i'm a complete newbie to retro/classic bikes, but i picked up this scwhinn from a neighbor and since i haven't really ridden it much i am thinking about selling it...before i do anything, however, i'd like to know some more about it.

the guy i bought the bike from said it was a schwinn paramount made before they started making them overseas (late 70s/early 80s???), and that the guy who sold it to him had repainted it orange. it's complete with superbe pro components and campy record hubs and everything works and there's no dings/dents in the frame. since buying it i've done some long rides on it and it's a pretty sweet ride. 5E07892 is printed on the steer tube; is there somewhere that i can get more info based on this number?

any idea of what this is worth? is it a mistake to sell? any help or leads on resources to get more info would be really appreciated.

thanks

i'm a complete newbie to retro/classic bikes, but i picked up this scwhinn from a neighbor and since i haven't really ridden it much i am thinking about selling it...before i do anything, however, i'd like to know some more about it.

the guy i bought the bike from said it was a schwinn paramount made before they started making them overseas (late 70s/early 80s???), and that the guy who sold it to him had repainted it orange. it's complete with superbe pro components and campy record hubs and everything works and there's no dings/dents in the frame. since buying it i've done some long rides on it and it's a pretty sweet ride. 5E07892 is printed on the steer tube; is there somewhere that i can get more info based on this number?

any idea of what this is worth? is it a mistake to sell? any help or leads on resources to get more info would be really appreciated.

thanks

Is there a serial number under the bottom bracket shell or on the left rear drop out? - TF

i'm a complete newbie to retro/classic bikes, but i picked up this scwhinn from a neighbor and since i haven't really ridden it much i am thinking about selling it...before i do anything, however, i'd like to know some more about it.

the guy i bought the bike from said it was a schwinn paramount made before they started making them overseas (late 70s/early 80s???), and that the guy who sold it to him had repainted it orange. it's complete with superbe pro components and campy record hubs and everything works and there's no dings/dents in the frame. since buying it i've done some long rides on it and it's a pretty sweet ride. 5E07892 is printed on the steer tube; is there somewhere that i can get more info based on this number?

any idea of what this is worth? is it a mistake to sell? any help or leads on resources to get more info would be really appreciated.

thanks


But you should start with the serial number as already mentioned.

I buy and sell a number of 70's 80's Schwinns and from my first reaction would be something from a lower line than Paramounts of the time. Most of the P's of that time had more lug work rather than the standard (still nice) lugs of the time.

I have had many that were Columbus sp, sp/sl or slx. I am even a fan of the later tenax tubes.

First question, and everyone please forgive me, but does it fit you. If you are looking for a smooth riding bike, this is it. If you are looking to resale, maybe worth a couple bills to the right person. The Suntour and Campy mix is fine, but not something a hard core collector is looking for.

If it fits, I'd hold on to it for a fixie and sell the Suntour grouppo or keep it as a classic or rainy day/beater bike. Pic's look good. If it were my size I'd lust after it.

thanks for the info...i didn't find any other serial numbers on the frame -do schwinn's of that era typically have other s.n.'s? where can i find out info based on the serial number i found?

racerx: the bike fits 'okay' maybe i'm just not used to the older style geometry; i don't feel stretched in any way, but... what i mean is that although it fits me i'm not totally attached to it. but i was thinking of doing exactly what you said and probably go single-speed and use it as a commute. the issue then is do i try to just sell the groupo and the wheelset and build something up off this frame, or would i be able to get a bit more as a complete bike and put that $ towards a single-speed (i'm also able to get shop discounts through a friend so a low-end s.s. wouldn't run me too much)?

But you should start with the serial number as already mentioned.

I buy and sell a number of 70's 80's Schwinns and from my first reaction would be something from a lower line than Paramounts of the time. Most of the P's of that time had more lug work rather than the standard (still nice) lugs of the time.

I have had many that were Columbus sp, sp/sl or slx. I am even a fan of the later tenax tubes.

First question, and everyone please forgive me, but does it fit you. If you are looking for a smooth riding bike, this is it. If you are looking to resale, maybe worth a couple bills to the right person. The Suntour and Campy mix is fine, but not something a hard core collector is looking for.

If it fits, I'd hold on to it for a fixie and sell the Suntour grouppo or keep it as a classic or rainy day/beater bike. Pic's look good. If it were my size I'd lust after it.

the guy i bought the bike from said it was a schwinn paramount made before they started making them overseas (late 70s/early 80s???),

5E07892 is printed on the steer tube; is there somewhere that i can get more info based on this number?


It looks like a mid-80s Schwinn Peloton. The Peloton came equipped with a Superbe Pro group and Diacompe brakes. The wheels and the stem (obviously) in the photo aren't stock.

The steerer tube number is meaningless. You need the number off the bottom bracket.

It might have been made in Waterford. You can do more research here: http://www.waterfordbikes.com/2005/data/culture/paramount/index.php

Oh, and it's not worth anything to collectors.

thanks for the info...i didn't find any other serial numbers on the frame -do schwinn's of that era typically have other s.n.'s? where can i find out info based on the serial number i found?

racerx: the bike fits 'okay' maybe i'm just not used to the older style geometry; i don't feel stretched in any way, but... what i mean is that although it fits me i'm not totally attached to it. but i was thinking of doing exactly what you said and probably go single-speed and use it as a commute. the issue then is do i try to just sell the groupo and the wheelset and build something up off this frame, or would i be able to get a bit more as a complete bike and put that $ towards a single-speed (i'm also able to get shop discounts through a friend so a low-end s.s. wouldn't run me too much)?


This bike will ride better than a new low end SS will. Lugs and a chrome chainstay and a nice steel fork, you don't come across them very often.

If the rear wheel has a screw on hub, redish it and simply purchase a bmx freewheel. Sell the deraileurs to cover the cost of the freewheel and new chain.

If it has a freehub, break the cassette, grab the 16, 18 or 19 and use the spacers. No need to redish. Bang, nice classic SS.

Ride it for a week or so and I think you will love it.

Waterford didn't start production until 92 or 93
Check on line for Schwinn info. there used to be a website will more info than you wanted on Schwinn serial numbers.

Waterford didn't start production until 92 or 93
Check on line for Schwinn info. there used to be a website will more info than you wanted on Schwinn serial numbers.

Actually, Schwinn started making Paramounts in Waterford in 1980.

However, I seem to recall the mid-80s Schwinn Peloton was made in Japan.

You're right. I was thinking about the Waterford plant in Waterford, Wi., instead of the Schwinn owned plant in Waterford, Wi.

You're right. I was thinking about the Waterford plant in Waterford, Wi., instead of the Schwinn owned plant in Waterford, Wi.

That's the same place. Waterford Bicycles was spun off during Schwinn's first bankruptcy. One of today's head honchos at Waterford has a last name of Schwinn.

Richard Schwinn
They're the ones that built my Gunnar.