tronnyjenkins 

Hey all, I am usually pretty good at finding info online... not finding a bunch on the Basso lineup after the 1992 catalog scans... I used to own a pretty sweet mid-tier yellow Basso five or so years ago. Now I have a chance to buy a Gap. Just wondering if the late Gap models still had some nice tubing and characteristics. Not sure why it has 105/Ultegra mix unless either the owner bought it as a frame or perhaps there was a Ti model above it at this point.



Any info helps!

jdawginsc 

Thinking it is 2001-2002. Gap had dropped lower in the lineup by then. But they DID have the Titanium model as well.

After steel goes away, I get confused!

sincos

Is that a lugged BB shell and fillet brazed elsewhere? What would be the reason for that?

tronnyjenkins 

I was wondering the same thing! I almost thought it was something besides steel until I saw the lugs and some oxidation by the cables.

I believe it is actually a 1998 frame based on the sole other photo I found of one with these decals. By a member here, naturally. He didn’t reply to my message yet though.

tronnyjenkins 

I did find this. Not an official source, only a forum. Still worthwhile to update the thread for future lurkers.

”I read up a bit in regard to why the Gap was fillet brazed up top with cast lugs on the bottom bracket and dropouts. I believe this was the Gap in the final year that model was offered (2002/2003). It was offered in this metallic steel gray, and a metallic blue. Basso used to use all Columbus steel, and this year they were using "Basso Tube Concept", which was a blend of Columbus and Dedacciai tubing. Perhaps there weren't lugs that fit the combination properly. Either way, the mixture rides beautifully and is pretty to look at.”


Obviously if the frame I’m asking about is a 1998, some of the info could be slightly off.

tronnyjenkins 

Well, I picked up the Basso. It was not in as good of a condition as the photos made it seem. I told the guy thanks for his time but he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

I might try my hand at painting the top tube only. I recently painted my front bumper with automotive paint, primer, and clear so with the primer and clear I have left I should be able to get my supplier to match it fairly close. Honestly it might even look better to me without the decals in the top tube.

The other option is to strip and paint the whole bike with new decals… not sure I’m feeling that though. This is just one I’ll ride for a bit and then sell. Just a fun project.

Hopefully I can find these missing shifter caps/name plate things.

tronnyjenkins 

I ended up painting the top tube and rebuilding it. I actually prefer it without the (ugly) top tube logos. Now I get to sell it before an upcoming move, lol. Rides nice though!
Oh yeah, and it’s probably a touch small for me. Don’t judge my saddle height.

RustyJames 

tronnyjenkins I seem to recall seeing the shifter top caps at an online supplier. Probably Universal Cycles since they are my go-to for consumables.

Enjoy the ride!

Tuberoast

My Gap, which is the same paint/graphics as yours, is a 98. I like the way you painted out the graphics on the top tube, the original is pretty busy looking.