72 Schwinn Paramount Restoration and build

Earlier this year Richard Schwinn at Waterford Cycles painted my Dream bicycle! A 72 Schwinn paramount in campus green as well as repaired my 88 Anniversary edition. In this video We pick up the frameset and build it from the bottom up. At the end you'll see it ready to ride!
Some music from Bensound.com
#bikelife #roadbike #restoration

[@cnnw3929]

The Schwinn Paramount back in the early 1970's. The bike I once dreamed about, but knew I could never have. Forget about the Krate!

[@dfawkes55]

Yes I'm familiar with the Schwinn Paramount. Top of the line race bike. The frame build outs were done in Waterford, Wisconsin. So I got a custom Waterford Series 900 Adventure Cycle in Sept 2000. It was sold by Suncoast Bicycles in Florida. I don't know if that shop is still around. I got it unassembled and I had the pleasure of assembling it into a bicycle that is still rolling and doing the work of a loaded tourer. I really appreciate your build outs and the friends and relationship you make along the way. When I saw those chromed lugs.... yes that is a sign of high quality and workmanship. Keep up the good videos.😀

[@FrankF-vp4pt]

I have recently become interested in bicycles and riding. I had no idea there were so many brands and options on all the models from yesteryear as well as today. My favorite bike as a youth was my English made Raleigh 3 speed. I loved that bike and broke the crank from all the years of riding it. My next favorite is my old Schwinn Continental I've owned since new bought in 1978-79 . I wish my old Schwinn was lighter and had more gearing, I'd ride it more to this day. Thanks for the videos!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Shine up that Continental and take it for a spin!!

[@iRusiko]

Schwinn is great brand! My first adult-sized bike was Schwinn, but yes, was kinda heavy too.

[@iRusiko]

Epic color! Eye candy 😋

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Its my favorite!

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

Keep these videos coming. Feed the need For A blast from the past.

[@stickmenkissarmy6907]

Thanks for doing the video's they are great 👍. I really like the longer video that show all you do to the bikes, and your shop . Thanks again for your time.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching!

[@jamessher6956]

Your right the pedals break my heart. This was my era getting hooked on bikes. Started 1971 with a Raleigh Super Course and graduated in less than a year to a custom Harry Quinn. Been through way too many bikes since then. Your garage is spectacular, keep the. Location secret.

[@andrewgrout2445]

Agreed, that is really unfortunate about the pedals

[@stephenoutterbridge3096]

that is the most beautiful paramount that i have ever seen.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks!

[@jonbrowning6839]

That is a super sweet color!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

It really is! Been wanting one for ever. Couldn't find one already built so I had to build my own.

[@tongalizia3175]

I feel like a kid in a candy store,,,,just drooling,,,,great to finally see the Mr Schwinn….

[@Paramount531]

Wow! I'm glad I got to see that being built up. I watched the video when you picked it up. Campus Green was an excellent color choice, I'd love to have one in the same color someday. Also one in Violet and another in Lime Green, a guy can dream, right?? Building up a frame or tearing an old one down to clean and reassemble has to be among my favorite activities of all time. I go slow and savor every moment. After a move from San Diego to the Boise area, I am still not in riding mode, but I did take my 71 chrome Paramount out for a quick spin around the neighborhood the other day when it was warm. When my activities turn from working on our new house to more fun things, my Opaque Blue 73 P15 needs a complete strip down and refresh, followed by the chrome 71 and a 74 Blue Mink Raleigh Pro. Thanks for the video!!!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Sounds like you have an excellent collection! You have some of the cool colors for sure. I love the Opaque blue for sure! I have a World Voyageur in that color. I haven't seen a Violet one in years! Thanks for watching.

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

“tearing an old one down to clean and reassemble has to be among my favorite activities of all time.” 😁👍

[@worldofameiso5491]

Hello from the UK. Always worth watching JVRBG...

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks!

