About six months ago, I did a two day, 180 mile ride on my friend's 1992 Series 3Paramount. Since then, I got the chance to build up an old aluminum Trek for free. Now, the Trek is a good bike, and probably a little lighter, but its a little too small for me. There is currently a 12cm drop from the seat to the bars, and I would really like to cut that space in half (the Trek is a 55cm bike and I think I'll fit a 58-60cm). The Paramount I rode was sooooo smooth. It was a joy to ride even over rough Texas back roads (It was lugged too!). Though I've put barely 20 hrs on the Trek (I've been super busy lately), I think its time to start looking for some semi-old steel. I really liked the feel of the Paramount, but I don't think I'll be able to find one that fits me for the dough. $300 would be my top limit, but for that price I'm not sure if I could get a Paramount frame. Is there any bike that would have a similar feel to the Paramount? I think the Paramount was Japanese made, so should I look in that direction? I know I can find something, but I don't know what to look for.

One of the higher end Panasonic built Schwinns from the late 80s, early 90s would have a similar feel.

I have seen many of the Series Paramounts go for under $300. They don't have the huge value and demand normally associated with the earlier Chicago made Paramounts or the 80's Waterford made Paramounts. I also second graw's suggestion as the upper end Schwinns even mid-80's on are great riding bikes. I have an 86 Schwinn Peloton (one model below Paramount) that is a great riding bike. Mine came equiped with mostly original Suntour Superbe group and the frame/fork are Columbus SL/SP. I picked up mine off of ebay last winter for around $250 shipped (62cm size).

I bet some of the upper end Japanese offerings with have a similar ride quality as the upper end Japanese made Schwinns. Look for something that has some upper end Tange or Ishiwata tubing.

just picked up a Panasonic DX-3000 and it rides very similar to a Paramount. In fact, Panasonic built some of the later Paramounts. My guess is that the Paramount you rode if from Panasonic based on the year 1992.

I just saw a panasonic DX-2000 frame on ebay. It had Tange tubing (I don't remember the level though). I didn't follow it after it got above $73 (a little much me thinks).

Many excellent Jpanese frames from the late 80's and early 90's are available at great prices. Look for tubing labled Tange 1, Tange 2, Ishiwata 022 or Ishiwata 024. Sheldon Brown has An excellent article on Japense bikes http://www.sheldonbrown.com/japan.html

I have owned Japanese built Raleigh Superbe (Suntour Superbe Groupo), a Shogun 1000 with Shimano 600, and a Centurion with Suntour Cyclone. All great bikes with nice workmanship. My son has a Panasonic 2000 DX, which in more entry level but still nice. I've always wanted a nice Miyata but never have found the right one at the right time..

If I were you, this Waterford would be very tempting http://cgi.ebay.com/WATERFORD-ROAD-BIKE-FRAMESET-CAMPAGNOLO-REYNOLDS-753-58_W0QQitemZ320185218184QQihZ011QQcategoryZ98084QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

You've owned the gold plated Raleigh Superbe? Do you have any photos of that awesome ride?

Regards,
Danny

Many excellent Jpanese frames from the late 80's and early 90's are available at great prices. Look for tubing labled Tange 1, Tange 2, Ishiwata 022 or Ishiwata 024. Sheldon Brown has An excellent article on Japense bikes http://www.sheldonbrown.com/japan.html

I have owned Japanese built Raleigh Superbe (Suntour Superbe Groupo), a Shogun 1000 with Shimano 600, and a Centurion with Suntour Cyclone. All great bikes with nice workmanship. My son has a Panasonic 2000 DX, which in more entry level but still nice. I've always wanted a nice Miyata but never have found the right one at the right time..

If I were you, this Waterford would be very tempting http://cgi.ebay.com/WATERFORD-ROAD-BIKE-FRAMESET-CAMPAGNOLO-REYNOLDS-753-58_W0QQitemZ320185218184QQihZ011QQcategoryZ98084QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

You've owned the gold plated Raleigh Superbe? Do you have any photos of that awesome ride?

Regards,
Danny


Yes, I had the gold plated Raleigh Superbe. I bought it in the spring of 1982. It was the nicest bike I ever rode. One of the biggest mistakes of my life was selling it. I'm still kicking myself for it. I don't even have a photo., but I do have a lot of good memories. People who knew nothing aboutt bikes would pull up beside me, roll down their car window and tell me what a beautiful bike I had.

early 90s steel... EDDY MERCKX! beautiful colorways great tubing... awesome bikes...

I bought a nearly-new 1992 Series 3 Paramount for $200 off of Craigslist in Dayton, Ohio, back in May.

I've since put on about 3500 miles on it and it's been a great and flawless ride. Scope out eBay and with a bit of patience, you can score one for around the same price that I got mine. The beauty of the PDG Paramounts is that they do not have much cachet among collectors, making them amazing values.

this site has some Carrera frames. I think the Zeus is built out of EL/OS. check out http://www.rideclip.com/index.php?pg=showItems&sub_category=28&category=15 also check out Keirin Culture they have some Italian Steel frames listed, chk http://keirinculture.com/store//catalog/index.php?cPath=23 I don't know how up to date the website is you'll have to contact them. Same thing goes for the Reparto Corse site, lots of steel frames listed, but it looks like it hasn't been touched in a long time. see http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=reparto&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=90252101&Count2=7392525&CategoryID=452&Target=products.asp lots of luck

Why not see if your friend will sell you the bike since you like it so much. Unless he has a serious attachment to it it may solve all your woes and he may enjoye putting your money towards something nice and new!

Whoops, I forgot to mention; the Paramount was too small for me too. It was the first time I had ridden a really nice road bike (before, I was running slicks on my MTB). Even though it was too small, the smoothness of the ride really grabbed my attention. BTW, my friend absolutely adores that bike. I'm really surprised that he actually lent it to me. Otherwise, that bike would probably be sitting in my garage.