This morning thrift store find! Torpado italia?
06-15-17, 09:31 AM
#1
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This morning thrift store find! Torpado italia?
Went by my local thrift store this morning 30 minutes before opening so I would be one of the first 5-6 people in line & usually first to go to the bike section. Today was one of the reasons why I do it almost every morning before work - I found this made in Italy TORPEDO ITALIA in excellent condition for $49.
When I looked it up though I could only find 1 example & it said it was a vintage, handmade racing bike - and they were asking 450Pounds Sterling for it!
Has anyone seen or heard of this bike? Any idea of age?
Any idea what it's worth?
Thank you
PS - Forgive the quick photos - was late for work & took these as I put it away. I will take better after work if needed.
[IMG]
111_4064 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr[/IMG]
111_4065 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr
111_4066 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr
111_4068 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr
111_4069 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr
111_4070 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr
111_4071 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr
When I looked it up though I could only find 1 example & it said it was a vintage, handmade racing bike - and they were asking 450Pounds Sterling for it!
Has anyone seen or heard of this bike? Any idea of age?
Any idea what it's worth?
Thank you
PS - Forgive the quick photos - was late for work & took these as I put it away. I will take better after work if needed.
[IMG]
111_4064 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr[/IMG]111_4065 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr111_4066 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr111_4068 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr111_4069 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr111_4070 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr111_4071 by miamibeachcg, on Flickr
06-15-17, 09:47 AM
#2
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Though I have no information on the Italia model, I have had a few Torpados, not Torpedos, bicycles in my day, ranging from this late sixties or early seventies all chrome plated LUXE ...
To this much newer, eighties something Torpado Super Racing...
I have to admit that I have a soft spot for these old Italian steeds. Well done on your find and even weller(?) done on the price you paid. Be they old and entry level or high up in the stable of Torpado steeds, they are fun to build and ride.
AS for vintage, you can come close to figuring that out, by looking at the date codes on the components.
To this much newer, eighties something Torpado Super Racing...
I have to admit that I have a soft spot for these old Italian steeds. Well done on your find and even weller(?) done on the price you paid. Be they old and entry level or high up in the stable of Torpado steeds, they are fun to build and ride.
AS for vintage, you can come close to figuring that out, by looking at the date codes on the components.
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06-15-17, 10:40 AM
#3
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TreTubi Aelle indicates frame tubes of not top of the line but still nice riding Columbus tubing. Suntour Sprint is nice stuff. Forged Gpiemme drops are nice. Bike is a cut above the bottom. Resale value really depends on your market. You got a good price.
06-15-17, 11:52 AM
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If it were my size, I'd be very interested (were I a local buyer).
But the size is...large. Have you measured the seat tube and top tube?
I imagine the market would be smaller for such a big bike, but you could probably get ~$200 once it's ready to ride and the right buyer finds you.
Cool Tor-pay-doe.
But the size is...large. Have you measured the seat tube and top tube?
I imagine the market would be smaller for such a big bike, but you could probably get ~$200 once it's ready to ride and the right buyer finds you.
Cool Tor-pay-doe.
06-15-17, 01:34 PM
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I suspect you didn't find much online was because, as Randy indicated, you're calling it Torpedo instead of Torpado. I agree it's a good looking bike, in rather good shape, at a bargain price. Well done.
06-15-17, 02:33 PM
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Bottom bracket fittings represent a miscegenated set. One does not often encounter six exposed threads on the adjustable cup. Odds are it is due to a non-original spindle.
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Bottom bracket fittings represent a miscegenated set. One does not often encounter six exposed threads on the adjustable cup. Odds are it is due to a non-original spindle.
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06-15-17, 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by juvela
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bottom bracket fittings represent a miscegenated set. One does not often encounter six exposed threads on the adjustable cup. Odds are it is due to a non-original spindle.
-----
bottom bracket fittings represent a miscegenated set. One does not often encounter six exposed threads on the adjustable cup. Odds are it is due to a non-original spindle.
-----
06-15-17, 04:37 PM
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This catalog is from a different year, but it will give you a general idea on where the Italia was placed within the pecking order. The Bicycle Info Project :: Torpado Bicycles Brochure circa late 70's/early 80's
06-15-17, 04:43 PM
#9
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Frame measures 25"
It has Suntour Sprint groupset except brakes & brake levers are Shimano 600
It is really light weight for a steel frame
It has Suntour Sprint groupset except brakes & brake levers are Shimano 600
It is really light weight for a steel frame
06-16-17, 08:17 AM
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Originally Posted by exxongraftek
+1
06-17-17, 08:15 PM
#11
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Here is the serial number - how do you get it's date out of those num[IMG]
AA BICYCLE TORPADO 9XAA by miamibeachcg, on Flickr[/IMG]bers?!
AA BICYCLE TORPADO 9XAA by miamibeachcg, on Flickr[/IMG]bers?!
06-17-17, 11:00 PM
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lower mid-range model, circa 1985-1987.
01-11-22, 03:36 PM
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I have the exact same frame, looking for the seat post size please.
I've measured it at or around 26.8, or 27.0
Can anyone confirm? thanks
I've measured it at or around 26.8, or 27.0
Can anyone confirm? thanks
Last edited by yeslek; 01-11-22 at 04:24 PM.
01-11-22, 04:34 PM
#14
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Ćlle tubing seat post size is either 26.6 or 26.8mm, depending on how much trouble (26.6 less, 26.8 more) they went to manufacturing the frame.
01-11-22, 05:06 PM
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You pretty much stole that bike if you bought it for only 49 dollars....
I think Torpados are mostly mid level bikes, similar Atalas and Benottos. Decent solidly built bikes with nice top of the line offerings that offset their mostly mid level models. This example looks to definitely be a mid level model with the Columbus Tretubi/Aelle and Suntour Sprint components. It looks to be in very good,, serviceable condition and should make for a very solid ride.
I think Torpados are mostly mid level bikes, similar Atalas and Benottos. Decent solidly built bikes with nice top of the line offerings that offset their mostly mid level models. This example looks to definitely be a mid level model with the Columbus Tretubi/Aelle and Suntour Sprint components. It looks to be in very good,, serviceable condition and should make for a very solid ride.
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