Paul's Vintage Bikes

09/05/2026

09/04/2026

Finally getting started on my 1976 Schwinn Paramount P10-9 touring bike. The Paramount was the top of the Schwinn lineup with Reynolds 531 tubing and Campagnolo drive trains. This should be finished and on display in my Elizabeth Museum tomorrow for the open house 10-2.

09/04/2026

My 1980 Trek 412 touring bike is back together and just waiting for the TREK seat tube decals. This was the last year that Treks were hand built in a rented red shed in Waterloo Wi.. I believe that this was the first year of head badges attached without 2 screws. Trek is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The freewheel, seat post and cable clamps are not original parts.

09/02/2026

Sharing a few progress pictures of my 1980 Trek 412 12 speed steel touring bike. This is one of the last bikes hand built in the original “Red Barn” facility. The new factory was built in 1981. The color is Metallic Charcoal which a high luster DuPont Imron paint. I am putting 27x1 3/8 tires on instead of the original 1 1/8. The original owner had switched the Suntour 6 speed freewheel to a Shimano 6 speed. I also changed the Original SR alloy seat post To a Campagnolo Aro. The seat tube decals should be in sometime next week and I will post completed photos then. I actually prefer the look without the TREK letters.

09/01/2026

I started on another new project today. I believe that this is a 1980 Trek 412 touring bike. This is a very early hand built Trek steel frame bike in remarkably good condition. Trek was only 4 years old and already building quality affordable touring/sport bicycles. If the new seat tube decals come in, this project should be finished by the weekend.

08/29/2026

This week’s project will be this 1976 Schwinn Paramount P10. Reynolds 531 tubing, Nervex lugs, Campagnolo drive train and Brooks saddle. This was marketed as the top tier of the Schwinn line. This one has been well cared for and should look great in a couple of days.

08/28/2026

I found a Schwinn Fastback rear Slik and a Schwinn fastback front tire to complete my 1966 Fastback project. This is the first year of the Stin-Ray Fastback series. They were produced from 1966-1976. I also put the original bow tie pedals back on. It will be on display with the rest of the Sting-Ray collection.

08/28/2026

My 1972 Burgundy Breeze single speed is finished and on display. Everything on the bike is original. The single speed sold for $56.95 in 1972. Schwinn paint and chrome is higher quality than most bikes so they clean up nicely after a light rust removal and polishing. The decals however are extremely fragile. My museum in Elizabeth, Il. will be open tomorrow and every Saturday from 10-2.

08/26/2026

Another Schwinn project, 4th one in two weeks. This is an all original Schwinn 1972 Schwinn Breeze single speed that was built in Chicago. These were available in Burgundy or Campus Green. The single speed with coaster brake sold for $56.95 in 1972. I hope this one turns out as nice as my last project, the Yellow 1973 Racer that was donated by the same lady.