Torpado Lesson and Learning...
 

Three Torpado road bikes have come my way in the past year. This one is an entry level steed sporting a 25.4mm seat post...
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3ec2dae854.jpg

This Torpado, a LUXE model, came my way a day or two ago and it sports a 26.4 seat post, suggesting a different frame tube set. The one above had polished chrome on the socks and head tube lugs only. The one below has a fully polished chrome frame, as do other LUXE models that have come my way...
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9af4a1e00f.jpg

I offer this information only as a source of information to other Torpado owners. And, while I am at it, I should mention that both of these bikes, as found", were fitted with seat posts that were too small for the seat post lug/tube opening. I cannot help but wonder about that. Was it a factory goof or did the seat tube lug and tube stretch with use. My guess would be a factory error.

Anyway, a question. Based on the seat post size, any guesses as to what the tube sets might be?

Almost forgot, this is Torpado #3 that I got a few weeks ago...
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0fdfb2a1e8.jpg

By "25.4" and "26.4" do you mean the size of the post or the size of the hole?

The four (50cm, 2x58cm, 60cm) I'm working on right now are 25.8, 25.8, 26.0, and 25.8 (all hole size).

They're all bullet-pointed seat stays, chrome front and back, look the same as yours (well no they don't, but they look to have the same frame). Three of them are 4 digit serial, all close; one is a three-digit.

If you haven't already, make sure the slot sides are parallel and measure again when they are.

And if you are doing a complete make-over, weigh the bare frames and forks; I'd like to compare.

25.4 and 26.4 are the seat post sizes and they are proper fits as nearly as I can tell. Not liking the Old School saddle clamp assembly I opted to buy a new indexed alloy seat post for my recent restoration (I know that the bike is not really restored, more upgraded now than anything) and the size is 25.4...
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ec17bfab18.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c76855dd33.jpg

I fitted an on hand 26.4 seat post into the all chrome bike and the fit was just right. I did, however have to do a bit of work to get the seat lug gap spread. The gap had been tightened down to zero, making it impossible to properly clamp the seat post, which, as found, was too small to begin with. I will most likely use the on hand alloy/indexed post even though it is neither period or model correct.

I do plan a full over haul, cleaning and polishing of the chrome bike and Torpado #3 is already close to stripped down to bare frame (head set and bottom bracket still installed. I will (if I remember to do so) weigh them both. In truth, I really don't worry too much about weight, considering the not light weight weight of the rider (200+ pounds).

Can you tell me if your Torpado has a rear brake bridge that has a little tube in it (where the hole is normally)? And if so, what exactly is that for?

I don’t know the first thing about Torpado, but my Motobecane Grand Record with 531 main tubes takes a 26.4 post. Just a data point, nothing more.

Oh, and my old Puch Bergmeister gaspipe took a 25.4 post, another data point.

All the Torpados I've seen have that tube in the brake bridge; it prevents the bridge from being crushed when the brake fixing-bolt is tightened. A lot of better-made frames will have some similar arrangement.

A 25.4mm post is a relatively heavy gauge steel, as it would translate to 1.5mm wall thick thickness, allowing for a standard 0.2mm diametral clearance. Generally, bicycles with seat posts in this size are constructed using 1020 steel, which technically wouldn't even be considered a high tensile steel alloy.

A 26.4mm post on the other hand, would indicate a significantly thinner 1.0mm wall thickness. A range of 26.2mm - 26.4mm is typical of lightweight, high tensile steel alloys used by Italian manufacturers in the 1970s and 1980s. During the boom era, it would have been found on mid-range models but by the early1980s had trickled down to upper, entry level models. A number of manufacturers, marketed these tubesets under proprietary brands but during the 1970s boom era from which the Torpado appear to be, the most popular Italian tubeset manufacturer offering main tubes with a 1.0mm wall thickness was one marketed by Falck. Consequently, Falck would be my leading candidate. Columbus would eventually offer a high tensile steel tubeset, Zeta, with a 0.9mm wall thickness and typically employing a 26.6mm seat post, but it did not debut until circa 1980.

So what do you think went into the 25.8/26.0 frames?

That would be in the high tensile steel range

No maker/brand, not even the equivalent of Luxtub or Allege Peugeot?

Very nice of you to say so but, to be honest, I just keep running across them. I do, however, really like the chrome windowed lug work...

Most of my Torpados, and that number is approaching double digits by now, were LUXE models or less. But I did score something special, when forced to leave Jamaica early at the start of the pandemic. Something special, my future project, an early sixties Torpado Professional. A build I hope to start as soon as I find a proper fork for the bike...
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0857e2d661.jpg

Not that I recall. However, even when they were present, it rarely meant anything, as the vast majority were simply rebranded tubesets, in an attempt to increase brand prestige in the eye of the consumer.

Only one Torpado has ever come my way wearing a tubing decal, my Torpado Professional. Does any body have a proper fork for this bike..?

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...65cd79d4ad.jpg

i found a person who is selling the same exact chrome bike but he might have the rest of original parts, but wont count it. Is it a good frame, how much did you pay for yours? Person is offering it for $120
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5b75804131.jpg
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What's in the picture might be worth $120 to me (were it local), it would depend on condition and what else might come with. Check that the frame and fork are not bent, pics look good, worth going to see with cash in hand.

Might want to measure the BB, especially if it doesn't come with one or isn't usable and/or isn't 68mm. :foo:

For ethical reasons, I rarely tell others what I paid for a bike, although I did do so on one occasion. That said, I always let people know what I will sell a bike for and I recently offered this one for $800.00 plus the cost to ship (I just have too many bikes and, thank goodness, only one wife)...

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...875b63dfa2.jpg

Thanks again and not a bad price considering you put time/money restoring it I assume!

Unless someone's had a go at it it's 70mm. All my Torpados are.

Well 70mm can still present its own challenges if you're not versed and or if it doesn't come with a good one to get you going.

Of course you could always face it down to 68 and move on. :twitchy: