When I first got into riding, the first "nice" bike I bought was a 1984 Torpado Super Strada wearing all its original things...except for the Regina Oro freewheel. When I bought it, I didn't know what size bike fit me...and because of that...it didn't. It was small and I could never get it to be comfortable. I changed it to be a "townie" style and that is where it has stayed. I have never gotten rid of it because I REALLY like the way it looks and it was the bike that I sold my basses for.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago...where a 1985 Torpado Super Strada frame/fork came up for sale here...on my size...so I bought it. I built it up with some modern parts from another bike I had. It has become my favorite and most comfortable ride. A definite keeper.

Now here is where I need help...I am confused with what I should do with the smaller one.

A. Should I strip her of all of her original parts and store them away for a day that I return the '85 to her original glory? Then sell the F/F of the '84?

B. Should I sell the '84 as a complete bike?

C. Should I keep them both.

Of these, I am probably leaning towards the first option...

How can we answer without seeing pictures of the bike in question?

But of those three options, A seems most reasonable: With Option B the buyer has extra work deciding whether they want a vintage-correct Torpado (a marque without major name recognition) or to strip the frame themselves to start with a blank canvas and/or deal with sales of vintage parts, and option C you end up with a bike sitting unused for extended periods. With option A the frame goes to somebody who will use it immediately and you're set with a complete set of components to use elsewhere (much easier to store than a complete bike).

Only thing I might suggest is that including the headset and seatpost with a F/F sale would be nice, it makes it easier for a potential buyer to start imagining possibilities within easy reach...

Here is the '84 wearing her original wheels, seatpost and drivetrain. I have her stem and brakes in a drawer.


Here is the '85 wearing her modern drivetrain.


And part of the reason to keep the original parts are they are all pantographed with Torpado or the T. This includes the Seatpost, the Stem, and the chain rings.

How big is the size difference? I was expecting to see a 53 and 61 not a 56.5 and 57.3


Since the 'original' now has upright bars and is intended for moderate cruising rather than go fast riding I see justification for keeping both

BG...that's the crazy thing...it is only a little over a cm at every measurement (ST, TT, HT). But the difference in comfort is incredible. I was (am) confused about it...but it's true.

^ Know what you mean. When I bough my '85 Mondiale I measured it three times while talking to the guy and was certain since it was 57.5ish it would be fine despite my preference for 59. The difference was immediately noticed, however only after a full rebuild with a completely group.


I still say keep both, or shop the original as is.

Torpado panto'ed parts generally tend to languish on Ebay. The frameset will probably sell in a speedy fashion, due to size. The name recognition just isn't there with Torpado. Unload the frameset and keep the parts around until you're tired of moving them around.

part of this might be the modern drivetrain giving you a few extra cm up and out with those bars and brifters. here is plan D for you:

Put all the original parts on the 85 + new decals.
put the modern drivetrain on the 84.

you might end up with two bikes that fit just perfectly. (or you might end up with two bikes that fit just imperfectly... there is an element of risk in this method)

I was thinking along the same lines as jetboy re: bars and brifters. A drivetrain swap like he suggested makes sense to me.

I don't​ see any reason you couldn't achieve the same fit on both bikes. Ulitmately, all that matters is the position of the seat and handle bars to the bottom bracket. Differing frame sizes and angles can make this a challenge with readily available seatposts and stems, but your frames are close enough this shouldn't be a problem. Differing frame angles can make simple things like seatpost offsets and stem lengths misleading if the frame angles differ. Much better to level the bike, then measure seat and bar heights and offset relative to the bottom bracket with a tape measure and plumb line.
Getting them the same within +- 1/4" shouldn't be too hard.

I've got 57cm and 63cm frames that fit identically. The 57 has a goofy tall stem, and the 63 isn't showing much seatpost, but as far as my butt and hands can tell, they're the same. (That isn't to say they ride identically, they just fit the same.)

I decided to keep the original parts for myself if I ever decide to rebuild at a later date. The frame, fork, headset and bottom bracket are now for sale in the classifieds. Thanks for your help and input.