I had a Basso Ascot back in the day. It was Basso's top of the line offering. Columbus MS tubed frames were very pricey -part of their downfall. I think my 1990 Ascot with Dura-Ace and Time Titan Mags retailed for over $2000 when new. That was up in the price range of carbon, and Ti. Back then, for that kind of money, consumers wanted something more than "just" steel.

I loved mine and really wish I didn't sell it. Mine was teal and nearly-neon orange. The "B" and "O" decals started peeling right away so I pulled off all the "B's" and "O's" which got me lots of "Nice Ass" comments.