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Old 02-05-19 | 09:30 PM
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Show Your Basso!

Originally Posted by Giacomo 1
Glad this bike has so many fans. It might be time for a "Show Your Basso!" thread...
I checked and the last thread is from 2012, so I think it is time, especially since I have one that I've been meaning to post.

Several components from mine came from forum members, so thanks:
-Saddle from [MENTION=384048]greg3rd48[/MENTION]
-Stem from [MENTION=353902]Steve Whitlatch[/MENTION]
-Pedals from [MENTION=207730]3speedslow[/MENTION]
-Clips from [MENTION=107655]Ex Pres[/MENTION]

Anyway, I bought a bike with the Dura Ace 7410 set, minus the wheels which I bought on eBay for cheap. The Basso came with Tricolor on it, but I wanted to use Dura Ace, so the swap happened. The only thing I couldn't change was the headset, apparently the 600 headset has a super low stack height.

The rear derailleur housing is white because I didn't think I needed a ferrule into the chain stay nub, and soon the housing inner wires poked out and shifting got messed up, and I only had white housing on hand. Still have to buy a small piece of the gray.

I wanted a mid '90s bike with early STI, and this is the closest I got. It's Columbus SLX, or at least should be, unless if it's SPX since it's a 60cm frame. Does anyone know if Basso used SPX on large frames? I really wanted TSX, but the frame I got ended up being rusted out (which I posted about and many helped with the issue), so I have this, which is probably just as good...

My 1988 Basso Loto:

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Old 02-05-19 | 10:01 PM
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The black Basso is my daughter's. The red Basso is a bike I picked up this past summer. It is too small so I will be passing it on to someone else.


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Old 02-05-19 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by diomekes
I checked and the last thread is from 2012, so I think it is time, especially since I have one that I've been meaning to post.

My 1988 Basso Loto:

Very nice.

That's a great looking build. Love the funky color combinations Basso used. Mine is also a funny two- tone combo that shouldn't look good together, but it really does. Mine still has the Shimano 600 on it, and while I've toyed with the idea of going Italian, the shifting is just flawless and I can't really justify the switch.

Maybe one of us should start that thread. If I get a chance tomorrow, I'll go out and take some fresh pics of mine. Seems like there are quite a few Basso's out there waiting to show there stuff..
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Old 02-06-19 | 07:59 AM
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Here's my Gap, out on the road where it belongs. Such a smooth ride.


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Old 02-06-19 | 09:03 AM
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~1991 Basso Laguna - made in the USA by Aegis
More Photos Here
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Old 02-06-19 | 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by jamesdak
Here's my Gap, out on the road where it belongs. Such a smooth ride.


A real red beauty james! No doubt, she rides as good as she looks.

Originally Posted by Chuckk
~1991 Basso Laguna - made in the USA by Aegis
More Photos Here
Loving this. This bike makes a real statement and it is a standout. Very unique look and nicely painted. What kind of tubing does it use? How is the ride and weight?
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Old 02-06-19 | 10:04 AM
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My ‘84 Gap with Athena. A great rider and one of the favorites in my collection for paint color. It really sparkles in the sun.





Also a Loto that is too small for me and needs a new home:




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Old 02-06-19 | 10:16 AM
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Basso was not allowed to market this as a Basso, so the frame builder's name was used. It's of SLX, most likely a version of the Gap, but I
actually have no idea. The logo originally had 3 slash lines before and after the name, but that was simply a lot of decal to bet messed up, and
careful trimming cleaned it up a bit.

The frame paint scheme is extremely interesting when you get close, chrome under the paint, as those bands of pearl change to chrome about
mid-TT. It now belongs to a different BF member. I hope he posts his summit pic of it.

I doubt he'll ever get rid of it, but if he does, he knows where I am.

Last edited by RobbieTunes; 02-06-19 at 10:20 AM.
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Old 02-06-19 | 10:36 AM
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Mid 80's Gap (I think)




It had to be powder coated as it had been left out in the sun for a decade or two. It also came with an aluminum fork, which I don't think was original!
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Old 02-06-19 | 11:58 AM
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Bikes: Colnago Super, Basso Gap, Pogliaghi, Fabio Barecci, Torelli Pista, Miyata 1400A

Here is my 87 Basso Gap.

