BUILDING THE TORPADO SUPER RACING

Though the Super Racing was cosmetically challenged, the bicycle appeared to be in very good mechanical condition with the exception of the time rotted sew-up tires.  The components, themselves were clean, lubricated and mostly blemish free.  That said, each new bicycle found, before being ridden, gets a complete inspection and, if found to be worthy, a rebuild, in preparation for test riding.  Since the Torpado appeared so little used, it was decided to have a go at full mechanical rebuild as part of the test ride preparation process.

However, before spending time and money and effort, rebuilding any old bicycle, it is wise to first ensure that the bicycle's frame and/or fork sets are not bent.  With that in mind, the Torpado was inspected for any signs of crash trauma, and came up clean.  Additionally, a found at a Yard Sale for two dollars frame alignment gauge found the stays to be right where they should be - in the middle and 125mm apart at the rear drops.  Perfect!

Aside from a good cleaning and bearing servicing, the frame set would be left pretty much as found.  Though the paint was not too marred, it had faded considerably over the years, offering but one spot revealing the original Torpado Celeste Green, the professional team color.

Some of the components were, to say the very least, showed considerable failure in the presence of what ever environment the bicycle was stored in.  Rust coated much of the chrome plated surfaces, with the Campagnolo brakes suffering the most.  Sadly, one of the quick release levers on the callipers had snapped off, leaving an ugly and obviously damaged stub.  To that, add that the some of the fasteners were oxidized beyond reasonable use.

As luck would have it, The Old Shed coughed up just barely enough correct components to clean up the slow down group.  The near blemish free brake levers remained untouched, but the hoods had to go.  The "as found" hoods were actually in good shape had it not been for the fact that they did not fit properly.  Fortunately, the previous owner had modified the poorly fitting hoods, ensuring that they were ugly to boot.

Fortunately, hood replacement would not be an issue.  The on hand choices were many with Campy and Modolo leading the list.  There was also a set of Campy gum hoods tucked away in the Hood Box.  Hood choice was going to depend on saddle choice.  With that in mind, the most likely candidate would be a NOS set of Campy hoods acquired long ago.  However, there were other pale coloured hoods that just might do the job just as well, when viewed from a user's point of view.

The saddle was an environmentally destroyed, butt broken disaster area.  Bummer!  Not only had the suede leather shrunk and pulled away from the base, but the base itself was busted in half.  Needless to say, the saddle would be a key component to lead the replace this or that list.

As luck would have it, an appropriate saddle had showed up at the local landfill site on the last day of Free Dumping Week.  That saddle, a Cinelli Solare SLX in cream/white leather was in pretty good shape.  In fact, the saddle was in great shape, aside from the fact that it was a bit dirty.  But that dirt, more affectionately referred to as the patina of age, would blend in perfectly with that of the Torpado.  Using the saddle would all but demand the use of cream/white hoods.

Though often viewed as less than user friendly, tubular tires would be kept.  Since the component grouppo was in such good shape, it seemed reasonable to maintain the original theme throughout the build.  Additionally, the Torpado Super Racing is a racing bicycle.  It is not a touring bike nor is it a recreational machine.  It is intended to go fast and handle precisely.  The tubulars would contribute positively to the Torpado's ride quality.

Needless to say, the sew-up tires were shot.  Surprisingly, they both held air but only up to 60 psi.  It is possible that full pressure could have been applied but prudence suggested caution.  The front tire looked like a mini mushroom cloud seeking opportunity to appear.  And when a tire as far gone as the Torpado's front one was, a mushroom cloud is all but imminent.

The wheel set would remain in tact.  Aside from full hub refurbishment, and a bit of truing, the Mavic GP4 tubular hoops, laced with double butted stainless steel spokes to Campy hubs, would remain untouched.  Well, not untouched since a thorough cleaning of twenty year old dried tire glue would be required, prior to gluing on a new set of sew-ups.

With the major build out of the way, finishing touches were added to complete the build and enhance comfort.  Handlebar tape, selected from what was on hand and would look best with the off white saddle and hoods.  Needless to say, the choice of the day would be an off white, something or other, provided it had a vintage appearance to it.

NEXT - RIDING THE SUPER FAST