Show Your Basso!
#1
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Show Your Basso!
Several components from mine came from forum members, so thanks:
-Saddle from @greg3rd48
-Stem from @Steve Whitlatch
-Pedals from @3speedslow
-Clips from @Ex Pres
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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#2
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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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#3
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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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Here's my Gap, out on the road where it belongs. Such a smooth ride.

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Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
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A real red beauty james! No doubt, she rides as good as she looks.
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?
#7
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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:

IMG_2487


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

IMG_2487
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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.
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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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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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 -



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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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.

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.

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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





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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#13
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You guys are killing me with your Basso'
Amazing bikes nonetheless.
Amazing bikes nonetheless.
#14
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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
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
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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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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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.




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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#18
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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.

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.

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.
#19
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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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2010 AB T1X ** 2010 Cannondale SIX-5 ** 1993 Cannondale RS900 ** 1988 Bottecchia Team Record ** 1989 Bianchi Brava ** 1988 Nishiki Olympic ** 1987 Centurion Ironman Expert(2) ** 1985 DeRosa Professional SLX ** 1982 Colnago Super ** 1982 Basso Gap ** 198? Ciocc Competition SL ** 19?? Roberts Audax ** 198? Brian Rourke ** 1982 Mercian Olympic ** 1970 Raleigh Professional MK I ** 1952 Raleigh Sports
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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
Fillet brazed Deda Zero, rides very nice

#21
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I love that color and the silver tape/silver decals match-up nicely. Mid-nineties I'm guessing?
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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






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






Really deserves to be a wall hanger display or loved on the road.
Id love to help you out

#23
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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
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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#24
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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

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

That was a pretty nice Basso BG. Shame about the fit.
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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.
That was a pretty nice Basso BG. Shame about the fit.

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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
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