Torpado
 

My friend bought this yesterday and all I have is this picture to go by. Looks like forged dropouts with adjuster screws, nisi rims (clincher?), Campy skewers, the crank of a Torpado Alfa, suntour Sprint rd, campy fd, and unknown brakeset. What can you tell me about it?

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/...psihlb9sbq.jpg

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Frame appears constructed with Agrati "CORSA" lugset. Headset OFMEGA. Chainset appears OFMEGA Forgiato. Pedals look to be a Way-Assauto model rather than the Sheffields more commonly seen on bike of this level. Brakeset is from Fratelli Pietra. 3TTT saddle pillar. Possible tubeset is some manner of Falck. Rear mech likely changed out for greater gear capacity. Appears ~1979.

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If you get any additional images this would be an interesting example to add to the "show us your Torpado" thread:

http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...r-torpado.html

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The frame itself looks decent with brazed-on shift bosses, forged dropout with integral hanger and top tube cable clips. However, the crankset, which would appear to be OEM based on the branding, is only a swaged unit. While the rims appears to be aluminum, they also appear to be 27" rims based on the Schraeder valves and they look like OEM size based on the pad position in what appears to be Universal 68 brakes. The components appeaqr to be OEM with hte obvious exception of the rear derailleur. My overall impression is late 1970s and lower mid-range. It's probably a lightweight hi-tensile steel. The best indicator to the grade of the frame will be the seat post diameter and whether or not the fork has a Columbus steer tube.

Thanks to you both. Do you know of a model name? Alfa?

One place the name Alfa shows up in bicycles is as a b-line cycle and line of components from Arregui (Zeus).

VeloBase.com - Component Listing

Here is a photo of the OFMEGA Forgiato chainset courtesy of VB. It is frequently private marked.

http://velobase.com/CompImages/Crank...01EDFAEC8.jpeg

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If you are in touch with the owner you could ask them to read the size marked on the saddle pillar. It will likely be something like 26.2 or 26.4.

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Torpado Alfa:

Fine post! :thumb:

Do you know a date for this specification sheet?

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I believe its from the early 80's. Love them Torpados!

That spec sheet is mid-1980s and post dates the subject bicycle by several years. It's possible that the bicycle is an earlier version of the Alpha but I can't make a definitive statement. Torpado distribution in Canada and the USA diminished greatly after the boom and did not pick back until the mid-1980s, after Agrati-Garelli bought the Torresini factory. Consequently, there is little information on the late 1970s models.

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/ima...Brochure/4.jpg

This has the same crankset but that's where the similarities diverge.

I bought a Torpado Columbus Aelle frame on Craigslist awhile back for $50. It's a 62cm, which is the limit of how big I can ride. It's no lightweight but I built it up to ride it and do enjoy it!

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/...psmuvddc75.jpg

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Suspect front mech may be a not oft encountered model called Nuovo Valentino. If it displays the Campag winged wheel logo on its cage rather than the burst one that is probably it. Image courtesy of VB:

http://velobase.com/CompImages/FDera...0C3F7A79D.jpeg

While hubs appear to be a NT match NISI rims appear different. Front clearly exhibits the NISI serration pattern on its braking surface while rear appears smooth. Does it look like this to other eyes? :foo:

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My eyes say the rear is smooth.

I've asked for better and more detailed photos. Seatpost is a 26.2.

26.2mm post would be indicative of a lightweight hi tensile steel. Definitely not Columbus.

It's hard to tell if the FD has the lip that would indicate no earlier than 1978 but the hubs, if NT, have straight QR levers, indicating pre-1978. I wouldn't want to say that the rear rim isn't serrated, as the serrations on the front rim are only visible at the point nearest the camera (i.e near the valve). The rear wheel is too far away to resolve whether there are serrations or not.

I had the bike over and we gave the bike an overhaul. Polish, wax, bar tape, cables, bearings, brake pads, chain, and he had installed some new tires, tubes and rim tape (700c) previously.

The rear rim is not identical to the front but they are both NISI and built on the original hubs. Only the front is serrated.

Bar and stem (110mm) are 3TTT. Universal levers have some worn hoods that should be replaced eventually but I'd imagine he will replace the levers due to the total cost of the repop Universal hoods. The front derailleur is indeed Nuovo Valentino. I believe someone put a 68mm spindle into the bottom bracket shell which made for some interesting adjustable cup and lockring placement on the 70mm bottom bracket but it got done.

I'll ask for more pictures but the bike is riding once again, minus a couple small details.

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Thanks very much for the update!

Looking forward to the "after" imagery.

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