[@jeremynorth]

Fabulous paiht. Lovely build

[@getplaning]

That is one of my favorite colors. I have a 1973 Raleigh Super Course in Bronze Green, similar.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Yes it was. It's Iconic to me.

[@johndillon8051]

I had a '73 Super Course in bronze green back in 1973. Rode it for around a year and then graduated to a Champaign colored Raleigh International.

[@getplaning]

@@johndillon8051 My 2nd racing bike was a copper International. Then I moved up to a silver Professional MkIV, then a MkV, then a series of Team Professionals. I still have all of them.

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

Love the old bikes & the good old days. Started (and trained!) with a Varsity. First race on an American Eagle (a few weeks later American Eagle became Nishiki) Semi Pro. Months later moved up to a Cilo. Pinned, and hearth brazed, and relaxed geometry. Not the best quality bike. The bike boom was in full -swing and anyone who could get tubesets was quickly cranking out bikes. The hurried nature of the times shows in the lack of detail.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Awesome story!

[@aldoclausi3955]

Always love these videos and give a thumbs up. It's a Cateye Solar computer btw.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks! Yes good call on the computer. Sold and installed 100s back in the day!

[@dgillies5420]

I had one it was the most awesome piece of tech! A solar computer so you didn't need to put batteries inside!

[@davidschaadt3460]

I had an old used Schwinn 3 speed. Great bike. It was green, i can't remember which model. Great times.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

@@davidschaadt3460we all have great memories of our old trusty bikes!

[@joebib9418]

Great video! As are all of your videos....they feed my need to get back into the past. I had a 1971 Campus Green Varsity in high school which I miss dearly, even though it was a tank, loved that color. Always lusted after the Super Sport in Kool Lemon though, but couldn't afford it on a caddie's wages. A few years ago, I restored a 73 Schwinn Sports Tourer in Kool Lemon with new paint and decals, and a Brooks B-17 in honey with matching elk-hide bar tape. I had to throw a triple on it though LOL I love your channel, John, and keep them coming! What a great way to spend a couple hours when I can't ride.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

So glad you're enjoying the videos. I enjoy sharing them. My goal is producing some comfort TV for vintage bike enthusiasts. I'm also keeping my eyes out for a vintage sports tourer. I do have as you seen in the video a 71 Campus Green SuperSport. Im looking for a brown Sports tourer. Id like one that Doesnt need paint! Wish me luck! Thanks for watching

[@alessandrodecarli4135]

Bellissima, complimenti!

[@simonr8323]

Just discovered your channel, really enjoying the content. What a beautiful bike!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks so much, can I ask how you learned of the channel?

[@simonr8323]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage Hi, yes I’m in the UK and subscribe to various other less mainstream cycling Chanels such as Vintage Velo etc. Your channel came up as a you tube recommendation.

[@Mr2fiveone]

OMG, Schwinn Paramount was my first road bike, I purchased in Honolulu Hawaii when I was stationed at Marine Barracks, Pearl Harbor Hawaii 1988. I road every part of Oahu, the Island is roughly 110 miles around.That bike was amazingly light and fast. Would love to get my hands on one of these works of art. Thanks for sharing!!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

They are in available. Check out Ebay or CL or FB marketplace.

[@adelheid_mueller]

Fantastic colour, perfect for chrome. Great bike!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Right! Its my favorite. Plus the components stick out well.

[@johndillon8051]

The Paramount was a very fine bike when this one was made. I knew a couple guys that had them and was impressed with the quality of the frames. There was a very long waiting list since Schwinn had a very limited number of employees with the skills to build them. Great color!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

In the bike boom they contracted with a guy named Don Mainland in Wisconsin to build them. My 1972 was made in Wisconsin instead of Chicago.

[@johndillon8051]

Thanks for that nugget of information. I was in high school at the time and worked at a Raleigh bike shop for a couple of summers, and we couldn't get the top of the line Raleigh Professional either due to demand. The owner of the shop did manage to get ahold of a rare Raleigh RRA, which had a full Reynolds frame but no Italian (read Campagnolo) components.

