The 2023 Basso Diamante is the 8th and latest iteration of Basso’s longest standing platform. It signifies the brands dedication to evolution and constant, meticulous improvement. From the smallest detail, the new Diamanté combines the 45 year legacy of Basso with persistent innovation that speaks to the future.
The new Diamante comes on the heels of the Diamante SV that was launched alongside the preceding Diamante platform. The SV is Basso’s take on the modern Aero-Road bike (think Cannondale Supersix Evo rather than SystemSix or Giants TCR as opposed to Propel) and uses a more modern stack and reach than that of the previous Diamante - which is undeniably an Italian race bike. Long and low.
With the shift in both user base and bike fit science in recent years, the Diamante SV was a reflection of both market forces and science (as has been the case with most other brands). It made sense then, while the ‘outgoing’ Diamante remains in Rim brake form for the die-hard purists, the platform should evolve to meet contemporary standards.
Given the versatility and design of the SV, the new 8th generation Diamante is pitched as a climbing bike by merit of the fact I suspect, that it is both lighter (and significantly so) and less aggressively aero-shaped. In truth - as is the case with most well researched and carefully designed bikes these days - the Diamante is exceptionally versatile. It just happens to be better suited to the hills than the Diamante SV - though both would be excellent choices for the bulk of the cycling population.
Careful engineering and new hi-modulus carbon has allowed Basso to shave a substantial 200g off the predecessor, allowing for sub UCI weight limit builds with relative ease (6.8kg). At the same time they have been extremely careful to retain the Basso ride characteristics that define the ride while ensuring that stability is maintained - something easily and quite often lost in the pursuit of low weight. Indeed, tubing thickness has been meticulously studied to give a lightness and reactivity when climbing and stability when descending, even at high speeds.
Rigidity and power transfer are maintained both with elegant, predominantly round tubing shapes and with high seat-stay attachment at the seat tube, just below the level of the top-tube. This mounting position helps to also allow for just the right amount of vibration dispersion and flexion of the seatpost for ideal levels of comfort. As many will know, much of the comfort in a bike stems from the tyres and the enhanced 32mm clearance* of the Diamante assists on that score. (*Brand dependent)
The stability of the Diamante is something that Basso should be incredibly proud of given that the chain stays are that much shorter than the SV. Often the quest for pick-up and immediate power delivery that comes from a tight rear-triangle, is proffered at the expense of a planted ride and such bikes can become unstable and hard to predict - particularly when cornering, and even more so when cornering at speed while descending.
The geometry of the new Diamante is a blend of the outgoing model and the SV. That rear end is a mirror of the predecessor but the rest of the geometry more closely resembles the SV. In short the Stack and Reach are higher and longer respectively than the 7th generation model while remaining ever so slightly more racy (longer and lower) than the SV. The Diamante is inherently a race bike, it’s just now more fit-accessible to the likes of you and me.
As you might expect with new models recently released from the Basso in the form of the Palta II, Diamante SV and 45th Anniversario, the new Diamante draws on their enhancements. The most obvious change beyond the frame, is the fork which it shares with the latter two. The fork provides wider spacing between the tyre and wheel to maximise the airflow and reduce drag. By widening this gap, Basso has made the frame not only faster but more comfortable through wider tyre clearance. The fork has been designed to be both vertically compliant, yet horizontally rigid, so while there is some shock absorption within the carbon lay-up of the fork, it is completely rigid and reliable when you're out of the saddle and sprinting, or diving full-bore into a corner.
Additionally, Basso’s move to integrated systems is once again evident in the Diamante 8th generation. The oversize headset that allows for cables/hoses to be routed through the head tube without snag as found on the Palta and SV, is in play and features gated headset spacers for serviceability. The frames also feature the Levita integrated one-piece bar and stems that debuted on the Anniversario, and which step it up a notch from the modular offering of the 2022 model Diamante SV (2023 uses this same configuration). These are once again set-in to the top tube to deliver pinpoint handling and control.
The Levita is an elegant bar and stem and at only 330g for a 42 x 110 is a seriously light option. It is stiff too, courtesy of its flattened shape. Measured centre-centre at the hoods, the bar has a 4o flare and a recessed taping area for better hand transitions when moving around the tops. Combined with the fully internal routing, it is one of the cleanest cockpits currently out there and is compatible with Basso’s integrated computer & accessory mount.
Basso are now using their second generation of its patented 3B Clamp System. A totally hidden fixing solution that is invisible on the frame, intertwining technological and aesthetic innovation.
The use of three locking points creates a solid body between the seat post and the seat tube. The result is a lightweight, invisible and strong integrated system, which has been further implemented through the vulcanization of the steel plank. This Basso solution gives the 3B system an anti-vibration function, which improves the riding experience by elevating comfort on uneven and bumpy surfaces.
Leaving no stone unturned in their quest to deliver a well considered and complete end-product, even the paint is a level up from most brands on the market. The 3D structure of ceramic nano particles in the paint create a less porous and more compact finish that is more uniform than conventional paint, and consequently less prone to drag. It is also more durable than ever, even shedding water better, helping to protect the stunning finishes that need to be seen in the flesh to be truly appreciated.
