Chesini Bikes was founded in 1925 by the skilled hands of Gelmino Chesini. The first bike he created, a concept racing bike named the Chesini BiciPrecision, was built in his workshop in the small town of Nesente, in the Italian province of Verona. After the second world war, the company continued to grow. Gelmino acquired a bicycle factory – Cicli Valletti – and relocated the company headquarters to Via San Paolo in Verona.
Success continued to follow the company – in 1963 a Chesini bike won the Solo 100 kilometre World Amateur Championship. In 1964 and 1965, riders aboard Chesini bikes won the Team 100 kilometre World Amateur Championships.
“Today, every Chesini bike is special because it is unique. Handbuilt one by one with dedication, skill, attention to detail and passion”.
The Chesini Strabia 2.0 is the company’s “no compromises” gravel bike, with a focus on speed, stability and precise steering – while providing a comfortable ride. Brake and derailleur cables are neatly routed inside the frame.
The Chesini Strabia 2.0 features a mix of Columbus Spirit and Zona tubing with tubes shaped specifically for Chesini.
The bike’s Columbus Mud full carbon T500S fork features a 3K weave finish, carbon dropouts, tapered 1 1/8″ to 1.5″ steerer tube and clearance for 700c x 42mm tyres. The Chesini Strabia 2.0 display bike features a Chris King headset – a rare sight these days but a nice touch.
Chesini kept an Italian flavor with their cockpit choice, opting for Deda Superzero components.
Fatto in Italia – Made in Italy. Unlike mainstream bicycles, Chesini offer full custom geometry, paint and graphics.
Chesini add a touch of class to the Strabia 2.0 display bike with Campagnolo’s Chorus 11-speed mechanical groupset. Note the reference to Strada Bianca – a bicycle race in Tuscany, Italy, starting and finishing in the town of Siena. The Gravel Cyclist crew visited this area during the 2016 L’Eroica event.
Not for everyone, Campagnolo components are beautiful and functional.
The Chesini Strabia 2.0 model differs from the original 1.0 model in the dropouts. The newest version has what Chesini calls the classic “race shape” dropout. The bike utilizes regular 9mm quick releases, eschewing thru-axles completely.
Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes are an old standard but well-proven. This single piston design brake is simple to install and maintain. Brakes mount to the Columbus Mud fork using the post-mount standard.
The post-mount brake standard is also used on the rear of the Strabia.
Neatly routed internal shifter and brake cables travel inside the downtube and exit just above the bottom bracket with externally bottom bracket cups.
The Continental Cyclocross Speed 700c x 35mm tyres have plenty of clearance between the chainstays. A 700c x 40mm tyre will have no problem fitting this bike.
The Chesini Strabia 2.0 as pictured sans bag weighs 8.6 kilograms / 18.9lbs. Frame weight from 1840 grams.
Priced at $US 2,220.00 / € 1,980.00 for the frame, with the complete bike as pictured costing $US 4,370 / €3,870.00.
