Hi all, Reading the postings to this list really causes me to think about a lot of things that I might not have otherwise. I'm very grateful for that, and I thank you all. This leads me to pose a refinishing question that has probably passed this list many times in the past. There is also a question about tubing at the end of this post.
What criteria do "we" use in determining whether or not a vintage frameset
should be refinished or not, and if so, how to do it.
I really do love the ride of my Torpado Superlight (about 3.8lbs, frame
only), and the brazings make it an awesome classic as far as I'm concerned.
According to the information I read here on the CR website (see link below),
this was their best frame, and it is painted just like the one pictured. The
paint job has a few little nicks here and there, but not too bad at all
really. The chrome shows just a bit of wear, but polishing hides it very
well. There is virtually zero rust, and what might be there could probably
be polished out too. When I originally decided to keep this bike, I figured
that I would have it refinished with a color scheme that is more to my liking
(I'm not a lover of teal, aqua, celeste, or anything like them). I have
spent months now looking at thousands of frame pics and drawing little
versions with color to help me make a choice.
However, after reading these mailings here, I have begun to develop a
different understanding of what it means to keep a vintage classic
lightweight. I'm starting to think that it may be my duty, if you will, to
preserve this bike in it's original form, as best I can. It occurs to me
that any diversion from original, including the paint, reduces it's
authenticity. My concern is not about possible future resale value, as these
Torpados don't seem to really move anyone except me. It is the idea of
respecting this work of art, as it was created, that is bugging me I guess.
Understand that I basically hate the paint job as far as color that pleases
my eyes goes. I would love to see it painted black, with yellow lugs and
decals, and black highlights in all the awesome pantographs and lug cutouts;
or maybe an all "black chrome" or "polished hematite" looking finish with
chromed lugs; or maybe... Or maybe, anything I might do, pretty as it may be
to me (the intended user for a long, long time) has nothing to do with what a
genuine Torpado Superlight is all about, and should look like. So, even
though I do not love the paint as one of "Mark's favorites", I have developed
a certain respect and reverence for it, entirely because it is exactly what
the builder envisioned, planned out, and carried out. It is the original,
and perhaps that ultimately cannot be surpassed.
Have any of you gone through this same decision process? How did you
resolve it, if you have? Are my wants more important than the builder's, or
is it the other way around? Do I take away from, or possibly ruin the
classic value of the bike if I refinish it differently? I would genuinely
appreciate any and all feedback you guys may have for me. It is always my
intent to "do the right thing", in every aspect of my life, but I just don't
know what that means here, and I need your help.
Here is the Torpado link: <
http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
My second question is about seat tube thickness. I have a Colnago with Super decals on the stays, but also with the "Record Ora Mexico 1972" decal on the top of the seat tube. All drops are Campy (short style in the rear), forks are not chromed, cable guides are brazed on the top of the b.b. shell, and I can see pins through the shell, and also in the bottom of the fork steerer. I just assumed that the seat post required would be 27.2mm, but a Campy S.R. would not fit inside. It appears that a 27mm is in order, because a 26.8 was too loose. Does this sound correct? Any guesses to the approx. year of frame while we're at it? Would it be a Super, or a Mexico? What determines the thickness of tubing, the material used? Is there a simple rule of thumb that I can follow to avoid trial and error and ease planning in the future?
Sorry I have thrown in so much at once, but this pondering keep me up at night!!! I figure that it is better to know the opinions of those that have crossed these paths before me. This is why I am learning so much from reading the posts. Thanks very much...
Best regards,
Mark Agree
Detroit MI