ursared

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=006

This is my first post here. I am trying to figure out when this frame was made (if the link doesn't work I'll try to attach files). Any help/information will be appreciated. Thanks.

cyclotoine

Looks mid 80s, the GIOS professional used the same cable routing for the rear brake and was made early to mid 80s...

those colours are pretty 1980s as well, not quite my cup of tea.

ursared

Thanks for your help. Sincerely.

Thanks for your [unasked for] opinion on the colors. Linking it to an ended auction on Ebay must have indicated that I am the person that won the auction, and nothing gets a person excited about something new like someone else saying it's ugly.

Thanks again for your help.

cyclotoine

My apologies, just my personal taste/opinion which should have no bearing on you and your love for the bike. If you like the colours that is great. That's why bikes come in different colours. Because we all have different tastes... I edited my post so as not to come across so harsh. My apologies.

ursared

Thank you. I appreciate that.

tuz

The serial number under the BB shell should indicate the year. Looks like a 80's bike thus a serial starting with 6 would mean 86.
It's a lovely bike with nice engravings. You might be able to use the fork with a threadless setup, the steer tube is very long!

ursared

Thanks, Tuz. I've been looking at different Bassos and mine is confusing me. It seems like lots of them have some sort of identifying model decal or something, but this one doesn't say much. I feel like a nerd, posting things before I've received the bicycle (it's still en route from France), but I am excited about it. I'd been Ebay shopping for quite some time before I won this auction and it's difficult looking for smaller frames.
And yes, pink and green wouldn't be my first choice for colors, but I think that they're pretty. Is the long steer tube a bad thing? I'm not sure what that means...
Thanks again. When it arrives I'll look for a number first thing.

cyclotoine

Well considering your headset has a stack height of 40mm the stear tube shouldn't be tooo long. You can always throw a spacer in there which gives you some more stem height, or you can cut it too size. As long as there are threads far enough down that the top cup can thread on comfortably you have nothing to worry about. If the fork is from a larger frame it could be a problem. But it's hard to make any conclusions based on the photos.

Edit: it does look a little too long. As tuz said you could use a threadless stem though you will be clamping onto threads at least partially, I am not sure if that is dangerous or not. But if you want the classic look this could be an issue.

ursared

I know a frame builder who can cut it if that's a possibility. Is it just an issue of there being enough of the tube to cut without hitting the threading?
Also, I wonder if the fork is from a different bicycle. It seems to be matched to the frame in color, but I guess it's hard to say.

tuz

There are a few catalogs about Basso bikes here and a bit of info here also.

I can't see in the pics but perhaps you will have to thread the steer tube as well (after cutting it). Some say it's not optimal because the steer tube is hardened after threading and thus new threads are less strong. I've never done the threadless stem on threaded steerer setup but I've heard it's ok. Your framebuilder should be able to help you

RK1963

cyclotoine,

If for whatever reason the existing fork doesn't work, and the new owner chooses to use a carbon model, would your opinion of the bikes asthesics improve or decline?

unworthy1

hey it looks Christmas-y, to me!
I'd repeat what I've been told as to the danger of clamping a threadless stem on a threaded steerer: it could cause the steerer to crush/collapse. However, I've never seen it happen. If you have to go "threadless" I think making sure the stem is at least clamped 1/2-way on an unthreaded portion of steerer would minimize the danger (by about 50%).
Nice Basso, you're going to like it: those dudes made nice bikes.

cyclotoine

You're asking me!? What do you think. personally I think it is a classic bike an it will look best with the steel fork.

ursared

Thanks for the links. Looking around at others helps. I hope there's no more hassles when I get the bike. The one that I'm riding now is kind of trashed ("frozen" seatpost, bent fork, plus it's too big), and I'm looking forward to having a new ride. I'm sure my framebuilder will help me get it up and running, he's my boyfriend.

<<I can't see in the pics but perhaps you will have to thread the steer tube as well (after cutting it). Some say it's not optimal because the steer tube is hardened after threading and thus new threads are less strong. I've never done the threadless stem on threaded steerer setup but I've heard it's ok. Your framebuilder should be able to help you >>

Walter

That frameset is in superb shape even for NOS. Nice find. I agree with the 80s dating based both on color (and I'll say no more about that ) and the engravings which match my frameset. Unfortunately mine had already been resprayed at least once by the time I got it so the original paint is long gone. I resprayed it a solid blue and am happy.

I've heard of threaded threadless set ups but have no experience. You can set it up with a threaded headset and buy an adapter that'll allow you to use Ahead style stems if you're looking for more choices in stem length.

ursared

Thanks Walter. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do about the stem. I'm going to try to use some of the stuff that I have and hopefully if this comes to be an issue I can jury-rig it in some way.

cyclotoine

That's not really the issue. The issue is can she even use a threaded headset in the first place or will threadless be the only choice?

Look at all that steer tube..

ursared

Why would they put so much steer tube on it? Does it serve some purpose?

ricohman

I dig the 80's paint.
But then I'm an 80's guy.
Just like that guy on Futurama.........

cyclotoine

I'd have to guess that this is not the original fork for the frame. Perhaps there was a screw-up originally and that is why it was never built... i.e. it was shipped with the wrong fork to begin with.. This does not serve a purpose. It appears to be a mistake... I know it can look like a lot of steer tube when there is no headset on but there look to be as much steer tube as there is head tube, i.e. more than a headset can take up.

ursared

Bummer. I hope there's something that can be done. Well, it will help to actually have it in front of me so I can measure and observe up close. Edited: Does the fact that it's smaller make a difference?

lotek 

the fact that it's a small frame should make no difference, the fork/steerer tube should be
cut for the frame. I agree with Cyclotoine that it's probably not the fork that was delivered with
the frame, or it was a 'mistake' in shipping.
I have no experience with threadless headsets. But I do know a good framebuilder (hint hint) could
cut the steerer and weld in a new one that fits.
As for the color, I like it. But then again I have a blue/yellow/green faded bike with white stripes.
Ursared, you will find that we are a very civilized group here, quite genteel in fact. The fact that
someone said that they didn't like the colour scheme in no way cast aspirations at either you or your
new bike. Read some of the other threads here, I think you'll find that we are a very supportive
community.
Oh yeah, welcome to Bike Forums, and the Cranky&Vintage forum in particular.

Marty

ursared

Thank you for the welcome, Marty. I've poked around a bit and it does seem like an incredibly helpful resource for folks with questions. The long tube went completely unnoticed so I'm glad to have it pointed out so I won't be [un]pleasantly surprised when I try to put it together.

lotek 

ok, back to color of bikes.
I bought this

thought I was going to paint it as soon as I had my hands on it.
but you know, it kind of grew on me, and it is distinct to be sure.
So if you think your new Basso (nice frames btw ) is loud just look at my Reus.
And you can call it fugly if you want it doesn't change the way the bike rides.

marty

plodderslusk

My guess is that it is a Basso Gap from the end of the eigties. My Loto from 92 has the same toptube brakecable arrangement. You will see whether it has 130 or 126 mm rear spacing. Nice frame, nice price and I know you will love the ride !