fixedgearinker

Hey everyone, I am new to the forum so thanks for taking time and reading my thread. Sorry for some of the general questions...

I just came across an old bike which I am not too sure about so I thought I would ask everyone on here to get started in the right direction. The bicycle is a Basso frame, in pretty nice shape overall. I can not find any decals as to the frame material so I am assuming it is just a "basic" steel frame. It has nicely shaped lugs, chromed at the head tube, and a chromed rear triangle on both sides (not just the drivetrain side), Basso horizontal drop outs and a chromed fork with the Basso logo engraved on either side of the crown. I can not find any model name per say, just Basso decals on the seat tube, down tube, made in Italy decaled on the downtube near the shifter bosses. She uses a braze-on front derailleur. It is a very pleasing shade of metallic blue with the Basso decals on white wrap around decals.

A 6speed, non-indexed Campy groupo completes the bike, with Mavic MA40 clinchers laced to Campy hubs with 32 holes. A smooth Campy bottom bracket and campy headset handle the bearing duties. I know nothing of Campy stuff and am having a hard time finding any sort of reference material to identify the campy component's, or the frame model. Any ideas, advice or suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thanks, have a great evening. owen

longbeachgary

Photos?

fixedgearinker

I will try to post photos tomorrow.

frpax

I have an old Basso. I know a little bit about them.

Sounds like a Basso Gap from the description. Most likely Columbus SL tubing.

Nice frames, those old Basso's. What size frame is it? Should be stamped on the underside of the BB, along with the serial #. Can you post a pic of that too?

fixedgearinker

I know, it's in dire need of a good cleaning. I just got her yesterday and haven't had much time to dedicate yet. Thought I'd post some pictures and see what I could find out. Any help is greatly appreciated Thanks

mkeller234

That is definitely something special. Nice handmade Italian frame with nice high end components. Just out of curiosity how did you come across it?

mkeller234

I think the component group may be Campagnolo Chorus

Edit: It looks like the mono planer brake calipers have been swiped

jebensch

Wow! I haven't seen an Oakley sticker since I was in high school! They were what the cool-kids had.

Very sweet bike, my friend. Just get that sticker, gone.

jebensch

Also, this is not just a "cruise-around" bike. You can try, but it won't let you. Wear your helmet and go fast! And don't let your fixie know that you secretly like your gears better.

fixedgearinker

Thanks, I came across it hanging in the back room of my LBS.... Not being very famaliar with Italian frames I simply thought it was a great looking bike, even with the layers of grime. I remember lusting after a Basso or a Masi way back in the early '90s so I jumped at the chance to get this one.... once I get some proper tires, seat and bars on her I will have about $300 invested. I plan on changing the 6 speed free-wheel for a 7 as well.... the fork has some area's where the chrome is flaking so a re-chrome for the fork is in the future as well.

The brakes were the only the non-campy items, someone had installed Shimano 600 dual pivot pre-ultegra stuff, the old grey looking ones. I have a set of Campy Veloce dual pivots on my single speed so I see a swap in the very near future.

fixedgearinker

LOL, I know, the Oakley sticker took me back to early Tri days, made me wanna dig out my old neon jersey's and lime green bar wrap and cable housing lol... Not to worry tho, it was just a flash back. That Oakley sticker is long gone already....

I think my fixie already suspects something. Its a love hate relationship. Love to ride her, but I use some not very kind works when I am gutting out one of the many, many hills here in western PA. I am excited to get the Basso out for the first time, hopefully this weekend if my work sched permits a trip to the bike shop for some fresh tires and cables.... Most def not going to be a cruising around bike anymore. I see some centuries, and lots of training miles in the future, friction shifting and all!

frpax

1985 Basso Gap

fixedgearinker

Thanks I was getting it narrowed down to early/mid 80's Gap but wasn't sure

frpax

I've got an '87 Gap, and a guy I know, up in Boise, also has an '85. We need our own thread...

due ruote 

Sounds like you got a great deal. Looks really nice. Sounds like you're swapping out those rando bars - good move. You need some Cinelli bars on there, stat.

fixedgearinker

sounds like a plan to me....

fixedgearinker

thanks... i will post some new pictures as soon as I the elbow grease is done... yeh, those bars have got to go for sure. There is a 3t stem on as well, would like to find a cool Cinelli stem/bar combo to complete the whole vibe.

frpax

Here you go:
https://cgi.ebay.com/CINELLI-HANDLEBA...3%3A1|294%3A50

frpax

Or:

https://cgi.ebay.com/Cinelli-Bar-Stem...3%3A1|294%3A50


Or:

https://cgi.ebay.com/Cinelli-Criteriu...3%3A1|294%3A50

fixedgearinker

very nice! thanks, just put my bid in on them....

fixedgearinker

After many hours of elbow grease, she is taking shape. Got a short ride in last night and rode to my shop this morning. Still have lots to do.... white bar wrap, get the correct brake levers back on, polish up the crankset, touch up some of the nicks, re-attach the rear brake cable housing guide, shorten the read derailleur housing loop, details like that. Just thought I share some progress pictures. I was going to leave as is and stay retro but now I am considering updating the drivetrain to some modern Campy stuff. Any thoughts?

soderbiker

excellent work
enjoy it
T

frpax

If you do, I'm first in line for the down tube shifters. OK?

fixedgearinker

lol, its a deal.