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Torpado Models and Vintages...
I have been pretty lucky with finding an old Torpado or two. In truth, more than two dozen have come my way, over the years. That said, two more came my way a short while ago. Both dead original. Both fitted with every Torpado accessory available back then. And both were in great, little used condition (told you I was lucky). Finally, both were Torpado "Super" models, and that got me to thinking...
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fb863db417.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...af604f2830.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a465cb7273.jpg How many models of these old Torpado road bikes were there, back in the day. The day I refer to is seventies or older, but that does not mean new models should not be mentioned. I was lucky enough to stumble across this Torpado "Super Racing" one day, many years ago. Rode it for one season... https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a7466a8320.jpg Anyway, any information and/or pictures offered would be appreciated by me and, perhaps, helpful to others. Following are pictures of models that I am also familiar with. Torpado Professional from the sixties (best guess). "As found" complete with slightly bent frame and all (sold to another forum member who did a heck of a nice job restoring it - perhaps that member will contribute his bike for others to appreciate). By the way, this bike was owned and raced by a professional racer, also pictured... https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e6ea514f10.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bd89f8b6a9.jpg Torpado "LUXE" from the sixties or seventies (best guess) in "as found" the day I brought it home condition. Gian Robert transmission, quick release skewer hubs and steel rims... https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...662c0d1036.jpg Torpado ??? from the sixties or seventies (???). Plenty of bling but still steel wheels, 700c by the way, but with wing nutted hubs rather than the LUXE's skewered offering... https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bbf67b97ab.jpg I am guessing that this example if somewhat newer. Shown here in "as found" condition and plenty of bling. Different head tube lugs and first one with a non-cottered crank set to come my way. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f57c6508e5.jpg It was not uncommon for these old Torpado road bikes to be fitted with full fenders, chrome steel solid units that blow my kilt up. I like fenders on my older bikes... https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d13fa36e0d.jpg |
On my "to do" list is this tall frame Torpado Italia. Bike Forum dating and all-round expert @T-Mar thinks this is an probably an '86-'87 vintage.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...55355f4967.jpg It has a Campy Record deraileur that doesn't fit with the catalog specs that may be an upgrade https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...47fc56af18.jpg All I've done to it since the '22 purchase is break it down remove the dork disk. I really am the reluctant rencher https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4a1c272f36.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5d4b38f5b6.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...57f126a4eb.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d8e9680d69.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7193a141a2.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...61ce0b9491.jpg |
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while here in the forum we understandably tend to focus on road models Torresini offered a full range of wheel goods including juveniles, folders, etc. one thing have long wondered about was when they ceased the placement of serials on the side of the seat tube about five cm south of the seat lug this change seems to have occurred sometime during the decade of the seventies T-Mar hath writ that Agrati acquired Torresini in eighty-three have wondered how long they held it today the Torpado marque is the property of the Esperia entity ----- |
My only experience with Torpado was in the mid-1980's, when the shop I worked in carried them for one or maybe two seasons.
We bought them from a distributor in North Caroline (I think; might have been South Carolina). Whoever it was might have been new to importing bikes, because, unlike any of the other importers of Italian bikes in popular price ranges (e.g., Atala, Bianchi), all the Topado models, including a couple of models selling for less than $500, were available in one-centimeter size increments. All we had to do is have the customer test ride three plausible sizes. The size that felt right was then an easy sell. Which was great for those of us on the showroom floor with racing experience, since we could explain the benefits of a semi-custom fit for high-performance cycling, but I imagine that many or most dealers found the sizing confusing (Why all the sizes?), off-putting, or pointless. Not surprisingly, the importer stopped importing the bikes pretty quickly. That was a shame. They were pretty bikes of high quality. And the top model, which was priced comparably to the equivalent Bianchi, came with a Campagnolo aluminum freewheel, which could have been sold for a pretty penny. I think we sold only one of that model. I advised the buyer to have us remove the campy freewheel immediately and install a Regina, which he did. |
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that one centimeter increment in frame size on low to midline models is a terrific plus seems like during the boom era all the production machines we received from europe in this price range were on a size regime of "19 1/2, 21, 23, 25" was a bit of a snag for me as i take a fifty-six ----- |
The only Torresini bike I have ever ridden is my 1972 ItalVega . It is a fantastic bike with chrome lugs and socks , beautiful sloping chrome fork crown , Campagnolo dropouts and fork tips. When I got it the bike had been sitting in a field in Moro Bay for many years , forgotten about. I spent a year refurbishing a bike that was so rusty that the chain was one piece! I often asked myself what the heck I was thinking. Then I rode it .... AMAZING! I even did Eroica California the first year in Cambria . As ugly as it is , it is kind of my "Rat Bike" with a mixed group of parts . I have no idea how close it is to a Torpado but I have to believe it is very similar.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...70b1e4aa87.jpg Right at home laying in the weeds! |
Originally Posted by juvela
(Post 23459884)
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while here in the forum we understandably tend to focus on road models Torresini offered a full range of wheel goods including juveniles, folders, etc. one thing have long wondered about was when they ceased the placement of serials on the side of the seat tube about five cm south of the seat lug this change seems to have occurred sometime during the decade of the seventies T-Mar hath writ that Agrati acquired Torresini in eighty-three have wondered how long they held it today the Torpado marque is the property of the Esperia entity ----- https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...eebbb1b0a5.jpg The Pro was the only one to arrive with a lovely head badge, rather than the more common sticker.. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...600f457c77.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cddce44e97.jpg |
Originally Posted by juvela
(Post 23459912)
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that one centimeter increment in frame size on low to midline models is a terrific plus seems like during the boom era all the production machines we received from europe in this price range were on a size regime of "19 1/2, 21, 23, 25" was a bit of a snag for me as i take a fifty-six ----- The majority of dealers probably just ordered them in 4- or 5-cm increments. Why load up on inventory? I can see that point of view, even though the bikes came in only one color per model, which helped to keep inventory costs down. But the sales rep would have had to educate the dealers on the benefit, the dealers would have had to educate the sales staff, and the sales staff would have had to educate the customers. Might have worked out on the West Coast, in large cosmopolitan areas with lots of bike racers, but probably nowhere else. |
Wonder if the Red Smith race was a Winnipeg race.
