Let me state at the outset that, yes, this is the bike Inertianinja posted about. I did not see the thread until later that day, after I had won the auction.

I was looking at this bike, a 56cm, and a similar 54cm Gap, both for auction at the same time. The 54 was listed a week before at $399 and got no action. He came back with an initial bid of $339, which must have been the sweet spot. It was a nice bike, but equipped with Mavic components, including a Mavic headset that apparently requires a special tool for adjustment/disassembly.

But I digress.

I can't believe I actually won the auction. Shipping was a little high, I thought, but as it turns out, the bike was not shipped - it was personally delivered! The seller had business in a nearby city last Monday and was passing throuh my hometown on the way. We made arrangements to meet at an interstate exit near my home. The shipping charges were refunded, and he included the wireless computer and the original Cinelli saddle (not pictured.)

Except for changing the saddle, pedals and stem (anyone have a mid-80s 90mm Cinelli?), I plan to ride her as is for the time being, and later build her with some Veloce 9-speed stuff I have on hand.

I've only had time for a quick 10-mile ride so far, but I like the handling. Nimble without being twitchy. Corners like she's on rails. If she handles like my Ironman, I'll be more than delighted.

You paid under 400 for that..what a deal!

I thought so.

Yeah, that is a great deal!

I purchased a Gap a few months ago on e-bay and nabbed it for $402, and I thought I got the deal of a century! The seller, who I had a good relationship with, was definetly disappointed, thinking she was going to get around $800 to $1000 for the bike, which isn't out of line for a nice Gap. These Basso's really seem to run the full gamut of prices. Your deal is probably the best I've seen or heard of as far as cheap goes, and I've seen them run all the way to an incredible (and ridiculous) $3250 for a Campy equipped Gap.

Your Gap looks to be in very nice shape, and you can't go wrong with red! The Mavic gruppo is abit unique to. Mine has the Shimano 600 which I like alot. If it were Campy though, I'm sure it would have brought in the price the seller was looking for. I think your going to like your Basso. They ride very nicely, and I feel pretty darn quick on mine. Somehow it feels quicker than my lighter aluminum Miyata.

Good luck!

It's great to hear some positive comments about the brand.

This Gap is also equipped with 600-series components. The poor lighting in the photo does not do the frame justice. It is in great condition, except for some chips here and there in the paint and seat tube decal. The PO took very good care of it.

From my limited research, it seems Bassos with Campy groupsets bring higher prices, but that's probably true of most vintage bikes. A tri-color 56 cm Gap popped up on my local CL just days after I bought this one. The seller is asking $700. It has a Shimergo drivetrain. Seems like one was posted here last year in the $1300 range.

The Basso family is still making bikes, but nothing in steel.

Way good.

Hello...I beg to differ; Basso Viper, Vintage Steel Series Nova CMVB M.L. custom Mannesmann tubes. Steel Fork, standard non integrated head set, 30mm seat tube.

https://www.bassobikes.com/en-UK/viper-vintage.php

Nice pick up. It looks beautiful and getting refunded that shipping is a lucky turn.

Good catch: I stand corrected! It even has lugs!

The blurb I saw on this bike indicated it was "alloy," so I assumed aluminum.