.....Everyone has one!

The old adage "Opinions are like A#$holes, everyone has one" comes to mind.

I will be the first to admit, when it comes to bikes, I am NO expert!  No, I'll keep my doctorate in American Cinema, thank you very much.  But quite frankly,  that may be a good thing.  When you come in here you're talking with folks that like bikes, ride bikes but aren't so over burdened with technical and historical knowledge as to make the average consumer feel like they are being talked down to!  I have learned what I do know over the last eight years by listening to folks who know WAY more then I do (special shout out to uncle Chippie and Bullet) and by doing research.  Of course even then, when doing online research you have to be conscious  of it's source.  So as much as I can, I go to the manufacturers catalogs and such.  But I have been taken aback over the last 24 hours with an equal amount of  admiration and conversely, vitriol regarding the recent addition of the 1977 Schwinn Paramount.   Apparently such a true gem inspires the expert in everyone!  Of course, I respect the knowledge and opinion of Chip and our new found Schwinn enthusiast friend and collector, Linc.  Then we have the other end of the spectrum.  When I worked in the comic book industry I was use to contending with a certain number of "Fanboy Snobs" who were overly assured of their convictions in every case.  I had no idea until now that those same traits existed in a portion of the Veloist community.  It's like I tell my teenagers all the time, always allow flexibility in a debate. be willing to admit when you are not 100 percent secure in knowledge, and never remain stubbornly adamant when faced with contradictory information.   Do your due diligence and research!  Some of the info I have received, though,  has inspired me to delve further into Paramount's history.  One such comment an enthusiast asserted was my own questions regarding the authenticity of this bikes rear derailleur.  I thought it odd that, while the majority of components on the bike are Campy, the rear derailleur is a La Tour.  Even though his introduction was a TAD bit on the rude side, he did inspire me to research the specs for that time period and the La Tour was one of the options available.  He then went on to lambaste me by stating that "unfortunately some hack brazed cantilever brake studs to the fork and rear seat stays" going on to conclude that "The value of that bike is down the toilet.  It's no longer "original" it's now "highly modified".

Hmmm?

Well, with the gauntlet firmly striking my face I willingly accepted the challenge and set forth to defend my honor!  It took all of about twenty minutes to confirm my suspicions.  First, I took to heart that we acquired the bike from the original owner.  He was forthcoming with the fact that of all the components on the bike, it was as he had originally ordered it (I'll get to that in a moment) minus the original seat.  Now here's what I discovered online for further info (and it comes from the original 1977 Schwinn catalog, Sheldon Brown, Re-Cycle (another one, not us) and the Schiwnn Bike Forum) The Schwinn Paramount brand was a "custom made" bike.  Primarily a money looser, it was meant to highlight Schwinn technology.  A customer would sit down with a Schwinn representative and "build" the bike!  You could have it built anyway you wished, within reason, with just about any feature or component Schwinn had available.  The only TRUE limitation was the frame had to conform with the preset angle of the lugs. Again, thanks to Chip for that verification, as he himself had a Paramount built especially for him.  The thing is, before Schwinn's transition to the satellite plant in '79 every paramount made was "highly modified".  As an example, here are the Paramount's brakes that are in doubt...

Now, if that is a "hacks" modification it's a pretty DAMN good job!  BUT, not wanting to sound too sure of myself it took a scant few seconds to locate this picture (amongst a myriad of other pic's)....

Look familiar? This one came off a '77 Paramount tandem.  Now,  would it be such a stretch to assume this modification would be available on a bike designed to be modified?  If you notice in the first pic, the gent who ordered the bike wanted to have the convenience of the available front and rear racks which were designed to occupy the sets for the more prevalent brake style.  Hence the addition of cantilever.   In conclusion (and with every bit of diplomacy I can muster) I recommend that you be sure of your information before you stand reticent in your convictions.

ANYWHO!

Yesterday was Drop off day!  Many a repair came in and I thank ALL for their trust!  And WOW!  I have to color myself in deep shades of blush over the swell of glad tidings and extremely kind compliments afforded us by so many wonderful folks!  I do so thank all the referrals we have been getting in as well, lately.  Always a welcome daily treat, lately they have been ten-fold!  Perhaps word of our new locale is finally hitting the street!

All right,  I've talked enough,  now I best get to it!  Check out the full splendor of the aforementioned Schwinn.

Simply breathtaking!