Here is an auction with no real takers yet .
The item is a Gian Robert rear derailleur .
Picking up the nearest "Ron Kitching's Handbook / Everything Cycling" , I see Gian Robert is listed up towards the front , on page 25 . By the way , this is the early 1970's edition ( thanks Hilary! ) . Although there are no apparent copyright dates , there are time-lines on the first few pages . The most recent entry on those time-lines , in this edition , is 1970 . I'm sure this edition was printed without changes for more than one year . So I'd just call this one the early-1970's edition .
Here's what Ron Kitching had to say :
" Since their introduction by RON KITCHING, GIAN ROBERT GEARS have gone from strength to strength. Now used by top amateurs and Professionals in all aspects of cycle sport, this derailleur gearing is different and better. Look for these special features: "
" REAR GEARS * Improved wrap-round giving a much quicker change with less movement required on the control lever. * Popular deformable parallelogram design. Smaller and neater than other makes. * Unobtrusive spring loaded adjustment screws allowing a full range of variation of speeds and sprocket sizes. * New improved design. * Powerful return springs. * Ultra light weight but very strong. "
" CAMPION MODEL. Super all chrome gear with nylon rollers, pivot bolts adjusted by Allen Key. Lever is also in chrome with the exception of the Banjo which is highly polished alloy. Range 13 to 32 teeth. Weight 12 1/4 ozs. complete ( 347 gms. ) . "
" DELRYN MODEL. New re-design Delryn-steel gear. The parallelogram is made of black delryn tested to ensure only the hardest maltreatment will break it. The nylon rollers are fitted between chrome plated guides. A gear with good looks and designed for long life. Weight 10 1/4 ozs. complete ( 291 gms. ) . "
And so !
Here is a Campion model for sale , brand new , never used .
I know Gian Robert rear gears have been mentioned on the C. R. List in the past .
Here are my questions :
1.) Do we know exactly when they were made ? First year ? Final year ?
2.) Were they ever really used to win any big races ? Tours ? Classics ?
3.) I know we have rabid enthusiasts of the components from Campagnolo , and from Simplex , and from Zeus , here on this list . Do we have any serious fans of Gian Robert ?
4.) Were these components from Gian Robert made in Italia ? In France perhaps ?
5.) Were these ever stock equipment on any famous makers ? Is there some obscure model of genuine "Milremo" bicycle which came with these as standard equipment ?
6.) And , did they ever make any FRONTS , to go with the rears ?
Thanks in advance ! I really have been wondering about these , ever since I saw one or two in person , sometime around 1978 .
Raoul Delmare
Marysville Kansas