She is a great rider. Between the Campy wheels and hubs and the Shimano 600 drivetriain, she is quiet as a Church mouse going down the road, not to mention smooth and steady. It does receive a fair amount of compliments on the road -




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Old 02-06-19 | 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by RobbieTunes
Basso was not allowed to market this as a Basso, so the frame builder's name was used. It's of SLX, most likely a version of the Gap, but I
actually have no idea. The logo originally had 3 slash lines before and after the name, but that was simply a lot of decal to bet messed up, and
careful trimming cleaned it up a bit.

The frame paint scheme is extremely interesting when you get close, chrome under the paint, as those bands of pearl change to chrome about
mid-TT. It now belongs to a different BF member. I hope he posts his summit pic of it.

I doubt he'll ever get rid of it, but if he does, he knows where I am.
It was a treat to see this one up close. Definitely unusual.
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Old 02-06-19 | 07:57 PM
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Basso - I believe I bought it new in 1982 - still in my shed
Columbia SL double butted tubing, 60.5 cm top to center 740 X 740, 40" wheelbase, 16 1/4 " stays.
Full Campagnolo, 320 NISI pro rims, Cast Cinelli lugs BB shell, Campagnolo dropouts, 3TTT bars, engraved stem
Chromed dropouts, right chain stay and fork crown, engraved Super Record seat pillar, engraved Record brake levers,
engraved Super Record chain rings, Regina Oro Chain and cluster, Concor saddle







Last edited by oldsport500; 02-06-19 at 11:53 PM. Reason: add photo
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Old 02-06-19 | 08:01 PM
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Bikes: 1983 Basso Gap...2013 Colnago CX-1...2015 Bianchi Intenso

You guys are killing me with your Basso'

Amazing bikes nonetheless.
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Old 02-07-19 | 06:44 AM
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Originally Posted by oldsport500
Basso - I believe I bought it new in 1982 - still in my shed
Columbia SL double butted tubing, 60.5 cm top to center 740 X 740, 40" wheelbase, 16 1/4 " stays.
Full Campagnolo, 320 NISI pro rims, Cast Cinelli lugs BB shell, Campagnolo dropouts, 3TTT bars, engraved stem
Chromed dropouts, right chain stay and fork crown, engraved Super Record seat pillar, engraved Record brake levers,
engraved Super Record chain rings, Regina Oro Chain and cluster, Concor saddle
Wow, how long has that been hiding in your shed!?

Looks pristine. Man, I love that engraved quill stem. Did you pay extra for parts like that BITD? When was the last time you ride it, and what are your plans?
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Old 02-07-19 | 08:13 AM
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Great bikes, I'd love to score a Loto someday. My Viper, all fillet-brazed and gorgeous from '97:

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Old 02-07-19 | 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Giacomo 1
Wow, how long has that been hiding in your shed!?

Looks pristine. Man, I love that engraved quill stem. Did you pay extra for parts like that BITD? When was the last time you ride it, and what are your plans?
Thanks~! It's not really quite as nice as the photos seem to show. Mechanically it's nice but there are a number of small paint chips that keep it from being #1 . Brake hoods are rotten etc.
Sad to say that it hasn't been on the road since the 90s. I doubt the bike has more than a couple thousand miles on it. Life changes in 1984 prevented riding for several years. Really, it hasn't been used since. I mostly went mountain biking and motorcycling. I don't remember the story of the engraved parts. Looks nice but would have to be used on a Basso only I guess. I bought it from Snider's Cyclery in Bakersfield Calif. I worked across the street and would often go in the shop where it was hanging on the wall. I was riding a lot at the time and thought I should have a cool bike.

After many decades, we are moving this spring so I'm going to try and sell it in the next couple months.

More photos on Google photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hhhq5ct7g7HrqRmM9

Last edited by oldsport500; 02-07-19 at 04:01 PM. Reason: spelling, add link
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Old 02-14-19 | 07:17 PM
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This is my second to replace an early production and very tired rusted Basso. This one a mid level, made in 1985 -Commemorative '84 Olympic with LA84 'Arco' paint.

Columbus Tre-tubi. Mixed build: Campy Victory - Triomphe / Regina / Gipiemme Crono/ 3ttt / Modolo / Nisi / tubulars.

