Questions on an '80s Basso
 

Hello everyone,

I ran into a guy on CL who is selling a Basso. The bike is 56cm with no mention of a model. It does come assembled with the components, but they are not original parts (some Campy, Shimano, etc.). However, I can see that he has campy shifters. He is looking to move this bike quick and wants $300 for it.

First off, I ride a 54cm, do Bosso's tend to run small/large or true to size?
Second, this bike obviously needs a tear down to be cleaned and returning back to its original parts couldn't hurt either, but I'm not sure on the $300 price tag. Thoughts?

He is talking about a trade for "a road bike more practical for the weather and low on maintenance" which I may look into as I have some road bikes in my stable that may fit the bill, but I'm not 100% enthused about his Basso. Mainly, because I don't know much about these Italian beauties.

if you usually ride a 54 I would stay away from this. the size is already in question and most of the parts besides the shifters look like they came from a freespirit.

if the frame is Columbus I would offer $200 for it, it will make a nice project.

Basso's run true to size.

It could be crappy photography, but it sure looks like the fork is bent.

$300 is too much for that, even if the fork is OK. IMHO

Thanks you two. I agree with the Freespirit part list and, well, yeah, that fork could be bent. I'll save my pennies (and frames)!

Fork does not look bent. Buy it if you have replacement components.

His idea of a replacement is identical to what he owns already.

-Kurt

It sure looks alot like the one I just bought this winter. From the research I did I think mine is a Basso Gap from 1984, the year is the first digit in the serial number. I paid $250 for it and thought that was a pretty good deal. The frame is Columbus SL, making it light for it's size.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=139176


Mine was a mix of 105, Dura-ace and Campagnolo. I have since upgraded everything except the cranks to Dura-ace.

Fantastic riding bike and true to size. The top tube is the same as the down tube on mine, 60cm each.
http://www.bikeforums.net/images/misc/pencil.png

It's a "Frankenbasso" from the looks of it, and not a good one at that!
Note the less than impressive looking crank, the rear wheel with the giant gears and spoke guard disc.....plus...TURKEY LEVERS!!:eek:
Like said, offer $200ish or lower for the frame (If the frame and finish is in good shape) that obviuosly looks to be needing a good cleaning and maybe touching up, cause most of the stuff on the bike looks very low end and not original to the frame.

Chombi

+1 $200 if it fits. Lower end Basso. 56 cm is only 2 cms larger, which is about 3/4 of an inch. So its really a question about your sizing. Are you a strict 54, or do you have some flexibility. I usually ride a 56, but I also have a 54 in the fleet. With a longish stem, it fits fine.

Parts are crap, so you really are buying the frameset.

I've got an '84 Basso Gap....Mine only has one set of bottle braze-ons....The 57cm and bigger is a Columbus SL/SP mix....