Well, my standing as a Francophile is in grave danger, as I am posting pics of yet another Italian racing bike. This time my wife's early 80's pink Torpado Italia:
http://www.flickr.com/
The pearl pink was the signature color of this Torpado model. However it was a mid-priced model and the original components were mid-range stuff. The wheels, shift levers and maybe the HS are original, everything else has been upgrade to higher-end stuff. Wheels have perfectly good but not top model alloy QR Ofmega hubs laced to Ambrosio 19 Extra rims. the shifter are retrofriction - I think Ofmega acquired Simplex or at least the right to the Retrofrictions in the 80's. Other bit follow my pattern for an Italian build - almost all Italian, but no Campy. Ofmega, Modolo, Gipiemme, Galli, TTT, Miche, Ambrosio and Selle Turbo are included.
The bike was built up several years ago, but I just today installed the pink plastic 80's Ofmega RD I recently bought on eBay. Not many bikes that RD would be right on, but it's perfect here.
BTW, the remnant of the tubing decal indicates Columbus Aelle. This was a good but less expensive tubeset. I've always admired the detail and finish the Italian builders were willing to lavish on a frame made from less than top tubing.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Big Spring, Texas, USA