Country: Italy

Gian Robert were based in Casalserugo, near Legnaro, near Padova. This small town is also home to the Tiso company that manufacture derailleurs to this day. Gian Robert manufactured a range of bicycle components, including chainsets and derailleur systems. It is difficult to find clear information, but it appears that they may have started manufacturing derailleurs in the early 1960’s, and may have ended in the mid 1980’s.

There are reports on the web of Gian Robert being original equipment on 1959, 1960 and 1963 models (particularly from Torpado, also based in Padova). Frank Berto shows models dated 1962 and 1964. Gian Robert derailleurs also feature in the 1981 Ron Kitching catalogue. Classic Rendezvous shows a Torpado spec sheet from the ‘early 1980’s’ showing a Gian Robert derailleur (model unknown) fitted to their cheapest ‘Alfa’ model. Classic rendezvous also shows a 1981 Bicycle Magazine test of the twin seat tube Rigi fitted with a special Gian Robert front derailleur. More...