Hello Wallstreet and everybody else. . About 18 years ago +/- a couple. A very dear friend of mine who lives in Winter Park, FL gave me a vintage Paramount bike frame. And I mean frame and forks ONLY. But it was and still is beautiful. Chrome everywhere. Just no components – frame and forks. So I needed a bike and thought why not build THIS one. According to the serial number Serial #E7297 stamped on the left rear drop, it was made in 1973 the year I graduated from high school and was the 97th frame constructed that year. It’s also referred to as the Olympic because of its Olympic rings decal. I have pretty good mechanical aptitude but zero bike component selection / building skills and little experience. Through a friend of a friend, I got hooked up with Mr. Sheldon Brown. In my opinion, one of the most brilliant and knowledgeable bicycle mechanics on earth. You have probably read some of his articles – just brilliant. I contacted him through Harris Cyclery. Not only was Mr. Brown brilliant but also very approachable. He loved my idea of breathing new life into my vintage Paramount frame. He understood that my spirit was willing and eager but my knowledge was feeble. He put me in touch with a mechanic at Harris Cyclery, Jay Jackson. Through a couple phone calls and several emails, we mapped out a plan. Through his long distance guidance, I hand spread the rear drops to accept a 9 ring cassette, and selected all the components from a sealed bottom bracket bearing assy to derailleurs to STI levers to wheel and spoke composition / lacing pattern to, you get the picture. Jay would ask for measurements and mr. caliper and I would go to work. When I ordered parts from Harris Cyclery, if it required a special tool, they would ship the tool with the part. Sometimes it cost a few dollars. Sometimes it was used and free. I took that frame and forks only and turned it into what I’m proud to say is a pretty cool looking bike. I certainly get lots of comments when I ride it. No, it’s not carbon fiber, or titanium or even aluminum and yes, it’s heavy as a brick. It is also a touch on the large size for me, I can straddle the top tube flat footed but it’s close. But it’s cool looking and I had the pleasure of the building process. And my bike knowledge is pretty good as a result. I perform all of my own maintenance, cable changes, derailleurs setups and adjustments handlebar wraps, etc. Alas, Sheldon Brown passed away a few years ago and Jay recently retired. Mr. Brown’s abundant articles are still available (as you know) educating other enthusiasts. According to my Garmin, I have ridden just over 34500 miles on the Paramount that I put together. I average 14mph (not rocket speed but fair. I have ridden three centuries in the last few years and bunches of 35 to 50 mile Club rides. While I'm not aerodynamically stable like you guys, I do OK for Boo Boo the Dancing Bear. Referring to the Vitus frame, I was hoping to build it for a second bike. Obviously THAT isn't happening because I'm too fat for the frame. But I'd say that I have fair riding and bike building skills. Thank y'all so much for the encouragement!
