In the late 1970s Gian Robert bowed to the inevitable and started to use aluminium on their mid and high-end models. The Competition was their top-of-the-range all aluminium model.

Although the Gian Robert Competition is merely another copy of a Campagnolo Nuovo Record, I rather like it. I like the way the adjustment screws are integrated into the knuckles, I like the clean lines and I like the weight. The finish is not Campagnolo class, but the aesthetics are an improvement. I am assured that the lightening ‘pits’ drilled into the pulley cage plates are original.

I should note that I am particularly unclear about the dates of the various Gian Robert models.

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1. •Brand: Gian Robert
   

2. •Country: Italy
   

3. •Date of introduction: 1978?
   

4. •Date of this example: unknown
   

5. •Model no: unknown
   

6. •Weight: 168g
   

7. •Maximum cog: 32 teeth (claimed by Gian Robert)
   

8. •Total capacity: 26 teeth?
   

9. •Pulley centre to centre: 46mm
   

10. •Index compatibility: friction
    

11. •Chain width: 3/32”
    

12. •Logic: top normal
    

13. •Pivots: two pivots, front sprung and rear unsprung
    

14. •Material: aluminium
    

0335/L