Classic & Vintage - Identifying 80's Campy Components on a vintage Torpado

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bumpalong
09-23-09, 02:59 PM
I am hoping to get a little help from forum members. Over the next days I'll be taking a look at a vintage Torpado road bike, aparently from the early to mid 80's, that the seller knows little about. I've attached a picture of it, which unfortunately isn't very detailed. The seller mentions it is equipped with Campy components that are original to the bike. Having looked at the specs for an early 80's Torpado catalogue, it appears they could be Campagnolo 980, Gran Sport, or Nuovo Record.

I am new to vintage Campy and Torpado's, so could anyone tell me how I can determine which grupo is on the bike once I view it? Even better, anyone have an idea from the photo as to what year this bike was built, what model it might be, or what to look for on the bike to determine its age and value? Thanks!

JunkYardBike
09-23-09, 03:07 PM
Spend some quality time here: http://velobase.com/ListComponents.aspx?SearchGUID=39dbe76c-0cdc-49cb-b280-dc2a7224270e

Also, if you can have the seller send you the original pic, and preferably a driveside pic, some here may be able to identify most components.
bumpalong
09-23-09, 05:11 PM
Spend some quality time here: http://velobase.com/ListComponents.aspx?SearchGUID=39dbe76c-0cdc-49cb-b280-dc2a7224270e

Also, if you can have the seller send you the original pic, and preferably a driveside pic, some here may be able to identify most components.

Thanks JunkYardBike. The pictures of the various models should help a lot. Assuming this is an early 80's Torpado in very good condition, with Campy 980 derailers, and other era/similar level componentry do you have any sense of what such a bike may be worth?

JunkYardBike
09-23-09, 05:21 PM
980 and Triomphe were Campy's attempt at entry level components. I can't comment on their functionality, as I've never ridden a bike with them, but from a resale perspective, they're close to worthless. If the bike is indeed equipped with this level of components, and it is original, it's likely an entry level model, although there were some nice European brands that were equipped with downmarket parts for cost savings.

Personally, I wouldn't pay more than a couple hundred dollars for such an example if it were my size and I planned to ride it often. Obviously, condition would determine if I would be willing to pay more or less.