[@user-yz9cr4gu9n]

Beautiful bicycle it turned out great looking.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks. Been waiting years to build this!

[@davebudd1429]

What a gorgeous bike!

[@fredroberts6772]

mmm! them bikes! thank you for posting! love your videos.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks so much Fred!

[@davealexander7561]

John, thank you so much for sharing this video. I had a Schwinn Varsity in the sixty's that ended up getting stolen. It was the same beautiful color green..I always admired the Paramount but out ou my family's budget..

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Campus Green is my favorite. I have a Campus green 1967 Schwinn Varsity Tourist at the garage. I'll be fixing that up soon.

[@meadows408]

Stunning build, glad you got your dream bike. Thanks for the video.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianchisnell1548]

Great watch John! Just Damn. In HS, (early to mid '70s) I had my Brown Varsity and my gal had a green Varsity. I totally reworked my '71 SS and '71 ST. Both Sierra Brown, a while back. I get it. The bling on a Schwinn is second to none !!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Sierra brown! Id love a Sports Tourer in that color. I need to find a minty one! Tanks for watching!

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

Back in the Summer of ‘70 I stood outside a bike shop in San Rafael and just starred, mesmerized at the beautiful Paramount in the window. Inside they had a Frejus, and a Mondia Super. I think the Mondia & the Paramount were both $350. In the Summer of ‘72 I paid $350 wholesale for my Cilo. Hey, we all wanted a Masi, Colnago, or Colin Laing but demand far out-stripped supply and we rode what we could find.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

You're about 11 years ahead of me. I worked in a shop in the 80s and I wanted all the high end bikes I couldn't afford. That's probably why I'm buying them all now! LOL

[@SharpByCoop]

Haha! I was chuckling out loud when you were SO careful placing the badge on... upside down! Busted! (I have the SAME year Paramount project and I'm going to take this Winter to complete. First one for me. Thanks for your tips!)

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I should of turned it on its rear wheel and just set it on there. Might be a weak theory but I was afraid that if I droped the screw it had a better chance of scattering and on my epoxy multicolored floor it would be impossible to find. Good luck with your project and thanks for watching.

[@thomasbehrendt4808]

A dream bike. You did a great job. I like your vids, greetings from Germany

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks! Thanks for watching

[@bleachlectures3973]

Mint Paramountone for the ages

[@hamadysack3157]

Oh, that color.

[@Mundo51SF]

Yes yes yes the color is the best I'm sure I saw and fell in love with it in the '60s. The only thing I have a minor quibble with is the brake cables going down in front of the handlebar. And I always use Sadis chains. (SRAM now) I was sold on them early and have never had a problem with them. Good enough for Greg Lamont good enough for me.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Hi. I always get grief on how I run my cables. I like them out of the way. Its a personal thing I guess. Im a HUGE sedis fan for sure. Many of my bicycles have them. I didnt have one for this build. Sometimes hard to find the gold and silver ones in great shape or NOS. Thanks for watching.

[@arthurschierhoff6485]

Beautiful build. My dad rode a 1972 Schwinn in Campus Green , and the color of your bike looks nearly identical. Brooks professional I a great choice.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

No kidding. 72 Paramount's are not rare. But finding one in campus green in a 23 or 24 inch frame has been impossible for me! Thanks for watching.

[@downtownbmx4563]

Pretty sweet ride 💚

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks!

[@SkyhawkSteve]

Love the Regina chain.. a great choice! I was rooting for the white bar tape... maybe next time. 😄 I do need to point out an issue with the front derailleur cable routing through the clamp-on guide... it shouldn't be looped around the little tab at the bottom of the cable guide. It should go from the front curved section to the rear curved section, and not touch anything else. Thanks for sharing! Building up a shiny "new" Paramount is a rare joy, and I think all of us got a lot of pleasure from it!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks! I tried running it the way you suggest. I didnt like the way the cable didnt run paralel to the downtube and I thought it looked funny. Glad you watched. its a great bike and look forward to riding it.

