Updated 5.29.2018
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Gipiemme was
founded in Milan in 1964 as a high quality machine shop.
Their name is the initials ‘GPM’ pronounced as a
word. It has been said that GPM standsfor
"Gran Premio della Montagna", the
high points on mountain stages of the Giro d’Italia.
GPM initially
operated as the sub contractors for larger well known
firms, including Campagnolo.
The company started working with Campagnolo in the 1970s
and moved to the Vicenza area in 1974.
GPM also
was associated with Technociclo,
a firm who made many parts for frame construction, ala
lugs, bottom bracket shells, etc. They are said to have
separated in the 1970s.
Eventually, by the 1980s, Gipiemme developedtheir
own self branded entire bicycle components group set,
includingcranks,
various bearings, hubs, brakes and re-branded
derailleurs from other makers (Simplex). The
company was acquired in 1989 by Isca
Selle, Via Balbi,
13 - 31037 Loria (Treviso) Italy and continues today,
producing rims & wheels. They also are now associated
with the once-famous NISI brand.
The top model
in the components line
was the "Crono Special" and then the "Special", with various "Sprint"
models a notch lower.
Gipiemme Groupset production 1985
Special Pista (track) group Photos
courtesy Mark Buswell
Gipiemme Crono Special brake set
Special quick
release hubs
Gipiemme
freewheel
Crono Special
pedal set
Gipiemme tool kit
Courtesy Ochsner
International
Gipiemme Crono Special crank set
Model Sprint seat post.
Mod. "Sprint" group, circa early 1980s.
Pictures courtesy Tommy Adams
GIPIEMME derailleurs (made by
Simplex...)
Unusual "Colrout'" crankset
Model "Exploit" derailleur
Gipiemme catalog
pages circa 1982
SRC Group catalog circa 1983
with Gipiemme descriptions (pdf
file)