Help on a Torpado...
 

Hey all, I work at a LBS and have found an old Torpado in my Boss's attic. The problem is that is has been stripped for a repaint. The only distinguishing marks are the Gipiemme dropouts, "TORPADO" marked on the seatstays, and the serial # reading "55" and "TO284". The lugs are fairly simple and the stays are mostly chromed. It doesn't feel like a superlight, but perhaps its low-end columbus (if such a thing exists....SLX?). Anyhow, any info would be appreciated.

I believe the Gipiemme dropouts are your big clue. Definitely not top of the line, but Gipi did appear on some nice frames.

""but perhaps its low-end columbus (if such a thing exists....SLX?""

SLX was top of the line...not low-end. Most likely its made of 'Tretubi' (3-tubes) Columbus Aelle...but check the seatpost diameter... if it's 27.0mm then it's probably Columbus Aelle or possibly Cromor. 27.2mm would indicate Columbus SL or SLX.

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Thanks for those comments. I just sanded and primed it. I figure even if it isn't top of the line, it will be a good learning experience for bike painting. I'd love to find info on the stock color before I head to the auto paint shop, though.

Let me check with someone off list and see if there is more info to be had.

My Torpado with Aelle uses a 26.8 seatpost.

One color I have seen on several older Torpadoes is a metallic lime green, believe it's the same green as on the Italvegas that were built by Torpado, too.

What bikeshop do you work for etburke?

Hokie Spokes in Blacksburg, but I found the frame in the sister shop in Radford: The New Wheel

I've got a candy Red Torpado Beta. 26.8 seatpost.

Oh Ya, The New Wheel. Are you putting the bike together for Dave?

Yeah, I figured it would keep me busy while I'm in northern Virginia for winter break (I'm a Virginia Tech student).

Have fun!