[@dgillies5420]

Green Hunt Wilde Plastic! With that slightly bronze-green paint job, you could alternatly use Raleigh Grand Prix green plastic tape, too !!

[@tagoooU]

My 1975 p15 Paramount that i bought new is in the attic. It was $600 my car at the time cost $350.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

@@tagoooU take that bike out of the Anakin polish her up! Take her for a ride if You're able!

[@shoff535]

Very, very nice! I think it came out exquisite! A friend of mine back in the 70s had a Campus Green Varsity, brings back memories looking at yours. In regards to the Campagnolo seat post adjustment, I’ve found that as the leather softens up you can lift the side up a bit and therefore get a little more swing on the wrench (but different saddles may have different side lengths).

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Good tip. Thats what I did actually. The leather on this saddle is pretty tough so it took some work. I was just making fun of the post and its lack of quick adjustment! Thanks for watching.

[@burtnull2245]

Like you, I wanted a Paramount as a kid. Instead it was a Continental. I did get my "Paramount" eventually in the form of a Waterford RS-11 in British Racing Green with Campy components contemporary to the frame. Still ride the Continental in the form of a single-speed.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I turned down a Waterford in that same green about five years ago!! Such regret. I purchased other bikes and was at my spending limit. I was an idiot. Should of purchased it anyway lol ! Thanks for watching

[@keithskustoms2311]

Nice channel, I also am a fan of bikes. I have two road bikes, a 73 Continental and a 74 varsity. I like cruisers the best. Have a 1940 DX. My channel is The Chicago Schwinn’s. Love old Schwinn bikes.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Looks like your channel is about harleys!

[@keithskustoms2311]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage I have two channels, Keith’s Kustoms is mainly an automotive channel, my other channel, The Chicago Schwinns is a channel about Bicycles.

[@dgillies5420]

Color is closer to bronze green, the color of my 1972 Raleigh Grand Prix, my first 10-speed bike (used, Jan 1973).

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

its simular. You saw it compared to the 67 varsity and the 71 supersport. It wsa close.

[@systemBuilder]

Hunt Wilde made a campus green (or Raleigh Bronze Green) plastic handlebar tape that would perfectly complement your frameset. I found that Selle Italia Corsa Smootape in medium blue matches perfectly my 1974 Schwinn Paramount opaque blue P-15, which I am finishing today.

[@cecilecorpuz5735]

Great build and your stable of bikes is pretty wild, I once had a GREAT stable as well mostly Italian but they all went up in flames with the fire of November 20th 2000 part of the lost was 500+ NOS/NIP CAMPAGNOLO brake sets, 1200+ pairs of CAMPAGNOLO SUPER RECORD Brake levers, 6000 plus NR/SR rings, just to name a few, what a horrible lost it was! That was the day I stopped collecting vintage bicycles. . A few tips for your later builds! Do get a Campagnolo 8mm socket / 6mm hex, it's the right tool for installing that front front derailleur, using an open end will always scar up the face clamp and also good for all of your other 8mm bolts it's great because of the shorter handle you can't over tighten the bolts it's creates less chances of slippage which in turn, no tooling marks. Next will be the use of your chain tool, instead of flexing the chain to loosen up the tight chain just reinstall onto the inner plate of the chain tool give give the handle a small turn and that will help loosen the tight link, Dual cable clamp, there's a small ear at the bottom, I will always lower the guide till that ear is as close it can get to bottom bracket shell, basically that ear is a stop, and not to get picky, myself as like one of my fellow Bicycle Mechanics Martin Ladd's a former wrench for the once was power house PDM team, we'll lube all nuts and bolts. BTW: Big cog on the freewheel will it be a 28? If so I do hear a familiar sound, sounds like the chain is being sandwiched in-between the derailleur pulley and the cog, Campagnolo manual stated that NUOVO RECORD rear derailleurs can handle a 28t cog, but in reality it was not a good match, the 28t cog was simply to big, so the best choice when matching a NUOVO RECORD rear Derailleur with CAMPAGNOLO #1010 / #1010B drop-outs at the time was to use a 26t cog. Anyway I'm an American and I'm a Vintage bicycle dealer here in Holland at ---.renaissance-cycle.com here in Holland and many years ago I was on the road doing some buying and I came across a very large Batch of 14/27t REGINA freewheel, so I asked the seller what's up with these freewheels, his reply was about the problems CAMPAGNOLO was having with the NR rear mech and 28t cogs, their quick fix remedy was for REGINA to produce a 27t cog, so I bought up the lot of which many went to JAPAN and sorry to say they are long gone, all 250+ units. But matching a NR rear mech to a 28t cog on some Japanese drop-outs this combo worked fairly well mostly because so me of the Japanese drop-out had a deeper drop, thus lowering the derailleur. Just my very long 2 cents.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

