Giacomo 1 

Just when I thought I had all the bikes I needed, along comes a different type of cycling I'd like to try - track cycling. So of course that requires a different type of bike, right?

I actually live about 10-15 minutes from a velodrome, but I hadn't given much thought to riding there until I realized I could go there and get a good workout in after work. Who knows, is a race or two in my future?

So scouring e-bay, I actually found this beautiful Torelli in my size, and there really wasn't much interest. I was surprised since Torelli frames and bikes draw a lot of attention and usually go for pretty big dollars. So I got it for what I consider a very decent price. The tubing is Columbus SL, my favorite, and it is in VGC. Not sure if SL's silky, but somewhat flexy ride will translate to a good track bike, but it will be superlight and a quick handler for sure. I don't know the year however.
Serial number 17T6, if that helps. Any guesses?

Came today, and she is everything I hoped she would be, just beautiful! The paint, decals and workmanship are all top notch.

Here are the sellers pics, BB and headset not included -

Reynolds 

Bel telaio Giacomo!

Giacomo 1 

Mille grazie!

gomango

Love it.

More pics, bigger than ever please.

jpaschall

Gosh! Is the paint original?! Beautiful bike, good luck racing! I'd like to try it someday as well.

Giacomo 1 

Yes, the paint is original, and out of all my bikes, is easily the nicest, maybe the nicest I've seen on any bike. I know, that is saying a lot! Very deep, layered and wet looking. Even the decals are first rate.

Torelli bikes are made in Italy, but they send their bikes raw to a distributor in California who applies the paint.

Giacomo 1 

Thanks Grady!

I'll take some more pics when my daughter gets home from school for Thanksgiving. She's taking some photography in college, so we'll see if she's learned anything and see if my money has been well spent!

Hope to have her built-up by around Christmas. Can't wait!

gomango

Yes, the frameset will certainly wait till then and it will give me something to look forward to on the forum.

John E

Bellissima!

Lascauxcaveman 

Looks pretty much new; which makes sense for an actual track bike, as used on a track.

What opportunities do they have to get rusty and dinged up?

Giacomo 1 

This bike might have been used on the street, because it is drilled front and back for brakes, although neither hole shows wear from use. But yeah, either way, the paint and decals and overall condition of this bike is pretty astounding. I'm amazed at the quality of the paint and decals, which are the nicest I've seen. Must have been a garage queen for most of it's life.

I'd like to figure out the year. Any ideas? When did Columbus stop making SL tubing?

daf1009

Beautiful frame...congrats...and...good luck on the track...

PedalTraveler

Beautiful! Looking forward to hearing a first ride report and seeing some build photos!

iab

Sheriff Stars are a must. Probably cost as much or more than the frame, but a must nonetheless.

chewa

I don't speak Italian, so can only say beeeeeeyooooooooteeeeeeefuuuuuuuuuul!

Giacomo 1 

Are those C Record hubs?

If so, I agree they are beautiful and they would look proper on this frame. Being that she is Italian, I really want to go with Campy equipment, but I'm noticing that a Campy track crankset is almost double the price of a standard Campy road crank. Not sure why, because it is only one cog as opposed to two and simpler construction. There are other options though, not Campy by any means, but Ofmega, Ambrosia, or Miche have some pretty nice offerings.

Should I not even consider something modern like Sram? (I know, I know, I'm sorry for even suggesting it!)

Giacomo 1 

Thank you!

Hoping to have her built by Christmas or there about. This is a, or should I say, "THE", Christmas gift from my wife.

A ride report will probably have to wait until early spring, unless we get a mild, mild winter. The velodrome is outdoors...

OldsCOOL

Sweeeeeeet. Let the fun begin!

Giacomo 1 

Grazie!

Thanks!

The fun for me was in the chase for a frame. I love the hunt. The build part is going to take some thought, but seeing it come together will definitely be some fun.

Thank you, and yes, I might need some luck on the track!


That's OK, I take compliments in English too!

Drillium Dude 

Beautiful! You know, unless the pilote is very, very unskilled vintage track bikes tend to not get as banged around as their road racing brethren. Well, always assuming some survived the hipster scourge - but that's another story.

This is a great score. I'm interested in how you end up kitting it out

DD

Giacomo 1 

No hipster ever locked this up to the fence in front of his 6 story walk-up, that's for sure!

Me to! Trying to figure that one out now. Fun, fun!

All opinions welcome!

gomango

Another interesting Torelli Pista for ideas.

Super clean Torelli Pista!

[IMG]Very clean Torelli Track Bike! by Tracko/GSC!, on Flickr[/IMG]

Giacomo 1 

Wow, it seems these Torelli pistas lead a very clean, quiet, safe life!

Very nice example, and it gives me ideas. I don't see a list of components anywhere, but it looks Campy heavy except for the wheels and stem. I've been looking at Campy bits, and while a headset isn't to bad price wise, a Campy pista crankset is really up there as are pedals and wheels. I'm not sure I'll pull off an all-Campy build. That Nitto stem is just killer. I love the look, it just says, "track bike"!

There are differences between these two bikes, most especially tubing, fork style and rake, seat stay caps, and head badge, but overall, it gives a real good idea of what mine could look like...someday...

rhm

When I saw the title of this thread, I had a strong inkling it was gonna be a track bike. Congrats!

So who else on this forum rides at that velodrome in queens? @noglider is the only one I know of, but there's also a forum devoted to track racing and I gather there's helpful guys there as well.

I don't know anything about it, but you might want to find out what the equipment requirements are, as they might not be obvious. All I know is those campy large flange pista hubs with the widely spaced flanges are real pretty. Heck, all that Campy pista gear is pretty, and I'm not even a campy fan.

Giacomo 1 

Good guess!

And thank you! I know your not exactly an Italian tifosi, although I hope that Basso has grown on you!

I was a actually in touch with noglider and I almost bought his track frame. He told me that his experience at Kissena was very good, as the folks there were very helpful and accommodating. He also told me that at 53 years old, he wasn't the oldest rider there, which is a good thing for this 55 year old!

Equipment wise, I don't believe there are any real restrictions, except you must have a proper track bike. The track is asphalt or something similar, the banked turns are not very steep and the track is long at 400 mtrs, so it's not steeply banked, made of wood or short either where equipment is more specific.

Love the high flange Campy hubs to, but hate the price tag! Yikes! They cost more than the frame! Pista bits seem more expensive than road gear for some reason...