Vintage 1985 Schwinn Paramount 55 cm steel road bike 6 spd

Sold: $321 Buyer: USA
Vintage 1985 Schwinn Paramount 55 cm steel road bike 6 spd

Frame and Wheel is bringing a vintage Waterford-made 1985 Schwinn Paramount 55 cm steel road racing bicycle to market on eBay. The bicycle was ordered from Schwinn by the original owner through Champion Schwinn (Arlington branch) in Jacksonville, Florida. The bicycle features Columbus tubing and lugged construction; chrome drive-side chain stay; a built in mount for a frame pump; down tube shifting; Campagnolo Super Record rear and front derailleurs and shifters; Campagnolo Record front and rear hubs; Campagnolo rear drop outs and front fork ends; Cinelli Criterium bars and stem; vintage Shimano 105 brakes, cranks and pedals; and 36-spoke tubular rims. The bicycle was raced in the late 80s and early 90s and was crashed once. It has spent the past decade in storage. The original owner whose name is painted on the non-drive side chain stay no longer rides this bicycle and is selling it because he needs to create some space in his house. The bicycle weighs about 20 pounds (9 kg). The serial number on the bottom bracket shell is 558WH85082.  The bicycle is being sold as is. 

Review of condition

This is a classic racing bicycle that is clean and in good condition despite being more than 25 years old. Although there are signs of wear and tear, the bicycle has been lightly used and stored properly. Elsewhere, the frame and fork are aligned; there are no dents or bends in the frame or the fork; the derailleur hanger is straight; there are no major scratches on the finish and the decals are still in place; the headset turns smoothly; there is no play in the bottom bracket; the shifting is smooth; the wheels are round, true and spinning smoothly and all the spokes are taught; and, the brakes work fine and the pads show about 5 mm. 

Frame and Wheel did find the following features: there is 4 x 7 cm patch of corrosion under the paint on the top tube just just forward of where the top tube meets the seat tube; there is corrosion where the seat tube goes into the bottom bracket, on the eyelets that hold the rear brake cable to the top tube, on the drive-side of the chain stay; and on the bottom of the down tube. The paint is peeling off the left pedal and the left side of the tip of the saddle has a tear. The rear tubular tire inflates, but the tread has worn off in some places; the tread on the front tire is less worn but the tire is showing signs of age. Both tires should be replaced with new tires and new glue before riding. There is some wear on the braking surfaces of the rims. A spoke on the left side of the rear wheel has a bend in it. There is a small amount of play in the headset. The chain measures more than one on the chain wear indicator. The cranks is missing one chain ring bolt. The Campagnolo rear derailleur has Shimano pullies.  Frame and Wheel has looked over this bike very carefully, but cannot guarantee that every imperfection has been spotted.

Frame and Wheel conclusion

This is a “modern day classic” racing bicycle that with a little servicing (primarily new tires) will be restored to its former glory. It is a heavy bicycle, but this will not bother the rider who seeks the smooth feel of a steel frame, the zen of “index less” down-tube shifting and the style of 1980s cycling. A restoration enthusiast might consider sending the frame back to Waterford for a new paint job and new decals, but this is not necessary for those who want to enjoy a “retro” ride.

Specifications:

Frame: Schwinn Paramount 

Dimensions: Seat tube: 55 cm (c-t) top tube: 54.5 cm (t-t)

Material: steel with Campagnolo dropouts

Weight (complete bike): 9 kg (19.8 lbs)

Spacing: Rear 126 mm / Front 100 mm

Seat post: LaPrade 26.7 mm

Front fork: Schwinn Paramount steel with Campagnolo drop outs

Cranks: Shimano 105 172.5 mm

Bottom bracket: Shimano BC 1.37 68 English thread

Wheel set:  tubular 36-spoke 700 c unknown rim

Spokes: straight gauge 2 mm

Nipples: external

Hubs: Campagnolo Record 

Skewers: Campagnolo Record

Tires: Clement Super Condor (F) Vittoria Formula Uno 21 28 (Rear)

Brakes: Shimano 105

Brake levers: Shimano 105

Shifters: Campagnolo Record

Front derailleur: Campagnolo Record

Rear derailleur: Campagnolo Record

Pedals: Shimano 1056

Chain ring: Shimano 105 52/42

Freewheel: Regina CX 13,14,15,16,17, 18

Chain: unknown

Saddle: Forte Carbon Pro SLX

Stem: Cinelli 115 mm zero angle

Headset: Spidel Stronlight 1”

Handlebars: aluminum Cinelli Criterium 39 cm c-c

Serial number analysis

The serial number on the frame is 558WH85082. Using information on the Waterford website, Frame and Wheel interprets this to mean that the frame size is 55 cm (55), manufactured by Waterford in May (H) of 1985 (85), and was the 82nd frame planned for production that month (082). Frame and Wheel does not know what the “8” represents. Information about Paramount serial numbers: Waterford - Custom Bicycles and Frames