That is really slick looking single-speed. However, I think that 400 is a bit much. I would buy it if I had 400 to spend, but I would first try to talk them down to 300 or 350 first. (Simply based on the picture).
Here’s the thing, people looooove to up-charge used bikes. I do this too, because I put a lot of care and time getting my bikes road/ trail ready.
Also, if you want that bike and are willing to pay 400 for it, then it is worth it and you are getting a great deal and a great bike.
MeesterPositive on
No. I don’t know who these people are charging all this money for bikes that are nearly 40 years old, but it’s just insane. The components on this aren’t special.
If it were me I’d keep looking.
DEDmeat on
I’m going to go the other way and say that looks like a pretty clean bike that has been well cared for and has good components. That will last a good long time and costs about the same as a new State fixie. You could probably talk them down from 400, but I really do think that’s fair price. Just make sure to peep the frame and make sure it’s not rusted up.
JPHarlock on
The Schwinn Paramount has an almost cult like following as they were high end bikes, some with Reynolds 531 tubing.
I would take a look at it myself if it were local.
rootshirt on
Dude, if $400 is around your budget, look at State Bicycle Core Line and their I think 4130? They’re brand new and $400/$450 respectfully!
okay_but_really on
I did a search for the bike and it seems that the frameset is more likely from the mid 70’s (a search for “1974 shwinn paramount” brings up multiple images of an identical frameset).
With that in mind (I used a 70’s road frameset for a year), saying he built a “superbly light single speed” is most likely a stretch, and he is either misinformed or also stretching the truth about the age of the frame.
Now, as much as I know about framesets, I do not know hardly anything about the components themselves. However, it is difficult to accurately gauge the condition of the components (drivetrain, wheels, tires, stem and bars, etc) without seeing it in person.
I would argue that you could get a lighter, newer, and probably more reliable single speed bike brand new from State Bicycle co, Mercier, etc. I recently bought a State 4130 single speed and was very pleased with the frameset and the competence of the components. Brand new, it was $460, and they have a (slightly) heavier model in the State Core line, as others have mentioned for $400.
Ultimately, I would say the price for a 50 year old frameset is outrageous, and you should try to talk him down, or if you are willing to spend that much, buy a new bicycle. I paid $70 for a similar bike a year ago (50 yo frameset, decent components) and spent more than I’d like to on maintinence and repairs, and I kept finding issues that I hadn’t noticed when I bought the bike.
AXEMAN299 on
For that price you could get something a lot newer and stronger on the market
8 Comments
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That is really slick looking single-speed. However, I think that 400 is a bit much. I would buy it if I had 400 to spend, but I would first try to talk them down to 300 or 350 first. (Simply based on the picture).
Here’s the thing, people looooove to up-charge used bikes. I do this too, because I put a lot of care and time getting my bikes road/ trail ready.
Also, if you want that bike and are willing to pay 400 for it, then it is worth it and you are getting a great deal and a great bike.
No. I don’t know who these people are charging all this money for bikes that are nearly 40 years old, but it’s just insane. The components on this aren’t special.
If it were me I’d keep looking.
I’m going to go the other way and say that looks like a pretty clean bike that has been well cared for and has good components. That will last a good long time and costs about the same as a new State fixie. You could probably talk them down from 400, but I really do think that’s fair price. Just make sure to peep the frame and make sure it’s not rusted up.
The Schwinn Paramount has an almost cult like following as they were high end bikes, some with Reynolds 531 tubing.
I would take a look at it myself if it were local.
Dude, if $400 is around your budget, look at State Bicycle Core Line and their I think 4130? They’re brand new and $400/$450 respectfully!
I did a search for the bike and it seems that the frameset is more likely from the mid 70’s (a search for “1974 shwinn paramount” brings up multiple images of an identical frameset).
With that in mind (I used a 70’s road frameset for a year), saying he built a “superbly light single speed” is most likely a stretch, and he is either misinformed or also stretching the truth about the age of the frame.
Now, as much as I know about framesets, I do not know hardly anything about the components themselves. However, it is difficult to accurately gauge the condition of the components (drivetrain, wheels, tires, stem and bars, etc) without seeing it in person.
I would argue that you could get a lighter, newer, and probably more reliable single speed bike brand new from State Bicycle co, Mercier, etc. I recently bought a State 4130 single speed and was very pleased with the frameset and the competence of the components. Brand new, it was $460, and they have a (slightly) heavier model in the State Core line, as others have mentioned for $400.
Ultimately, I would say the price for a 50 year old frameset is outrageous, and you should try to talk him down, or if you are willing to spend that much, buy a new bicycle. I paid $70 for a similar bike a year ago (50 yo frameset, decent components) and spent more than I’d like to on maintinence and repairs, and I kept finding issues that I hadn’t noticed when I bought the bike.
For that price you could get something a lot newer and stronger on the market