I'm considering going to check this bike out in a little bit, anyone out there know much about Torpados? A couple things of note: it doesn't have the chromed right chain stay, and it's listed as having a simplex derailleur and cottered cranks. From what I can gather, then, it's either a lesser model and/or had non original components added... or maybe it's from a year that I just can't find any information about. However, I feel like it might be a good looking frame that fits me, and if it's rideable without too much hassle I might just consider taking it home with me. Maybe a beginner project bike. Opinions?





https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/1215686756.html

Looks like an entry level bike boom model. Nice casual rider but nothing really special. If the price is right it would be a nice bar hopper/MUP cruiser. Probably sold for around $150 give or take in the early 70's. Today it might fetch $200 on eBay.

You're in Seattle already so that thing is a stones throw away. I say if you are in the market for a bike it's definitely worth taking a look at. It's definitely a looker with those chrome crowns and that chainring looks dead sexy and unique amongst what's being ridden around here.

You'd probably be able to get him to lower the price quite a bit. It's not French like you wanted but hey. Actually I drove up to Shoreline last week to look at this Peugeot, and let me tell you. Sooo disappointing. I thought I was on to something when the lady who answered the phone had a French accent, that thing was so rusted and beat up. This atleast looks like it may be worth the gas that the trip takes.

Shoreline, land of disappointment.

And while french bikes may be my ultimate goal, I guess I can settle for somewhere else on the continent for now. Got to consider the near AND distant future at the same time, right?

Looking at that ad I'd say you can bargin the price, All caps, what was it? twist nuts and some other interesting names? sounds like this person saw another road bike for alot of money and is posting it, I sell nice norco for that price and they are mint condition sometimes.

bike boom Torpedo, nothing special and will be heavy. Main points against it are the steel rims (not so good in rainy Seattle) and plastic Simplex stuff. But, it has alloy shift levers, so the upgrade is 1/3 done, and a Brooks saddle (which may be toast if it's been left to weather). Could be a "project" if you like that sort of activity, but probably not ready to ride, and priced too high regardless.

I don't think those are actually alloy shift levers but rather Simplex plastic levers with thin stamped aluminum covers. They look like the same ones that are on my UO8. I don't know that I would agree that it's priced too high at $150. It appears to be in nice condition, the chrome that I can see in the pictures looks good, no pitting and the paint looks decent. I know you can find bargins but I've seen bikes like that go for $200 on eBay.

man, Shoreline really is the land of disappointment!
Unfortunately it would have taken a lot of work to get it in good riding order, and I'm pretty sure the vast majority of the componentry was just tacked on... and yeah, plastic levers. Plus, the pictures were a bit deceiving as to the frame's condition... saddle felt nice though, I've never ridden on a Brooks thats been well broken in, and still felt right on me...

Should have offered 50 bux (u never know) !