My friend and I went out this morning looking for a new bike for him. He was looking for a way off topic carbon composite- at any rate, we went into Martin's bike shop in Ephrata, PA. We got to talking to the owner, telling us the history behind the shop and its evolution into one of the largest Schwinn dealers in the Country- back in the day. I asked if he had any nice Paramounts- which I could tell by the expression on his face that he had. He took us upstairs into his museum-
Team Wheaties Paramount with all 8 speed Dura Ace.
50th Anniversary Paramount built with a Campy 50th Grupo.
The best- 1941 Schwinn World Record Holder (going from memory, 108 mph at the Bonneville salt flats). It had a front sprocket that was at least 14 to 16 inches wide. It was huge- The bike resembled a track bike.
Those were the ones that were most appealing to me- his museum was filled with anything from bone shakers to orange crates to balloon tires. Approximately five hundred in total that he was gracious enough to share with us. All mint, and basically traced the history of the cycling with a strong emphasis on the Schwinn company. I couldn't believe my eyes. Worth the trip if you are in the area. He requests that you call him first to make arrangements.
Todd Cirelli Mechanicsburg, PA
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