just finished Torpado
#1
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Eagle, CO
Bikes: too many or not enough
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).












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#7
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...
#8
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From: Eagle, CO
Bikes: too many or not enough
I have to remember to get the rubber washers for the brake adjusters. Just realized I forgot those.
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ebay: cicloclassico
70 Pogliaghi ItalCorse, 72 De Rosa, 72 Masi Gran Criterium, 75 Masi Gran Criterium, 77 Melton, 79 Bianchi Super Leggera, 79 Gios Super Record, 81 Picchio Special, 82 Guerciotti Super Record, 82 Colnago Profil CX, 83 Colnago Superissimo, 84 Fuso
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ebay: cicloclassico
70 Pogliaghi ItalCorse, 72 De Rosa, 72 Masi Gran Criterium, 75 Masi Gran Criterium, 77 Melton, 79 Bianchi Super Leggera, 79 Gios Super Record, 81 Picchio Special, 82 Guerciotti Super Record, 82 Colnago Profil CX, 83 Colnago Superissimo, 84 Fuso
#10
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Pennsylvania
Bikes: 2014 VeloOrange Campeur. late 90s Bianchi Cyclocross cro-mo frameset modified to touring, 1993 Bianchi Project 5, 80s Holdsworth Gemini Tandem
That's a gem! nice work!
#11
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Joined: May 2005
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From: S.F. Bay Area
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Colnago Super, Mondia Super, Mondia Special, Mondia Prestige (for sale 55cm),Titan Star, Titan Exklusiv, Windsor
Very Nice...
Pearl White is one of my faves & sooo classy looking...!
#13
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From: Spokane, WA
Bikes: Schwinn Peloton Ventana El Saltamontes Spec Stumpjumper Conversion Gravel
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?
#14
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Eagle, CO
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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.
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Flickr Albums
ebay: cicloclassico
70 Pogliaghi ItalCorse, 72 De Rosa, 72 Masi Gran Criterium, 75 Masi Gran Criterium, 77 Melton, 79 Bianchi Super Leggera, 79 Gios Super Record, 81 Picchio Special, 82 Guerciotti Super Record, 82 Colnago Profil CX, 83 Colnago Superissimo, 84 Fuso
Flickr Albums
ebay: cicloclassico
70 Pogliaghi ItalCorse, 72 De Rosa, 72 Masi Gran Criterium, 75 Masi Gran Criterium, 77 Melton, 79 Bianchi Super Leggera, 79 Gios Super Record, 81 Picchio Special, 82 Guerciotti Super Record, 82 Colnago Profil CX, 83 Colnago Superissimo, 84 Fuso
#15
Jack of all trades
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From: Spokane, WA
Bikes: Schwinn Peloton Ventana El Saltamontes Spec Stumpjumper Conversion Gravel
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.
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.
#16
WOW.
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2010 AB T1X ** 2010 Cannondale SIX-5 ** 1988 Bottecchia Team Record ** 1989 Bianchi Brava ** 1987 Centurion Ironman Expert(2) ** 1985 DeRosa Professional SLX ** 1982 Colnago Super ** 1982 Basso Gap ** 198? Brian Rourke ** 1970 Raleigh Professional MK I ** 1952 Raleigh Sports
2010 AB T1X ** 2010 Cannondale SIX-5 ** 1988 Bottecchia Team Record ** 1989 Bianchi Brava ** 1987 Centurion Ironman Expert(2) ** 1985 DeRosa Professional SLX ** 1982 Colnago Super ** 1982 Basso Gap ** 198? Brian Rourke ** 1970 Raleigh Professional MK I ** 1952 Raleigh Sports
#17
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From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Beautiful......
I hope to post similar in a few weeks, as I have the same...but my frame is in much rougher condition.
I hope to post similar in a few weeks, as I have the same...but my frame is in much rougher condition.
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.








