms, pedals, headset, the guy says he has the original wheels, but has the bike set up with newer clinchers. Bits of rust on the headset, shifter stops, etc. Questionable equipment: Outer chainring does not have the supporting ring that passes through the crank bolts. It is not a Super Record ring either. Non-original equipment: Flat bars, stem, seat, brakes ( those Weinmann sidepulls I mentioned)
I did not realize upon joining this group that the discussion would be so focused on Paramounts. I hope that you can help me decide what to do.
The obvious questions arise Is it worth getting into this project? What is a reasonable price for the bike? Any ideas about the chainring? What about the rust? How can I find out what vintage it is, and what the original equipment was? How much am I going to have to sink into it? I know this depends on the extent of the restoration
My philosophy is that I want to be able to ride it whenever I feel like it. I would like to keep it authentic, but I do not require original brake shoes, cables, or tires (although I will stick with sew-ups).
Thanks,
Marcus Helman
Huntington Woods, MI