Basso Astra - robust newcomer
Italian racers are not generally known for their comfort, but are characterised by a sporty riding position and relatively firm handling. However, the brand new Astra wants to disprove this and presents itself as an expert for long distances - even on gravel tracks if desired.
This is mainly due to the typical marathon frame geometry with a long head tube, which puts the rider in a comparatively upright riding position. Never before have you sat more comfortably on a carbon racer from Vicenza; the predecessor still straddled the line between marathon and competition bike.
When it comes to tyre clearance, the Italians have taken current developments into account and have released tyres up to 35 millimetres wide, transforming the Astra into an off-road all-road bike - and offering more suspension comfort than in its standard state with the inexpensive ultra-sport tyres from Conti.
Heavy frame
The stable Basso reveals weaknesses in this discipline: Despite the carbon seat post, whose recess accommodates a rear light from accessory specialist Knog, and the low seat stays, bumps reach the saddle relatively unfiltered.
A major point of criticism is the heavy carbon frame. Massive tube shapes lead to a weight of almost 1300 grams, robust gravel bikes are on a similar level. The highlight - not only for Italo fans - is the equipment with Campagnolo's Chorus ensemble. The mechanical twelve-speed groupset scores with precise gear changes, powerful braking performance and an elegant look.
Including a carbon wheelset from Microtech, this will set you back 5775 euros. The other equipment variants are exclusively electronic with Shimano or SRAM gears and cost between 4195 and 5774 euros. Basso offers the frame set and a build kit for self-assembly with mechanical shifting.
Basso Astra in detail
- Price5775 Euro
- Weight: 8,6 Kilo
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1278/460/90 grammes
- Frame sizes** 45, 48, 51, 53, 56, 58, 61
- Seat/top tube/head tube 565/560/180 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 605/381 millimetres/1.59
- Wheelbase/caster 985/55 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/Circuit Campagnolo Chorus (2x12; 50/34, 11-32 t.)
- Brakes Campagnolo Chorus (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Microtech RE38/Continental Ultra Sport 28 mm (f./h.: 1347/1797 g)
Strengthshigh-quality equipment, large tyre clearance, seven sizes
Weaknessesrelatively heavy frame, moderate comfort, cheap tyres
More bikes with mechanical gears in the TOUR test
- Cube Attain GTC Race
- Medira Scultura Endurance 400
- Specialised Roubaix Sport
- Stevens Izoard Pro Disc
- Storck Fascenario.3 Comp Ultegra
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer information, test size bold.
***Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach)1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Julian Schultz
Editor
