Last Saturday I was out tooling around on a friends motorcycle and as I passed a garage sale I spied a road bike out of the corner of my eye so I had to turn around and go back. Turned out to be a classic Schwinn Paramount, 1974 if I interpret the 4 in a diamond on the Campy crank correctly. When I saw the price I couldn't believe it, $9.00! Marked down from $15.95! I didn't hesitate to say I'd take it, but I had to go get my wallet and friends car. 15 minutes later I handed over a $10 "keep the change" and it was mine! I actually felt guilty, but I have no idea what it s worth, so for now I have a clear conscience.
Now, I may not have bought this as we live in a tiny apartment, however just last Thursday we found out that come January well be moving into our new house complete with garage and basement. Guess this is the house-warming present. Jack Gabow, the seller, is the original owner and had lived in Snowmass Village (where I live) for years. He and his wife Lisa, who I would guess to be in their late 70's, now live in River Valley Ranch in Carbondale, CO, where I bought the bike.
It seems to have all original parts, right down to the cables and toe straps. It's a touring frame as it has a long wheelbase, eyelets on the Campy drop-outs, and a triple. The only non-Campy/Cinelli/Brooks component is the "Schwinn Le Tour" rear derailleur, but I believe this is stock due to the wide gear ratios. Jack claims it's the same as the day he bought it, and I believe him - although the dealer may have changed out the freewheel and derailleur due to the mountainous region we live in. Well, I doubt the Flickstand, Tire Saver, and Avocet computer mount are original, so Ill be removing those.
Pumped up the tires and took it for a ride. Beautiful. No restoration for this baby, just a good mechanical going over and all the Patina you can eat! At 21.5" c-c it's a little small for me and a little big for my girlfriend, so we'll see how much it gets ridden.
If anybody has any input as far as originality, year, etc. please contact me off list.
Before photos can be seen at:
http://tinyurl.com/
I'll be sure to post after photos as well... eventually.
Danny DiMaria
Snowmass Village, Colorado