OUCH! sorry to hear about the your plight with the fire and all! Crazy! That is a 26T rear cog and you still hear the grind! Im just going to put a 24t and call it a day. I'll check out your site! Thanks

[@dgillies5420]

You can take the locknuts off the hubs and if they say CAMP 71 they are 1971 locknuts which suggest they are original to a 1972 bicycle. All campy parts on my 1974 paramount P-15 are date-marked 1973; all campy parts on my 1974 Raleigh Pro are datemarked 1973; it was typical to keep 1Y of parts in the back room when making bicycles ...

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Interesting, Great factoids! Thanks

[@dennissilber287]

I learned not to grease the spindle flats. The notion was that greasing them ran the risk of over tightening the crank which would compress its softer aluminum excessively and cause excess wear and expand the spindle hole. This ran the risk of not being able to retighten the crank on the spindle in the future without needing shims. I’m not sure there is evidence for this or if it’s just an old bike mechanic’s tale.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I totally get that there are two schools of thought. I respect either for sure. Ive been doing it like this for 42 years and it has served me well. So maybe both have benefits? Thanks for watching and input!

[@williamboike7276]

I agree with you on tightening the BB a little beyond the norm. What may feel tight may just be a minuscule irregularity in the milling (or a little bump in the road). An interesting side note: Schwinn Paramount frames were definitely noted for their finish, and were painted by this famous lady for many years. Do you have any info on this frame artist? I like your videos. They are casual and very informative. P.S. I had an entry level Raleigh around the early 1970's. It was a Raleigh Competition, all black with Huret components.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Spectacular !

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Many thanks!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage My neighbor wants to restore his Paramount.. it was taken apart a couple decades ago and languished in the loft. He is reluctant to get back to the restoration for one major reason, we know of no reliable chrome shops. My go to chrome shop packed up long ago. Any suggestions ?

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

@@jeffhildreth9244 I don't have a Chrome shop that I could recommend. Richard Schwinn charged me $500 just to do the rear stays on this bike. IDK what a good price would be if you went direct. If you want you can reach Jeffrey Bock on FAcebook and he might be able to recommend someone.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage Thanks. I got a tip from a local hot rod builder, I'll try that.

[@dgillies5420]

You can get an Izumi Super-Toughness 3/32 gold & black chain for about $60 if you shop around. It should have gold outer links and black inner links. It's the 1-of-a-kind part still being made to accurately achieve the original look. They are a good replacement for the HKK blue sky gold & black chain which was original on my 1974 Paramount P-15.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Those are cool. Or I could put a vintage Regina Oro chain on it! I wanted to keep it vintage. Aiming up that bright gold chain on it was a private joke with a friend. Id never do that! LOL Thanks for watching.

[@user-mu1yf2ju9q]

I love your videos. This 72 Paramount is outfitted almost identical to my 76 Richard Sachs #57. 70's Campy steel bikes are classic. I'd like to send you photos.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Hi. are you on facebook?

