[CR]What is it about that Paramount?

(Example: Framebuilding:Paint)

From: "William Bennett" <wbennett@smhca.org>
To: "'classicrendezvous@bikelist.org'" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Tue, 20 May 2003 13:02:13 -0700
Subject: [CR]What is it about that Paramount?

As a lurker and relative "newbie" since purchasing a 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8, chrome, 25" frame, off eBay about a year and a half ago (and I love the bike), I admit to being more than a little intimidated by the expertise represented on the CR list, so please forgive my naive question in the subject header. I am seeking some historical perspective on the 1972 P13 Paramount that has been such a topic of conversation lately. I'm not referring to the particular example on eBay (although it is a beauty and if I had $2.5K in expendable funds...), but to how the bike is/was equipped. How did it compare to other bikes of the time? How does it compare, if at all, to bikes of today? Put another way, what are the selling points (other than esthetics, on which I am comfortable making my own call) and drawbacks? My attraction to the eBay example is mostly (purely?) emotional or sentimental, as I have lusted after a Paramount since my parents bought me a new Super Sport in 1971 or so, but I am seeking some other justification for my interest - perhaps something that my wife, who may be emotional but is certainly not sentimental, might understand. Thanks for any enlightenment.

Sincerely,

Bill Bennett
near Spokane, WA