jusbarron

Came across a Basso frame set that I am thinking of building up for a family member for light touring and general riding. Based on what little I have found, I am thinking this is a 1983 model. The tubing decal shows Columbus Zeta, 26.6 inner seat tube. First Basso I have seen with rack eyelets on the dropouts. The dropouts are Gipiemme, fork is chromed...no other chrome on the frame. Fork and frame are pantographed. Serial number 312420. Any ideas on the model and how it might have been spec’d originally?

T-Mar

Based on the serial number, it was manufactured in 1983, so it's either a 1983 model or a 1984 model manufactured in late 1983. A 26.6mm post would be correct for Zeta, which was lightweight hi-tensile steel with plain gauge, 0.9mm thick tubes.

I have see Basso Zeta frames from this era built up and marketed as Vignola, Vuelta and Arenaccia models. The Arenaccia used Cambio Rino Crono components with Modolo brakes. The Vuelta used a Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport group. The Vignola used Camapgnolo 980 derailleurs with Modolo brakeset and Gipiemme Sprint ctankset. There's also the possibility that it was orignally sold as a frameset, so buidling it up with any era appropriate group could be considered correct.

BTW, those are fender eyelets, not rack eyelets. They were common on the lower level "sport" models.

jusbarron

Ahh...makes more sense to me now.