[@user-mu1yf2ju9q]

Hi John I never joined Facebook. I would like to be able to contact you, but I understand how publishing your email can lead to being inundated with messages. Living in Ct. does not provide the option to drop by and see your amazing collection. My first quality bike was a 74 Motobecane Grand Record, exactly as you have in Silver & Black. I changed out the brakes and hubs to Dura Ace, and the cranks to Stronglight. The store I worked as a mechanic in 75 sold Schwinn and their best bike was a black Paramount with chrome lugs. I vowed to have such a bike someday. A year later my Motobecane had a bad encounter with a taxi and I decided to finally go all in with a custom frame and full Campy group. I still have that bike in perfect condition.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I added my google Email to my front page. You can find it there!

[@systemBuilder]

You can take off the "JAGWIRE" logo from the cables before you install them with some acetone on a paper towel. It can make your bike look closer to period-correct ...

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I agree! I need to get more acetone!

[@dgillies5420]

Wheelset is 3x, I was amazed to find my all-original 1974 P-15 (i am second owner, 1980) has 4-cross spoking, araya steamroller 640g wheels( not weinmann 256 alesas ). Maybe the racing models were 3x which is much more common. I recently got a raleigh gran sport with Schwinn Super Record tires which are moving straight over to my new Paramount ...

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

These rims are obviously not stock to the bike. Anyone that relaced a racing set would go three cross. They would be stiffer and a tiny big lighter with the shorter spokes. I have some concaves with Large flange that were 4 cross from an old Paramount.

[@StanEby1]

Awesome!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching

[@krawls]

Cateye Solar.

[@richardwallace133]

My old boss put the gold trimmed anniversary group set on the black paramount

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

AWESOME. I still dont own a 50th ann group. Im thinking about just biting the bullet and getting one. IDK if id hang it on a frameset or in a display? I guess it depends if I buy one used or not. Thanks for watching.

[@outlaw7x77]

Wasnt that Cateyes first muti display computer that had the first cadence wire to the crankarm? It was top of line say in 1987. The Avocet was INHO way better...smaller, but only speed, trip, and total distance...all else is needless...plus the Cateye is so HUGE!!! but back in the day, i wanted one.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

That is a good question. I think the solar was the first one with cadence. I'm not sure. We sold tons of them when I ran a store in the '80s. Then the avid sets came out in different colors and people were digging the simplicity in the lower cost.

[@rangersmith4652]

I fully rebuilt a 1980 Motobecane Grand Sprint ( my original GS was stolen in 1987) last year, and I rebuilt the Atom pedals as well. But they're not on the bike. In their place is a well-worn set of Look PP256 in silver, because I will not ride a bike locked in to those straight cleats. I think toe clips and straps are OK if people want to use them for vintage events, but with flat soles only.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Im in the same boat. i do have a pair of Campagnolo pedals with toe clips that I put on bikes for events like that. Other than that its my Look equipped Giro shoes. I need more Motos!

[@rangersmith4652]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage Motobecanes of that vintage are really good--they were still French! The GS was marketed as a training bike or junior racing bike, but it's what I could afford as an undergrad (mine was a gold '89 with Suntour). Nostalgia made we search for another GS, but there are certainly higher end bikes in the Motobecane line-up of that era. Of course you can still buy the brand today, but it was sold to some outfit across the other ocean. From what I read, they're still very decent bikes and good value.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

@@rangersmith4652 I only have one. A 74 Grand record. You could see that in my KZbin channel from a couple years back

[@dgillies5420]

If you want your rebuild to really POP, do what John did - polish all the dirt & grease off the chainwheels and the brand-new-bike-hairs on the back of your head will stand up when you look at the bike !!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Exactly! LOL

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

wow. and I thought I had a problem.. ..

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

You do! Just kidding. People use my channel to show their wives that they are not "THAT" crazy. LOL

[@larrgemarrge]

Stop by Dirt River Bicycle Works on your way through Akron on your Ohio to Erie tour. We'd love to see your rig!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Hey I will be blogging this trip. Not something I normally do. I Love going to bike shops. Should be stopping in Akron for sure.