A popular paint scheme immediately after Alexi Grewal won the gold (1st US mens for road race) though riding a Pinarello in the similar paint. Story goes Denver Spoke was a sponser of Grewal, and along with Gita imports they arrived to this look. I've also heard reference as being spumoni.

Though its mid race level, its a confident and respectable comfort distance rider. I guess it comes off as just cool, silly, obnoxious Italian as it always gets the nod at group rides! Rare would anyone know what is or what the parts are, anyways.








Last edited by crank_addict; 02-14-19 at 07:26 PM.
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Old 02-14-19 | 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by crank_addict
This is my second to replace an early production and very tired rusted Basso. This one a mid level, made in 1985 -Commemorative '84 Olympic with LA84 'Arco' paint.

Columbus Tre-tubi. Mixed build: Campy Victory - Triomphe / Regina / Gipiemme Crono/ 3ttt / Modolo / Nisi / tubulars.

A popular paint scheme immediately after Alexi Grewal won the gold (1st US mens for road race) though riding a Pinarello in the similar paint. Story goes Denver Spoke was a sponser of Grewal, and along with Gita imports they arrived to this look. I've also heard reference as being spumoni.

Though its mid race level, its a confident and respectable comfort distance rider. I guess it comes off as just cool, silly, obnoxious Italian as it always gets the nod at group rides! Rare would anyone know what is or what the parts are, anyways.

Honestly, that's one of the coolest Basso's I have ever seen.

Nice history. Great spumoni paint job, along with a nice mix of components to. If I didn't know better, I would think I was looking at a Gap. I can see why this gets a nod of approval at group rides. Really nice.
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Old 02-14-19 | 07:41 PM
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Now I've got to build my Basso fame set that's in storage! Damn you Basso lovers!
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Old 02-20-19 | 05:42 AM
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It's just one way I've built it in the time I've had it. Should have taken another photo before last disassembling it.

Fillet brazed Deda Zero, rides very nice
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Old 02-20-19 | 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by jbchybridrider
It's just one way I've built it in the time I've had it. Should have taken another photo before last disassembling it.

Fillet brazed Deda Zero, rides very nice
Very pretty.

I love that color and the silver tape/silver decals match-up nicely. Mid-nineties I'm guessing?
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Old 02-20-19 | 08:01 AM
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Originally Posted by oldsport500
Basso - I believe I bought it new in 1982 - still in my shed
Columbia SL double butted tubing, 60.5 cm top to center 740 X 740, 40" wheelbase, 16 1/4 " stays.
Full Campagnolo, 320 NISI pro rims, Cast Cinelli lugs BB shell, Campagnolo dropouts, 3TTT bars, engraved stem
Chromed dropouts, right chain stay and fork crown, engraved Super Record seat pillar, engraved Record brake levers,
engraved Super Record chain rings, Regina Oro Chain and cluster, Concor saddle






In shed since 1982?
Really deserves to be a wall hanger display or loved on the road.
Id love to help you out
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Old 02-20-19 | 10:00 AM
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I always like the color combos Basso used especially the lavender, Yellow and White one that made me think of an easter egg.

I had a Basso once but sadly it was too small. I put the Athena on a beautiful Bianchi that alas turned out to be too small also, and sold the frame

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Old 02-20-19 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Bianchigirll
I always like the color combos Basso used especially the lavender, Yellow and White one that made me think of an easter egg.

I had a Basso once but sadly it was too small. I put the Athena on a beautiful Bianchi that alas turned out to be too small also, and sold the frame

I think the 2 and 3 color combination paint jobs are one of Basso's best selling points. They often used colors that shouldn't look good together, but almost always do. Mine is posted here and is a purple and green, which sounds awful, but actually looks great together and it usually gets its fair shair of compliments.

That was a pretty nice Basso BG. Shame about the fit.
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Old 02-20-19 | 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Giacomo 1
I think the 2 and 3 color combination paint jobs are one of Basso's best selling points. They often used colors that shouldn't look good together, but almost always do. Mine is posted here and is a purple and green, which sounds awful, but actually looks great together and it usually gets its fair shair of compliments.

That was a pretty nice Basso BG. Shame about the fit.
Like Celeste and Hunter Orange?
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