Super Veloce becomes Sempre Veloce: For years, the Diamante Super Veloce led the Italian bike manufacturer's portfolio. Thanks to aerodynamically optimised tube shapes and add-on parts, the bike was the specialist for fast stages. Or as the traditional brand from Veneto called it: really fast (it.: super veloce). Now the self-proclaimed super bike has competition within the stable. The Sempre Veloce (engl.: always fast) is more complex than the previous top model, combining aerodynamics, comfort and lightweight construction.
Basso SV: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: 6.9 kilos (weighed weight, size 56)
- Frame/fork weight: 780/370 grams (unpainted, size 53)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 585/382 millimetres/1.53 (size 56)
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 619/565 millimetres/1.10 (size 56)
- Max. tyre clearance: 35 millimetres
- Frame sizes: 45, 48, 51, 53, 56, 58, 61
- Prices complete wheel: 7949 to 11999 Euro
- Price frame set: 4999 Euro
The new flagship model from the Italians sees itself as a converter between worlds. On the one hand, the low weight, angular frame design and aggressive cockpit clearly position the SV as a racing machine. On the other hand, the long-distance frame geometry, ample tyre clearance and first-class damping bring the Basso close to a marathon bike. "Many manufacturers start by developing racing bikes for top athletes and then adapt them to the needs of amateur athletes. We chose a different path," say the Italians, who ultimately made a virtue out of necessity.
This is because, in contrast to the well-known competitors around Bianchi, Pinarello or Wilier, Basso is not represented in the World Tour, undoubtedly one of the best advertising platforms for bicycle manufacturers. Accordingly, they have more freedom in development and can concentrate on the needs of "real riders". The SV is therefore a racing bike "that embodies the perfect balance of racing performance and everyday practicality".
A frame set in high-quality carbon (Torayca T1100/T1000) serves as the basis. Basso states a weight of 780 grams for the unpainted frame in size 53, while the fork is said to weigh 370 grams. Overall, we calculated a total weight of 6890 grams for the top model with Shimano Dura-Ace and aero wheels from DT Swiss. This puts the SV right up there with the lightest bikes on the market. Race all-rounders in the TOUR test.
Faster than the Diamante SV?
Aerodynamically, the new model aims to benefit from a more streamlined front end. According to the manufacturer, the Sempre Veloce offers the wind 16 per cent less surface area to attack than the Diamante SV. Kammtail profiles on all carbon tubes and a discreet cut-out on the down tube for the front wheel should also make the new model fast. How fast? Basso did not give any details.
We have not yet been able to measure the SV in the wind tunnel, which is why we No overall TOUR score yet awarded. However, the Diamante SV, which needed 220 watts with comparable equipment to overcome its own air resistance at racing speed, provides an indication. From today's perspective, this is a below-average value, as the fastest aero specialists are around 20 watts faster.
The compact handlebar/stem unit, which is connected to the control centre of the off-road Rose Backroad FF reminds us. Above the cockpit, which is only 370 millimetres narrow and has twisted grip humps, the rider can make themselves wonderfully small in order to minimise their exposure to the wind. The ergonomically shaped handlebar arch with a low drop (115 millimetres) ensures that comfort is not neglected and that the shift/brake levers are always within easy reach.
Despite the race cockpit, with a comparatively long stem on the test bike, you sit quite comfortably on the SV. In contrast to some of its competitors, Basso has opted for a more moderate frame geometry, which means you hardly need to worry about neck problems on long stages. As not all riders can cope with an extremely narrow cockpit, Basso also offers a more moderate handlebar/stem unit between 400 and 480 millimetres. A total of 16 options are available in the configurator.
First-class comfort at the rear
In addition to the riding position, the SV's unique selling point is its high level of suspension comfort. The flattened, long carbon seat post and a rubber integrated into the clamp absorb bumps noticeably and measurably. With a suspension travel of 10 millimetres and a test load of 80 kilograms, the Basso even makes many marathon bikes look old. Smooth tubeless tyres round off the concept and make detours on dirt and gravel roads possible without any problems. The unusually large tyre clearance of 35 millimetres makes the Basso even more versatile.
Apart from the first-class comfort, the SV delivers no surprises on our first ride. The racer does exactly what you tell it to do. It thus joins the ranks of the Diamante SV, which is still available, and the "normal" Diamante and should appeal to a large target group looking for a fast and comfortable all-rounder. Hobby riders will also appreciate the transmission options with compact cranks and 1:1 gearing on the Shimano versions. However, the Italo bike is not exactly one of the stiffest competition bikes and tends to have a somewhat nervous steering behaviour on fast descents.
The Basso SV in detail
- Price: 11799 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 6.9 kilos
- Frame sizes: 45, 48, 51, 53, 56, 58, 61 (test size bolded)
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 532/565/170 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 585/382 millimetres/1.53
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 619/565 millimetres/1.10
- Wheelbase/caster: 990/61 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.) | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.) Grade: 1.0
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR 28 mm (eff.: 29 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC1100 Dicut 50
- Impeller weights: 1143/1502 (f./h.)
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 6890 grammes | Grade: 1.7
- Driving stability: 7.1 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
- Rear comfort: 101 N/mm | Grade: 1.7
- Comfort front: 117 N/mm | Grade: 3.3
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 52 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
Advantages and disadvantages of the Basso SV
- Plus: Very comfortable, wide range of applications, seven sizes
- Minus: High entry-level price, expandable driving stability
Basso SV: Equipment and prices
Like all of Basso's carbon models, the new SV, including seatpost and cockpit, is manufactured and painted at the main factory in Vicenza. Four basic platforms with shifting groupsets from Shimano (Ultegra, Dura-Ace), SRAM (Red AXS) or Campagnolo (Super Record WRL S) are available. The wheels, handlebars, paintwork, seat post and gear ratio can be selected using the configurator.
The customisation options and Made in Italy production come at a price. The entry-level model with Ultegra and carbon wheels from Fulcrum already costs 7949 euros. The test bike with Dura-Ace and fast DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels costs 11799 euros. A lot of money for a racing bike, but one that covers many areas of use with its multi-layered concept.
Basso SV (Shimano Ultegra)
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2
- Crankset: 50-34, 52-36 Z.
- Cassette: 11-34 Z.
- Impellers: DT Swiss ERC1600, DT Swiss ARC1100 50, Fulcrum Sharq
- Prices: 7949, 8999 Euro
Basso SV (Shimano Dura-Ace)
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
- Crankset: 50-34, 52-36 Z.
- Cassette: 11-34 Z.
- Impellers: DT Swiss ERC1600, DT Swiss ARC1100 50, Fulcrum Sharq
- Prices: 10499, 11799 Euro
Basso SV (SRAM Red AXS)
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red AXS
- Crankset: 48-35 Z.
- Cassette: 11-33 Z.
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC1100 50, Fulcrum Sharq
- Prices: 11999 Euro
Basso SV (Campagnolo Super Record S)
- Drive/gear shift: Campagnolo Super Record S WRL
- Crankset: 48-32 Z.
- Cassette: 10-29 Z.
- Impellers: Campganolo WTO 45
- Prices: 11999 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
