The 2011 Gimondi singlespeed chainset is named after Italian cycling legend Felice Gimondi, world champion and winner of all three Grand Tours, plus a classic race or two. Weighing 640g (including ring and bolts), it's made from cold-forged aluminium and has a stylish fluted arm design more than a little reminiscent of the classic Campagnolo Nuovo Record.
Mated to a five-arm spider (130mm BCD), the chainring is a 48t. The Torx chainring bolts have the same highly polished mirror finish as the arms and ring, making these cranks great for retro-style bikes. The chainset looks beautiful and there was none of the flex you find on original cranks of this style.
The Gimondi design widens at the crank shoulder where it meets with the spider, adding material and stiffness where it’s needed, and the polished finish has kept itself pretty tidy despite a bit of shoe heel rub – and any scuffs you do make can be easily polished out.
We think the mix of modern manufacturing for up-to-date performance mated with classic looks really works here, and is perfect for a singlespeed project or to give your bike a bit of extra bling. At £80, the Gimondi is also really good value. It’s available with 165, 170 or 175mm arms and 3/32 or 1/8 in pitch 48t chainrings, to fit square taper (JIS) bottom brackets.
