just finished Torpado
 

I just finished this Torpado build. I call it a build because I had this frame in my size but none of the pantoed parts. I thenk came across a much too big version of the same model, perhaps a year later, on the local CL and was able to pick it up at a good price. I swapped the parts, sold the big frame to forum member Echo, and put together this very nice bike. It is an '84 or so Torpado Super Strada, Columbus Aelle R tubing, in "pearlescent beige" (that's what the catalog calls it).

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A...0/DSC01969.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-W...0/DSC01970.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c...0/DSC01971.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-b...0/DSC01977.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6...0/DSC01978.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j...0/DSC01981.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q...0/DSC01983.jpg

Thanks for sharing.

I tip my hat to you.

Pretty bicycle and flawless build.

Per normal for you it seems.

Beautiful bike, nice job.

Really a nice aesthetic, BlueDevil. :thumb:

PS- Are those Ambrosio 19 clincher rims? If so, you'll never get the tires off them! :eek:

There was one of those on CL in Northern VA last week. Nice looking machine, and an attractive price--$400.

Nice looking build.

It's like we're connected... :P

Very nice!

Great bike. I've never seen an 80s Torpado in person, but I pass by or stumble across 60s and 70s examples all the time - apparently one of the major North American distributors at that time was in Montreal, so many Torpado bikes still find themselves in service here either as originally equipped, or refurbished to varying degrees. Full chrome was apparently popular for these earlier examples, and chromed head lugs a distinctive feature. Yours appears to be distinctly a cut above those I see locked to parking meters on the Main, though, I must say...

I have to remember to get the rubber washers for the brake adjusters. Just realized I forgot those.

I just bought a set off eBay for about 3 bucks

That's a gem! nice work!

Very Nice... :thumb: Pearl White is one of my faves & sooo classy looking...!

Lovely classic Italian build. Color looks great, pearl finishes are pretty, but a bear to touch up.

It looks great! I love the look of the Universal 77's, very nice touch. I just sold a much older Torpado Amateur. It wasn't anywhere near as nice as yours. It weighed at least 29 lbs with pedals, a real lower end bike all around. How much does this one weigh?

It comes in at 22.9 lbs on my scale. Aelle R is a lighter, double butted version of Aelle. It wasn't used on very many bikes. The components are the higher end models from lesser brands - Ofmega crank, headset and BB, Universal 77 brakes, Miche pedals - and some lower cost Campy stuff - NR derailleurs, Gran Sport hubs and Gran Sport seat post. It's actually a quite nice bike. It happens to fit me very well so even though it isn't the highest end bike in my collection by far I still like it and feel more comfortable riding it than I do some of the rarer, more valuable bikes.

Very light! I wouldn't mind having another Torpado, only your model. The ride is most excellent and it seems to glide over the bumps.

WOW. :thumb:

Beautiful......

I hope to post similar in a few weeks, as I have the same...but my frame is in much rougher condition.