[@Siggy_Sour]

i just got a sexy powder yellow Varsity dang its a tank but feels solid as a rock! Was gonna put some beefy 26 inches on it but its original no rust i would feel kinda bad.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

If you did that you would have to change the brakes as well. You saw in the video I have a 67 Campus Green varsity. Its actually a Varsity tourist that came stock with fenders, Upright tourist bars and wider saddle.

[@Siggy_Sour]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage sweet dude ill keep that in mind

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

As one of my friends used to say "We didn't get into this to save money!" What else do you have to spend your money on? Oh wait, fly over to Italy and visit cycling museums, maybe?

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

That would be fun!

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

Let me know if you decide to do this - at least I can help you with some advice/connections and maybe meet up depending on your plans. Meanwhile, here's a pretty Campus Green bike veloclassics.blogspot.com/search/label/Schwinn%20Paramount%201970@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage

[@jeromeward1456]

I am curious about the routing of the front derailleur cable in the cable guide. I noticed that you have the cable going underneath the small flat tab where I've seen many above the small flat tab🤔

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

When you put it on the lower tab they are parallel to the rear der cable. Both work! Thanks for watching!

[@mikeday9699]

Niiiiiiice. Doing a Browning bike with chrome and gold paint. How did they paint over the chrome? I need it done. Maybe you can give me the person that did it so I can send the frame. Thanks a lot. Love the bike.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Hi. The browning should be great. Honestly, Im not being a smart ass. Did you watch the video? I picked up the bike from Waterford after they painted it. I think the trick is to not polish the chrome where you're going to be painting it.

[@tomallen6073]

Own 4 of Schwinns leightweigts, awesome bikes, restoring a continental currently, have 2 super sports and Le Tour which gets ridden daily, I have newer, much more expensive bikes but love these classics. A question I have is why have so many large frames survived? Seems to be the most common size I come across ? Anyone have a theory? Thanks.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

That's a great question. What size do you consider large? I see more large frames up for sale I think possibly because they take longer to sell. What percentage of men in the world are over 6ft tall? That's all I could think of.

[@AlphaLife-vp6tx]

Super story of the campus screen Paramount and your campus green varsity. I had a 72 Varsity campus green and a 68? Stingray green metallic which was a two speed; do they have one that did not have a gearshift, but only changed gears by the pedals? It’s been a while. Thanks for the memories.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

If you had a 2 speed it was the 2speed kickback hub. To shift it you pedaled backwards as if you were putting on the brakes on a coaster brake. That would switch the gears! Thanks for watching

[@kellydoyle7833]

Love this topic. Colors and 2 speed coaster brake hub. I had that green on my stingray, got stolen twice. My oldest bro found it walking to work, "stole" it back, then it got ripped again for good.He had a Schwinn Corvette 26" w/2 speed in a bronzy gold, Bridgestone called the color "Pumpkin" in the 90s, that he installed ape hangers and a banana seat for a super sized Sting Ray. I raced my buddy on his Apple Crate home from school nearly everyday . He'd get off the line, then dead heat and once I got some mo on those 26" wheels , then kick 'er in to top gear, Id sail on past. He could hang but looked like a hamster on a treadwheel.😅 Like Alydar and Alysheba( from KY!) we rode off from all challengers. Nobody in 6th grade could touch us. I may have been slightly better racing, he probably turned out to be the better stud. Eight kids in his family!😂 Thank you John for stirring up such nostalgia, one of life's secret sauces.

[@dgillies5420]

Sorry to report the shifters are not the right vintage; in 1972 they should have cable-stops (an older type of band) which are unused since the cables don't have housing on the downtube - those are late 70's early 80's shifters. Also your brake levers could use flat QRs (not domed ones, which are post-CPSC in 1977) but you probably knew that ...

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

You are correct on both accounts.. I put on the closest to what I had or what came with the bicycle. Good eye!

[@goodoldstuff6826]

The chain is definitely too short. But bike is gorgeous

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

@@goodoldstuff6826you have a good eye! Figured that out a little bit late. Thanks for watching

[@maxbicycle6228]

Sonic parts washer is a needed tool in your shop.