For the UK the Diamante will be initially available as a complete bike built with Ultegra Di2 in Candy Red or as a Frameset in Candy Red or - special ordered from Italy - Stealth Black.
Basso are rare.
Almost all Italian, indeed European brands, struggle to compete with major bike manufacturers, if not on quality then certainly on price. Take a look at the likes of Pinarello and Colnago and it is difficult to see the value in their lower end models. Their Carbon tech and bike specifications struggle to come close to matching the counterparts offered by the big four : Cannondale, Giant, Specialized and Trek. Pinarello and Colnago are not small players in the game.
So, when a brand like Basso comes onto the radar it would be easy to gloss over it, dismiss it out of hand on the basis that, if the big boys can't compete, how would they?
Factor in that Basso are 100% Made in Italy - not known for cheap labour and mass bicycle production - and they become even more intriguing.
Visit any reasonably sized town in Italy and the chances are there is - or almost certainly was - a frame builder there.
Italians are in love with bike building. In much the same way that there is a frame building renaissance in the UK, with small outfits popping up all over, that approach permeates Italian society.
The beauty of Basso lies in their perfect balance to their approach.
By their own admission, they do not choose to advertise heavily - an approach more the preserve of North American 'manufacturers' (which is quite often a misnomer - I can name a very popular bike brand that doesn't manufacture a single product, they are simply a marketing company....)
Instead Basso choose to plough their passion and capital into producing bikes that do their talking on the road and, like most Italian brands, there's is more an experience; a particular quality of the ride that engages the rider and evokes emotion. Most of us want a bike to inspire us, but it is so easy to be overhemeled, not only with choice but with the sheer volume of marketing in the publications (who get their revenue from said) that are on offer and that are supposed to help guide our decisions. Understandable.
Basso - as I say - balance these elements particularly well. They deliver not only a signature 'Basso' ride quality - of which they are extremely proud, but they also are technologically savvy. They use the best processes and materials and where tech is not available - they develop their own. While many hide the quality of their materials or tech (by omission), Basso are transparent. As you will see in the detail below, they share not only information on the materials they use but go as far as to detail the lay-up schedules of their frames. I can't think of another brand that makes that level of detail readily available - certainly not at the lower end of the market.
This is testament to the quality of Basso frames. A self belief in their product, their production methods and materials that should instill confidence in you as a rider, as it does me as a dealer.
They are refreshing. Moreover - they are competitive.
This is the crux of it. Most large (let alone relatively small) Italian bike producers don't come close to being competitive, even with big companies' production outsourced to the far-east.
Basso are.
100% Handmade. In Italy. With transparency and high quality materials. Competitively priced. With a ride feel and handling designed not only to perform, but to inspire and delight.
Basso make it entirely possible to confidently purchase an handbuilt Italian road bike, without crippling yourself financially.
GEOMETRY QUICK GUIDE:Staring at geometry charts trying to fathom which bike will suit you best can be daunting to the non-geek and boring as much as anything else!
The price of a bike and the apparent position in the range do not necessarily relate to how racy a bike is. So, simply as a quick reference guide, the Basso Road Range is listed out below in GEOMETRY ORDER from most upright to most racy.
SIZING Guide :
XXS = 44
XS = 48
S = 51
M = 53/54
L = 56
XL = 58
XXL = 60/61
**Be aware that geometry doesn't necessarily dictate the type of riding that a bike is aimed at (though it is obviously a pretty good guide) - the Astra and Diamante SV are good examples. Always remember : a geometry that fits you will make you faster than a geometry that doesn't - if the bike is a top-of-the-line race bike but doesn't fit, it is unlikely to make you fast - more likely uncomfortable, distracted and slower as a result!**
Venta / Venta Disc : Endurance Geometry but with signature Basso ride feel that remains exciting despite the 'Endurance' tag. Exciting but comfortable.
Astra : All-Round geometry designed to crush everything. Constructed from high modulus carbon it is a stiff, light and engaging lay-up for a more spritely feel.
Diamante SV : Technically the most advanced frame in the range with a more 'modern' geometry than the Diamante Rim that sits below it. Accommodating, all-round geometry, yet entirely racy.
Diamante Disc : Sharing the same Carbon tech as the SV, the Diamante Disc uses super-light, round tube profiles and a similar but lightly more racy geometry. It is a great all-rounder and ideal for climbing.
Diamante Rim :Pure race geometry, long and low. Ideal for those looking to maximise their aero efficiency and adopt a racing tuck.
The table below details the most common technologies that are employed by Basso in their frames - these will often be referenced in the Technical Specifications of the models.
Not only that but you can see which carbon fibres that Basso are using and the lay-up schedules of each bike, so the differences between models is more apparent - this is also a useful guide as to what makes a specific frame behave a specific way.
Basso Components
Often a brand will have its own range of components to complement their frames and bikes - these are often scoffed at, but as Cannondale and Felt have ably demonstrated in the past, they can also be some of the lightest.
Basso components are also Made in Italy and their MR wheels are made in conjunction with Miche - a long established and forward thinking Italian brand. Basso components are excellent and perfectly complement the Basso brand - they are also key in delivering the Basso ride and keeping the bikes competitive - both in performance and price. They look good too!