New Gemini Rigel, the most advanced carbon chainring in the world

From Barcelona, the new Rigel chainrings produced by Gemini, a firm specialized in premium components for mountain bikes, are arriving and already has in its catalog spectacular handlebars, a hyperlight seatpost or various cycle computer supports specifically adapted to its models. With the new Rigel chainrings, they take a step forward with a high-tech product.

Forged Carbon, hypercar technology at the service of the cyclist

The Barcelona brand Gemini surprises us with carbon plates in which technology used in hypercars, the most advanced cars in the world that compete in the endurance races of the Le Mans Series, is used.

For the construction of their Rigel chainrings, Gemini uses forged carbon which, instead of the usual layered lamination used to manufacture frames and other components, consisting of applying different sheets, with the fibers oriented according to the stress that the piece is going to receive and which are then cured, the forged carbon emulates the forging system used in metal, applying a mixture of loose fibers and resin that are compressed in a hot press while curing to obtain their final shape.

In the case of the Gemini Rigel, the tooth area, entirely made of metal in most of the existing carbon chainring models on the market, only has a small 7075 T6 aluminum skeleton to give strength and durability to the teeth. However, it is the carbon itself that performs the structural task, with the differentiated carving of the teeth to properly accommodate the chain links.

Only with the forged carbon method is it possible for the carbon of the Gemini Rigel to withstand the force that the teeth receive, for which this has to be compressed with a force of more than 100 tons in the press to achieve the highest compaction and resistance of the fibers.

Initially, Gemini manufactures these chainrings only with MTB teeth: 32, 34 and 36, although it expects to soon add versions of 30 and 38, the latter a measure already suitable for a gravel bike. They also plan to add an oval chainring version in the future. On the other hand, the Rigel chainrings are compatible with 3 or 8 bolt SRAM cranks, Shimano, RaceFace/Easton and Cannondale Hollowgram. These Gemini Rigel will have a RRP of 125 €  and a weight of only 39 grams in its lightest option.