If Pembina Clover-leaf is what and where I think it is, the race was probably pre- '80. -D.S. |
had an 84 Super strada....punched above it's weight class
would get a Super lite X if i found one..... even though it would cause at minimum raised eyebrows also it seems Torpado built the the Italvega frames https://classicrendezvous.com/countr...italy/torpado/ these may help a bit circa 1984 https://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/torpado/index.html https://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/to...obrochure1.pdf https://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/to...obrochure2.pdf https://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/to...obrochure3.pdf https://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/to...obrochure4.pdf also interesting, looks like the torpado brand is still alive https://www.torpado.com/en/category/bicycles/ |
Just took my '84 Super Strada out yesterday for a nice long ride, such a great fast bike with that total vintage character that my newer bikes will never match, still makes me smile (except on the hills where the gearing is pretty aggressive)!
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b447f7f788.jpg |
It is mid winter in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada and the snow is two to six feet deep in my back yard and I am a bit bored. I cannot wait for the weather to warm so that my wife and I can move back out to the lake cottage. I have three projects planned for this riding season.
Project one - take each of these out for their test rides. I could not ride last year due to really sore hands... https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9ff2aee776.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...527418f187.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2c2db9b971.jpg Project two, clean up or restore this all chrome Torpado. Proper stem, handlebar and brake levers will be installed. Perhaps a new decal set, a lovely Torpado bell and this recently acquired Middlemore saddle will also be part of this easy build. Figure two or three days to get er done. Anyone want to buy or trade for a really not so cool black and white wide cushy saddle... https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...59f34f4867.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8be6044bfa.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...41d815e5a5.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cd673bdffe.jpg Project three - full restoration of this old balloon tire CCM and a new cover for a somewhat worn out saddle... https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d613f871f3.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ce939ec736.jpg And, project four - dig the garden for Mrs. Me.. |
Here are some photos of my 1939 Torpado. I bought this bike some years ago from the original owner who was kind enough to send a letter detailing it's history. The bike was sold in Canada where it spent all of it's life until I bought it. I have yet to see another similar to it.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9309affd49.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...33240e75f1.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...329ffbfd5a.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...96d6194e42.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3ba815753f.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3021ee6ded.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b8f9985fe2.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4c8ecca728.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...08c8f75d1a.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f5e5cc1412.jpg |
[QUOTE=randyjawa;23459809]I have been pretty lucky with finding an old Torpado or two. In truth, more than two dozen have come my way, over the years. That said, two more came my way a short while ago. Both dead original. Both fitted with every Torpado accessory available back then. And both were in great, little used condition (told you I was lucky). Finally, both were Torpado "Super" models, and that got me to thinking...
How many models of these old Torpado road bikes were there, back in the day. The day I refer to is seventies or older, but that does not mean new models should not be mentioned. I was lucky enough to stumble across this Torpado "Super Racing" one day, many years ago. Rode it for one season... Anyway, any information and/or pictures offered would be appreciated by me and, perhaps, helpful to others. Following are pictures of models that I am also familiar with. Torpado Professional from the sixties (best guess). "As found" complete with slightly bent frame and all (sold to another forum member who did a heck of a nice job restoring it - perhaps that member will contribute his bike for others to appreciate). By the way, this bike was owned and raced by a professional racer, also pictured... https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e6ea514f10.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bd89f8b6a9.jpg randy's bent frame professional now days https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e8e8ad5a7f.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0d39dc4999.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0c167aee50.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4e763f0e74.jpg |
@ cocoabeachcrab
Not sure if I mentioned it but I bought the bike from the nephew of the original owner/racer. That said, the bike looks absolutely great now. Job well done and I really like the color. |
Originally Posted by randyjawa
(Post 23718672)
@ cocoabeachcrab
Not sure if I mentioned it but I bought the bike from the nephew of the original owner/racer. That said, the bike looks absolutely great now. Job well done and I really like the color. |
I've seen a number of the low-end Torpados, the ones with the stamped dropouts and cottered cranks.
They all [except the berceau and mixte) had chrome front, rear, and headlugs, bullet-point seatstay ends, and they all looked the same no matter the model. And they all had Baggio decals on them. |
Looking at a 1970s Torpado catalog from Italy. Road bikes only.
Alfa Beta Corsa Esordiente Sportman Nuovo Sprint Super Strada Super Racing Superlight From the 1939 catalog Mezzo Corsa Corsa Strada |
@oneclick...
The only early model Torpado to come my way without the chrome head tube lugs was this Torpado Amateur. I remember very little about the bike - sorry... https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2b759b854b.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f55d12bfc8.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3fa6dabad2.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6009898f36.jpg |
Originally Posted by iab
(Post 23718722)
Looking at a 1970s Torpado catalog from Italy. Road bikes only.
Alfa Beta Corsa Esordiente Sportman Nuovo Sprint Super Strada Super Racing Superlight From the 1939 catalog Mezzo Corsa Corsa Strada Mike. |
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