[@richardwallace133]

Campy I’ve been trying to remember the Schwinn color chestnut brown?

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Chestnut was very popular. Id love a 78 Schwinn Superior or a Paramount in that color for sure!

[@Peo_Sahlin]

The first chain was too bling, but bright red pedals are fine?!? 😂

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Lol. That's all I had at the time. Those were switched out. The very gold chain was a little bit of an inside joke with a couple people. No way that was going on that bike! Lol

[@user-hd4ov6fs2y]

I notice just about all the bike resto videos feature 25 inch frames ? Why is that ?

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

@@user-hd4ov6fs2y most are 58 or 60 cm. That's what I ride

[@davidrobinson9507]

Camp - Ann - YO - lo

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I know. I know I'll get it right sooner or later lol

[@spacemanonemillion2500]

Lovely job. Have you a build with campy deltas . Not sure I have seen one in your stable. ?

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I am rebuilding the 1988 Paramount anniversary bike very soon. It has Delta's. It's already somewhat pre-assembled because I just disassembled the bike to get the frame repaired.

[@spacemanonemillion2500]

Nice . Just built me a late 80,s Duell with deltas .

[@spacemanonemillion2500]

How many bikes do you think you have in total :)

[@spacemanonemillion2500]

Wow- that paramount anniversary looks amazing in the earlier video .

[@recyclespinning9839]

Why did Richard Schwinn not sell Waterford? Another American bike company closed 😢...

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

I think he tried. I don't know the details.

[@meadows408]

Headset screws for the early Treks are 2mm, ask me how i know.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

LOL.. Richard Schwinn warned me. Said it would be tough to find these. Just use superglue! Just kidding

[@TomDeLombaerde]

those pedals....but great build

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

LOL I know! I KNOW! But Im wearing my Giro shoes that Im most comfortable with. Just an aside. If Im riding with a bunch of retro geeks I do put on some Campy NR pedals with clips and I have some "Chrome" brand messenger shoes that I wear with them. Thanks for watching!

[@yvanskivol6960]

Superbe vélo mais les pédales ne sont pas belles. Pourquoi ne mets tu pas des pedales campagnolo avec cales pieds?

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Hi, I use Look pedals and clips. I enjoy vintage bikes. I also like modern comfort and performance. I use the same pedals and shoes for all the bikes. Thanks for watching!

[@goodboyringo9716]

What size are the correct rims ?

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

You can actually fit both 700c and 27 in wheels on this bike. The brake shoes will adjust accordingly. This particular model most likely came with tubulars and of course those are 700c. I have 700c clinchers on it now

[@goodboyringo9716]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage ... I didn't know Schwinn sold 700c on their bikes.

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

@@goodboyringo9716 if a bicycle came with tubular tires they had to be 700c of of course. But yes, if they were clinchers they were always 27 in until the early '80s. My 1982 Schwinn super sport was 700c

[@goodboyringo9716]

@@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage .... The bike I'm looking at is a 1972 , it has 700c glued on tires not sure what rims are on it.

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

Paramount blasphemy…? Ok… I’ll restore and not “improve” my ‘74 Paramount. I have no idea what model this is. It has a tall brake bridge and tall fork for fenders. Maybe it’s a custom P13 that would commute during the week, then remove the fenders and rack to race on the weekends? Has a more aggressive racing geometry, and a 2x10 Nuovo Record set front & rear. I don’t see this bike in the catalogs.

[@mauriciotorres6285]

Love yo😊ur art, thanks God I found you, I am from El Salvador, I have a bintage bianchi that I allways wqnted to give a beautiful paint, do you think you can give me the contact address of your friend the paint person so I can send him my bicycle frame for a beautiful paint .

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Hello, thanks for watching. Glad you enjoy it. Richard Schwinn who painted this bicycle has retired. He is no longer painting bicycle frames. You can consider. Jeffrey Bock custom cycles. Google his name.