Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Classic & Vintage
Reload this Page >

Show Your Basso!

Notices
Classic & Vintage This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.

Show Your Basso!

Old 02-05-19, 09:30 PM
  #1  
diomekes
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 130

Bikes: '87 Centurion Ironman Expert, '88 Basso Loto, '89 Panasonic MC-5500, '92 Vitus 992

Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 60 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 8 Posts
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 @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:

diomekes is offline  
Likes For diomekes:
Old 02-05-19, 10:01 PM
  #2  
rjhammett
Senior Member
 
rjhammett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Posts: 2,247

Bikes: 85 De Rosa, 92 Merckx MX Leader, 99 Tommasini Sintesi, 08 Look 585, 89 Merckx Corsa Extra, 72 Holdsworth Professional

Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 362 Post(s)
Liked 550 Times in 241 Posts
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.


rjhammett is offline  
Likes For rjhammett:
Old 02-05-19, 10:04 PM
  #3  
Giacomo 1 
Senior Member
 
Giacomo 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Queens NYC
Posts: 3,175

Bikes: Colnago Super, Basso Gap, Pogliaghi, Fabio Barecci, Torelli Pista, Miyata 1400A

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 316 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 13 Posts
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..
Giacomo 1 is offline  
Old 02-06-19, 07:59 AM
  #4  
jamesdak 
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,651

Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,

Mentioned: 156 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2323 Post(s)
Liked 4,935 Times in 1,763 Posts
Here's my Gap, out on the road where it belongs. Such a smooth ride.


__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
jamesdak is offline  
Old 02-06-19, 09:03 AM
  #5  
Chuckk
Groupetto Dragon-Ass
 
Chuckk's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Lostin Austin, TX
Posts: 613
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 413 Post(s)
Liked 775 Times in 368 Posts
~1991 Basso Laguna - made in the USA by Aegis
More Photos Here
Chuckk is offline  
Old 02-06-19, 09:36 AM
  #6  
Giacomo 1 
Senior Member
 
Giacomo 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Queens NYC
Posts: 3,175

Bikes: Colnago Super, Basso Gap, Pogliaghi, Fabio Barecci, Torelli Pista, Miyata 1400A

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 316 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 13 Posts
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?
Giacomo 1 is offline  
Old 02-06-19, 10:04 AM
  #7  
Spaghetti Legs 
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Central Virginia
Posts: 4,777

Bikes: Numerous

Mentioned: 150 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1676 Post(s)
Liked 3,084 Times in 911 Posts
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
__________________
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur

Spaghetti Legs is offline  
Likes For Spaghetti Legs:
Old 02-06-19, 10:16 AM
  #8  
RobbieTunes
Banned.
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 378 Post(s)
Liked 1,409 Times in 909 Posts
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.
RobbieTunes is offline  
Old 02-06-19, 10:36 AM
  #9  
as50x20 
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Plantation, Fl.
Posts: 60

Bikes: Lotsa

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times in 8 Posts
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!
as50x20 is offline  
Old 02-06-19, 11:58 AM
  #10  
Giacomo 1 
Senior Member
 
Giacomo 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Queens NYC
Posts: 3,175

Bikes: Colnago Super, Basso Gap, Pogliaghi, Fabio Barecci, Torelli Pista, Miyata 1400A

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 316 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 13 Posts
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 -




Giacomo 1 is offline  
Likes For Giacomo 1:
Old 02-06-19, 12:44 PM
  #11  
crank_addict
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,480
Mentioned: 93 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1361 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 423 Times in 282 Posts
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.
crank_addict is offline  
Old 02-06-19, 07:57 PM
  #12  
oldsport500
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
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
oldsport500 is offline  
Likes For oldsport500:
Old 02-06-19, 08:01 PM
  #13  
malcala622
Senior Member
 
malcala622's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Pico Rivera, CA
Posts: 4,182

