RIDING BILL'S TORPADO LUXE

Everything was ready to go.  Three or four days, start to finish, and what a beautiful vintage road bicycle, the Torpado had become.  The chrome absolutely gleams, in the sunlight.  It appears black, when pictures are taken, and I had to increase the gamma, in many pictures, to bring out the wonderful detail, that makes this bicycle so neat.

On a chilly, early Fall morning, after the frost had left the ground, the Torpado and I set out for a short, but memorable, test ride.  The bicycle felt great.  The Italians do seem to know how to build bicycles that offer great ride characteristics.  I have ridden many Old School road bicycles, in the past few years, - French, Italian, English and even a nice old Zeus, from Spain.  I have come to really appreciate what the wonderful Old School bicycles have to offer thanks to the Legnano Lesson.

The Torpado felt light!  Not to pick up, but to ride.  The bicycle was nimble and pedaled with great ease.  Stability was a non-issue and the bicycle responded well to body input.  The Campagnolo side pulls worked perfectly, as one might expect they would, and the transmission was smooth, easy to get used to and held its position, throughout the entire test ride.  The experience, though a bit on the brisk side, was a memorable one.  I can certainly understand why Bill is so happy with this wonderful old, not so special, Italian road bicycle.

These final pictures of the Torpado, were taken minutes after test riding the bicycle.  The air had the same golden hue, that the pictures have.  The Torpado performed flawlessly and I didn't even feel the need to reposition the Airbike saddle.  I spent more time riding, that morning, than I had planned.  I do wish that I had installed a set of my own pedals and afforded myself a better opportunity, to enjoy the bicycle.

Bill has contacted me, a few times, since receiving his old Italian bicycle.  The Torpado Luxe has helped him relive his younger days, when he owned a near identical steed.  I should add, that he is in the market for a Campy Nouvo Record crank set.  Thanks for the great experience Bill and good luck with your bike.