Paul's Vintage Bikes

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.

08/26/2026

The 1973 Schwinn Speedster is finished and on display in my museum in Elizabeth, Il.. Everything on the bike is factory original including the tires. A Chicago lady dropped both of her parents bikes off last week and wanted to see them preserved and shared with the public. It is a very beautiful basic single speed that was built to last a lifetime.

08/25/2026

Progress pictures of my 1973 Schwinn Speedster. Very grateful for this donated bike. It is in very good condition for being 53 years old. All parts paint and decals are original will post completed pictures tomorrow.

08/23/2026

I’m sharing a few pictures of my space that I had been renting for years in Galena. Visitors always ask me where I had my collection before I purchased the Bishop’s building in Elizabeth. Four years ago my bicycle collection was stored in Galena in what had been a furniture and carpet store on Chetlain Lane behind the Tri state Christian School (now Galena ARC). It was not open to the public, it was just a convenient place for me to restore and collect bikes. 4 years ago I received a phone call and told that my lease was not going to be extended and I had 60 days to move my collection. Two days later my offer was accepted on 137 N. Main in Elizabeth. With the help of friends and relatives we jammed all of the bicycles on one level and started remodeling. Looking back, it was a very good decision. I never planned on having a “museum” but I do enjoy meeting other bicycle enthusiasts, collectors, racers and shop owners. I plan to be open every Saturday from 10-2 as long as my health permits. Thanks to everyone involved in helping me make the transition.

08/23/2026

08/22/2026

Here are a few pictures of my 1967 Violet Schwinn Slik Chik after restoration. The paint is not original but was professionally done very nicely. This line was one step above the Schwinn Fair Lady. The front wheel and tire are temporary. I am waiting for a new white wall for the original S7 rim. This is a beautiful bike with the original seat.

08/22/2026

My next project is a 1973 Schwinn Speedster single speed. The color is Schwinn Kool Lemon. The Schwinn Speedster was sold from 1959 to 1978. The single speed coaster model came in 4 sizes and they all sold for $64.95. ($488. In today’s dollars)