Raleigh74

Hello all. I felt compelled on this rainy day to share my build as it creeps along.

I decided to stay in the Italian vein if I could. The components are all over the place model/period wise (some early for the frame, some late), but mostly Campagnolo so there is some cohesion.

I installed the headset today except a needed spacer, and have most of what I need to finish except time. Hopefully next weekend I can finish it up.

I’m not an expert on Campagnolo models, so I’m not sure of some of these, school me.


So far:

Nuevo Record RD
Record seatpost
Ofmega crank

Campy...model?
dual pivot brakes (later)
headset
front derailleur
shifters

I have a wheelset with Record high flange I was thinking of using, but haven’t decided if the high flange will look out of place on this frame.

ramones71 

Beautiful bike, I bet that paint will look awesome in the sunlight.

markwesti

Love it , thanks for sharing . Do you have the brake levers ?

Raleigh74

I was planning on using some new Tektro RL340 levers. Mainly because I need the quick release at the lever, but also I’ve never put modern levers on a vintage frame and wanted to see if I love it or hate it.

markwesti

I have been searching for some non aero Campagnolo levers , so far not so good .

T-Mar

The front derailleur is a Nuovo Valentino. The levers are Record. The derailleurs and levers are OEM spec. At first, I thought the crankset was the OEM spec Ofmega Competition but then I noticed the swaged construction, so it should be a Gran Premio. You don't include a good picture of the headset but it may be the OEM Spec Ofmega (no model given). FYI, the spec tubeset during this era was Columbus Aelle R. These typically came with pantographed stem, post and chainrings.

Raleigh74

Thanks for the info T-Mar, I thought the levers were Record but wasn’t positive.

Many of these parts are off another bike which prompted me to begin with the thought process of making it OEM, since I was partially there. But, that quickly changed to a “what do I have and what can I afford” mentality.

I did check eBay for the pantographed components, everything I found was too rich for my blood.

Raleigh74

Mocked up the wheels and stem/bars. Thoughts on the high flange hubs? I don’t think the look too strange...plus I just repacked with fresh grease and new bearings, so now I’m really tempted to use them on it.

Fahrenheit531 

Very cool bike.

I was surprised at first to see the high-flange hubs. But I think any bike running the old Campy NR drivetrain can get away with them.

Raleigh74

I’m still on the fence. The dual pivots already look a bit out of place with everything else, the hubs don’t help them. I may just roll with it until I can come up with a better option. First and foremost I just want to get this thing on the road.

bikemig 

I really like using new aero levers with vintage calipers. If you have a quick release on both, you can get a fat tire in and out easily. Plus the aero lever improves braking. Install kool stop brake shoes and you'll have a fine braking system.

Eric S.

I have Origin8 Classique levers on a couple of my bikes - they are clearly made by Tektro but Tektro doesn't offer anything like them under their own name. They run about US$35.

Raleigh74

I was going to wait until I wrapped the bars to post an update but with my schedule these days, that could be weeks from now

I took it out for a shakedown ride this past weekend, great ride! I cut the front brake housing a bit short, but it seems fine. I may resize before I wrap. 22.74 lbs as it sits now.

Essthreetee

Looking great!!! I like the wheels. The cranks look very much like the originals, except the originals ofmega had a pantographed chainring with a repeated T around it.

The Stem was pantographed with Torpado and the seatpost was pantographed with the T. The original brakes on it were Universal (I forget which number) and yes, that color is amazing in the sunlight. The pearl jumps. Seeing your build reminds me of why I fell for it when I did.

I hope you enjoy it.

Raleigh74

I’m very happy with the ride so far, it’s a great bike. I actually passed on an all original 56 cm (ctc) Torpado Alpha at a great price maybe a week before you posted this frame for sale, so this one spoke to me immediately. I low balled the Alpha owner telling him that it was too small for me and that I would hate to part it out if I bought it. So I was happy to see a higher end Torpado frame pop up on the sales sub forum.

malcala622

@Raleigh74

Awesome Torpado build but my OCD is kicking in a bit here. If youd like some cinelli bars to match your stem i have some id trade for your 3ttt.

ryansu

FWIW I used Tektros on my Nishiki Cresta GT and love the more substantial hoods to grab on the Tektros versus the smaller Dia-Compe stock non aero levers. I do have bikes I run with stock non aero levers but I like the chunkier feel of the tektros. YMMV.

Lovely Torpado. I had an entry level Alpha from the early 70s pass through my hands but yours is much nicer.

qcpmsame 

That turned out nicely, everything looks like it belongs there, and I'll bet it all meshes into a nice daily rider. Kudos on the build.

Bill

squirtdad

Glad to see it go to a good home. I still miss mine a bit. Great ride. the allelle R was nice double butted tubing. Brakes and levers on the '84 were Universal 88 (iirc)

nice build

Raleigh74

I know, I know. But hey, they are both Italian. I appreciate the offer, but it doesn’t really bother me. The too short housing did, and my OCD kicked in. So I fixed it.

Raleigh74

I surprisingly found the time to finish it up tonight.

Essthreetee

That looks great!!! Now go ride the tar out of it.