Bikes: 1983 Basso Gap...2013 Colnago CX-1...2015 Bianchi Intenso

Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1199 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 716 Posts
You guys are killing me with your Basso'

Amazing bikes nonetheless.
malcala622 is offline  
Old 02-07-19, 06:44 AM
  #14  
Giacomo 1 
Senior Member
 
Giacomo 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Queens NYC
Posts: 3,175

Bikes: Colnago Super, Basso Gap, Pogliaghi, Fabio Barecci, Torelli Pista, Miyata 1400A

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 316 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 13 Posts
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?
Giacomo 1 is offline  
Old 02-07-19, 08:13 AM
  #15  
CMAW 
Pining for the fjords
 
CMAW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Brussels
Posts: 709
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 130 Post(s)
Liked 443 Times in 150 Posts
Great bikes, I'd love to score a Loto someday. My Viper, all fillet-brazed and gorgeous from '97:

CMAW is offline  
Old 02-07-19, 03:57 PM
  #16  
oldsport500
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
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
oldsport500 is offline  
Old 02-14-19, 07:17 PM
  #17  
crank_addict
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,480
Mentioned: 93 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1361 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 423 Times in 282 Posts
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.
crank_addict is offline  
Likes For crank_addict:
Old 02-14-19, 07:38 PM
  #18  
Giacomo 1 
Senior Member
 
Giacomo 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Queens NYC
Posts: 3,175

Bikes: Colnago Super, Basso Gap, Pogliaghi, Fabio Barecci, Torelli Pista, Miyata 1400A

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 316 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 13 Posts
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.
Giacomo 1 is offline  
Old 02-14-19, 07:41 PM
  #19  
horatio 
Hump, what hump?
 
horatio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SC midlands
Posts: 1,934

Bikes: See signature

Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 337 Post(s)
Liked 227 Times in 145 Posts
Now I've got to build my Basso fame set that's in storage! Damn you Basso lovers!
__________________
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


horatio is offline  
Old 02-20-19, 05:42 AM
  #20  
jbchybridrider 
Senior Member
 
jbchybridrider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: adelaide, australia
Posts: 2,798
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 227 Post(s)
Liked 388 Times in 149 Posts
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
jbchybridrider is offline  
Old 02-20-19, 07:51 AM
  #21  
Giacomo 1 
Senior Member
 
Giacomo 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Queens NYC
Posts: 3,175

Bikes: Colnago Super, Basso Gap, Pogliaghi, Fabio Barecci, Torelli Pista, Miyata 1400A

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 316 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 13 Posts
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?
Giacomo 1 is offline  
Old 02-20-19, 08:01 AM
  #22  
joesch
Senior Member
 
joesch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hotel CA / DFW
Posts: 1,731

Bikes: 83 Colnago Super, 87 50th Daccordi, 79 & 87 Guerciotti's, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master and Titanio, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 DbyLS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 600 Post(s)
Liked 778 Times in 496 Posts
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
joesch is offline  
Old 02-20-19, 10:00 AM
  #23  
Bianchigirll 
Bianchi Goddess
 
Bianchigirll's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,844

Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.

Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2925 Post(s)
Liked 2,921 Times in 1,489 Posts
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

__________________
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
Bianchigirll is online now  
Likes For Bianchigirll:
Old 02-20-19, 10:11 AM
  #24  
Giacomo 1 
Senior Member
 
Giacomo 1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Queens NYC
Posts: 3,175

Bikes: Colnago Super, Basso Gap, Pogliaghi, Fabio Barecci, Torelli Pista, Miyata 1400A

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 316 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 13 Posts
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.
Giacomo 1 is offline  
Old 02-20-19, 10:35 AM
  #25  
Bianchigirll 
Bianchi Goddess
 
Bianchigirll's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,844

Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.

Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2925 Post(s)
Liked 2,921 Times in 1,489 Posts
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?
__________________
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
Bianchigirll is online now  
Likes For Bianchigirll:

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.