Maybe a handful of GRMer's remember this thread where I asked about resurrecting my dad's old 1970's Schwinn Sportabout bicycle. I started working on it last week. All of the parts are working but need cleaning and lubrication. I've already regreased the front hub and replaced the brake shoes with Kool-Stop Salmon shoes.
In the meantime, I've been scanning Craigslist for another, lighter, newer (but still old) bike. I was looking for a French bike (Peugeot, Motobecane, Gitane, etc.) when I spotted this racy little Italian number for a decent price: a 80's Torpado Super Racing. You can read more about it in the catalog pages in this website: http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/torpado/
The whole Torpado bike is lighter than just the Schwinn frame! It's still steel, though, so it's not quite as fancy as a newer bike. It's not perfect, with some minor scuffs and scrapes on the frame, a no-name saddle, and clipless pedals I can't use.
I will probably get some cheapy pedals while I scour eBay for a score on the real deal Campagnolo pedals it originally came with.
I also need to replace the front tire because it won't hold air. It might just be the Presta valve. Can a Presta valve be replaced on a tubular tire, or does the whole thing need to go? I'm now considering getting some 700C clincher wheels with standard tubes and swapping them between the Torpado and Schwinn depending on which one I am riding. Tubular tires are expensive and kinda hardcore.
And of course, I, with an Italian surname, picked up the Torpado bicycle in my Alfa Romeo. Now I just need a pasta rocket to complete the set...
Cool. Looks nice and original. I'm not up to speed on old Campy but it looks like it has a whole Nuovo Record gruppo, correct? What's with the black electrical tape on the headtube and downtube - is that from an cyclometer install?
Personally, I would keep the tubular rims and Lemond-era Look pedals as they contribute to the "periodness" of the bike.
It's all Nuovo Record except the original pedals, which were Gran Sport. I do plan on getting Campy (Gran Sport or better) pedals for originality. The saddle and bar tape are not original either.
I think this bike is set up for a computer. It has a mount on the handlebar called a Cat's Eye and magnets on one of the crank arms and rear spokes.
If you are looking for originality I think Selle San Marco still makes the "Concor" model saddle that the specs say it came with. Personally, I would put a San Marco Regal on, it's my favorite saddle for vintage Italian steel. And please do something about those handlebars - the drops should be parallel to the ground or close to it - look at the the bikes in the brochure and see how they have them adjusted.
If it was me I would trash the computer mount and all associated wiring, cadence reading cyclometers with crank and rear wheels sensors are a relic of the early 90's best left behind.
SEAdave is pretty spot on with a lot of insight. I'd swap on some more modern handle bars, swap a newer style computer on, put on a newer saddle, find some good pedals and ride ride ride.
Thanks for the advice! This bike may be a little too hardcore for someone like me who has not biked in a while, but it is very light, it is awesome up hills, (which we have plenty of in my town) and I don't think I could have passed it up.
