A good question for the group rec.bicycles.tech, I'd think.
WILS3824@BELLSOUTH.NET wrote:> I just bought a vintage Torpado Superlight frame from about 1985.> This frame is made of Columbus SLX tubing and was their top of the line> frame from that time. The frame is in very nice condition with no rust> and a clean bottom bracket shell. The bottom bracket shell is an> english threaded Cinelli. Torpado cut a decorative "T" in the bottom> bracket shell that measures about 2cm X 2cm. When my LBS professional> looked the frame over, he was critical of the cutout. He told me that> Torpado went out of business because of bottom bracket frame failures.> He felt that the cutout in the bottom of the shell might cause failure> if standing on the pedals. Does anyone have any experience with this> issue? Especially with Torpadoes? Another employee felt that this issue> diminished with the use of a modern cartridge bottom bracket. Any> opinions from the group would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.>
<WILS3824@BELLSOUTH.NET> wrote in message news:1113141453.717585.69560@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...> I just bought a vintage Torpado Superlight frame from about 1985.> This frame is made of Columbus SLX tubing and was their top of the line> frame from that time. The frame is in very nice condition with no rust> and a clean bottom bracket shell. The bottom bracket shell is an> english threaded Cinelli. Torpado cut a decorative "T" in the bottom> bracket shell that measures about 2cm X 2cm. When my LBS professional> looked the frame over, he was critical of the cutout. He told me that> Torpado went out of business because of bottom bracket frame failures.> He felt that the cutout in the bottom of the shell might cause failure> if standing on the pedals. Does anyone have any experience with this> issue? Especially with Torpadoes? Another employee felt that this issue> diminished with the use of a modern cartridge bottom bracket. Any> opinions from the group would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.>
I question the bike shop's knowledge of Torpado and why it is no longer in business. But that is another topic....
Usually, a small cut-out in the bottom bracket shell shouldn't cause frame failure. Many frames have a small hole drilled in the shell to aid in the removal of moisture from inside the frame tubes. Plus, if the cut-out is centered on the shell, it is in a low stress position - the greatest stress is concentrated at the threaded ends of the shell.
The only concern I see is the potential for stress fractures if the cut-out is angular.. easily rectified by rounding the corners with a small file.
Back in day many things were tried to lose weight on the bikes, and bottom brackets were one spot, I we member hearing that they used to drill out the bracket and use soup cans in order to lighten. But the LBS was right, in questioning the BB shell. I would because of year and lack of staying power of the manufacturer.
I would think long and hard, if it was free then go for it, otherwise?
If you do decide to take it, I agree with Ground Zero on the filing.
Good luck <WILS3824@BELLSOUTH.NET> wrote in message news:1113141453.717585.69560@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...>I just bought a vintage Torpado Superlight frame from about 1985.> This frame is made of Columbus SLX tubing and was their top of the line> frame from that time. The frame is in very nice condition with no rust> and a clean bottom bracket shell. The bottom bracket shell is an> english threaded Cinelli. Torpado cut a decorative "T" in the bottom> bracket shell that measures about 2cm X 2cm. When my LBS professional> looked the frame over, he was critical of the cutout. He told me that> Torpado went out of business because of bottom bracket frame failures.> He felt that the cutout in the bottom of the shell might cause failure> if standing on the pedals. Does anyone have any experience with this> issue? Especially with Torpadoes? Another employee felt that this issue> diminished with the use of a modern cartridge bottom bracket. Any> opinions from the group would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.>
