TL;DR
Get business pricing on garage and car supplies
- Business-only prices and quantity discounts
- Tax-exempt purchasing
- Multiple users, one account, clear invoices
Cycling Weekly reviewed the Basso Palta III, a carbon gravel race bike tested with SRAM Force XPLR AXS on dry Peak District trails. The reviewer praised its speed, stiffness, storage and climbing, while flagging limited comfort on rough terrain, very narrow handlebars and small, mud-exposed seatpost-clamp bolts.
Cycling Weekly has reviewed the Basso Palta III, a carbon gravel bike positioned for fast riding, after testing a SRAM Force XPLR AXS-equipped model on Peak District terrain. The review reports that the bike felt quick and stiff, with its strengths most apparent on dry, fast trails; the tester also raised concerns about rough-surface comfort and some component details.
The tested Palta III combined a carbon frame with Miche Graff Aero 48 wheels, Schwalbe G-One R tubeless-ready tyres and a 1x SRAM Force XPLR drivetrain. Its 10–46-tooth cassette has 13 sprockets, and the frame is compatible with a Universal Derailleur Hanger. Cycling Weekly said the gearing worked well, with manageable shifts between ratios, particularly at the lower end.
Basso’s frame design draws on features from its road bikes. The company says the shapes reduce frontal area and increase torsional stiffness around the bottom bracket; it also gives a 970-gram frame weight for size medium. The reviewer noted a 50mm tyre-clearance limit, integrated frame storage with a magnetic Fidlock hatch, and multiple mounting points on the top and down tubes. The bike has no fork mounts.
Fit and finishing drew mixed observations. The tested one-piece handlebar measured 37cm across the tops and 33cm at the hoods, which the reviewer found unusually narrow, although Basso offers a separate two-piece bar option. The reviewer also questioned the small 3mm hex bolts on the seatpost clamp, saying they sit where rear-wheel mud can collect. Those comments describe the test bike and reviewer’s experience, not a reported defect or safety finding.
Where the Palta III Excels
The review helps riders weighing a race-oriented gravel bike against a more comfort-focused option. On dry routes, the tester found the Palta III fast and stiff, and said it climbed quickly. That character may suit riders prioritizing speed and efficient power transfer over a forgiving ride on rough ground.
The trade-offs matter for buyers who ride mixed conditions or spend long hours on uneven trails. The reviewer said the frame’s rigidity was noticeable after riding a more comfortable gravel bike, and the tyres were chosen for dry-trail speed rather than muddy grip. The narrow cockpit and exposed clamp bolts may also affect fit and maintenance preferences. These are observations from one review, not a controlled comparison or a guarantee of how every rider will experience the bike.
gravel bike tubeless tires 700c dry gravel
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
A Race-Focused Gravel Range
Basso Bikes was founded in Italy in 1977 by engineer and cyclist Alcide Basso, according to the supplied Cycling Weekly report. The company is separate from the bike brand associated with former professional cyclist Ivan Basso. Its range includes road, gravel and electric bikes.
The Palta III is presented in the report as the brand’s premium gravel model, distinct from a less expensive bike called the Palta. The UK-market configurations listed by the review include Campagnolo Record X, Shimano GRX and GRX Di2, as well as the tested SRAM Force XPLR AXS version. The report says the frame geometry has a higher stack and shorter reach than its predecessor; for a medium, it lists a 370mm reach, 570mm stack, 430mm rear end and 70-degree head angle.
“The company describes the frame shapes as “diamond-shaped.””
— Basso, as quoted in Cycling Weekly
Limits of the Test Ride
The supplied review excerpt gives no purchase price, full-bike weight, or publication date, and it does not provide a complete account of the final performance assessment. The reviewer’s riding took place during a warm, dry summer, so the report does not establish how the tested tyres or bike perform in sustained wet or muddy conditions.
The source also does not give results from instrumented testing or a direct, controlled comparison with other gravel bikes. Ride comfort, fit and handling can vary with rider size, setup and terrain. The reported concerns about the clamp bolts and narrow handlebars are reviewer observations; the source does not say whether Basso has changed those details or how the company responds to them.
Check Fit and UK Builds
For prospective buyers, the practical next step is to confirm the available build, price, handlebar option and sizing with a Basso dealer or the brand. Riders should check whether the narrow one-piece cockpit suits their fit before buying and ask about alternative bars if needed. The source provides no scheduled follow-up test, company response or announced update to the Palta III, so none can be confirmed from the material available.
Key Questions
What did Cycling Weekly say about the Basso Palta III?
The review describes the bike as quick and stiff on dry gravel, with useful integrated storage and effective climbing. It also notes reduced comfort on rough trails and concerns about the narrow test handlebars and mud-exposed seatpost-clamp bolts.
Which Palta III version was tested?
The test bike used a SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x drivetrain, Miche Graff Aero 48 wheels and Schwalbe G-One R tubeless-ready tyres. The supplied report does not state the complete bike’s weight or price.
How much tyre clearance does the Palta III have?
The review lists clearance for tyres up to 50mm. It describes that as healthy but not class-leading; the source does not specify a separate clearance figure for different wheel or tyre setups.
Is the Basso Palta III suited to muddy riding?
The test took place in warm, dry conditions, and the reviewer said the Schwalbe G-One R tyres prioritize dry-trail speed over mud grip. The review does not establish how the bike performs in prolonged muddy conditions.
Source: rss
Halloween Picks
halloween
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
