Emanuel Lowi wrote:
"It's really a Canada vs. USA kinda thing with me. For me, Europe is the birthplace of the great cycles, and the UK first and foremost. Anything coated in chrome from the USA is either a Harley or a Chevy.
And I'd rather a straight-stayed Hetchins Magnum Opus, if you please, preferably with low mounted fastback seatstays. That's so very British.
I grew up in a city awash with French and Italian and British bikes. My local shop stocked Masi, Colnago, De Rosa , all rather similar in my view. .... "
Well for the opposite point of view I grew up in a city (actually suburbia USA) awash in Huffys, Free Spirits, and Schwinns. Of course I always wanted a Schwinn (the Paramount wasnt even a realistic dream for me. I wanted a LeTour.), but birthday gift bikes were Free Spirits and Huffys. You can probably guess what I got old enough to buy the bike I really wanted .yes, a chrome Paramount. Although mine wasnt in nearly as good of shape as the one being discussed I still feel its the best bike purchase Ive ever made. It also is the best riding bike Ive ever owned (though compared to most of you my fleet is pretty modest) and I do ride it a lot. So, while the Paramount is tops in my eyes if I ever come across a mint Free Spirit sting ray on Ebay you can bet Ill be actively involved in the bidding!
A few photos... http://tinyurl.com/
Rob Markwardt
Seattle, WA