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Cycling Weekly’s review describes the Basso Palta III as a fast, stiff gravel bike tested on dry Peak District routes. Its race-oriented equipment and tidy in-frame storage stood out, while the review also flags limited comfort on rough ground and practical concerns with the seatpost clamp bolts. The assessment reflects one tester’s experience, not a broader comparison or durability test.
Cycling Weekly has reviewed the Basso Palta III, a carbon gravel bike configured for fast riding, and found it quick and stiff on dry Peak District trails. The review highlights its race-oriented components and integrated frame storage, while noting that the rigid ride may be less comfortable on rough surfaces and that some small design details could frustrate owners.
The test bike used a SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x groupset, a 10–46-tooth cassette and Miche Graff Aero 48 wheels. Its Schwalbe G-One R tubeless tyres were suited to dry, fast trails, and the reviewer said the bike performed well during a warm, dry stretch. The review does not establish how the tyres or bike would perform in muddy conditions.
Basso lists 50mm tyre clearance, a UDH-compatible frame and a magnetic-latch in-frame storage compartment. The frame also has top-tube and down-tube mounts, plus three mounts beneath the top tube, but no fork mounts. Cycling Weekly praised the storage as neat and rattle-free.
The reviewer found the Palta III’s ride noticeably stiff on rougher trails after coming from a more comfortable gravel bike. The test build’s one-piece handlebar was particularly narrow, measuring 37cm centre-to-centre and 33cm at the hoods; Basso also offers a two-piece bar setup. The review raises concerns about the seatpost clamp’s small 3mm bolts, which sit where mud from the rear wheel can reach them.
A Race Setup With Trade-Offs
The review positions the Palta III as a gravel race bike rather than an all-purpose comfort choice. Its aero-oriented wheels and cockpit, fast-rolling tyres and stiff frame are aimed at riders prioritising pace. That combination may appeal to racers and riders on dry, smoother routes, but the tester’s experience suggests that riders tackling rougher terrain should weigh comfort alongside speed.
Details such as 50mm tyre clearance, frame storage and multiple mounting points give the bike some practical range beyond racing. Still, the absence of fork mounts and the reviewer’s concerns about the clamp bolts are relevant for buyers planning longer rides or frequent muddy use. These are observations from one review, not evidence of widespread defects.
gravel bike tubeless tyres 700c 50mm clearance
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Basso’s Gravel Bike Lineup
Basso Bikes was founded in Italy in 1977 by engineer and cyclist Alcide Basso; despite the shared surname, the company is not owned by former professional rider Ivan Basso. The brand makes road, gravel and electric bikes. Cycling Weekly identifies the Palta III as its premium gravel model, distinct from a less expensive Palta.
The review bike was the UK-market version equipped with SRAM Force XPLR AXS. Cycling Weekly says UK buyers can also find Palta III builds with Campagnolo Record X, Shimano GRX or GRX Di2. The tester rode the bike on home terrain in the Peak District and compared the experience with a recently tested Handsling gravel bike, giving the ride comments a specific test context rather than a universal verdict.
“My first thought about the bike was its speed, followed pretty quickly by its stiffness.”
— Cycling Weekly reviewer
gravel bike handlebar 37cm 33cm hood width
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Limits of the Test Ride
The source describes a single reviewer’s experience during a warm, dry summer. It does not provide a full account of performance in mud, long-term durability, or a systematic comparison against competing bikes. The reviewer says the tyres were well suited to dry trails and was wary of hookless rims at low pressures because of previous experience, but reports no issue with the rims and tyres on this test.
The review also does not establish whether the narrow one-piece handlebar or the seatpost clamp bolts would cause problems for other riders. Buyers’ comfort and handling impressions may vary with fit, terrain and setup. The source material provided here does not include a full verdict, price, or complete account of the bike’s performance across all riding conditions.
gravel bike frame storage bag magnetic latch
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Check Fit and Build Options
For prospective buyers, the immediate next step is to compare the Palta III’s geometry and cockpit dimensions with their fit needs and ask a dealer which handlebar setup is available at purchase. Basso lists sizes from XS to XXL and three colour options in the review. Riders should also confirm the specification and component choices for their market, since the tested SRAM build is one of several configurations described.
Further assessment would require riding the bike in wetter conditions and over a longer period, particularly to judge comfort, tyre behaviour and the ease of maintaining the seatpost clamp. The review supplies no timetable for additional testing or a new product announcement.
SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x gravel groupset 10-46 cassette
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Key Questions
What kind of bike is the Basso Palta III?
It is a carbon gravel bike presented in Cycling Weekly’s review as a speed-focused, race-oriented model.
How much tyre clearance does the Palta III have?
The review gives the bike’s maximum tyre clearance as 50mm, which it describes as healthy but not class-leading.
What groupset was fitted to the reviewed bike?
The test bike used SRAM Force XPLR AXS in a 1x configuration with a 10–46-tooth cassette. The review also lists other UK-market build options.
Was the Palta III comfortable on rough trails?
The reviewer found it stiff on rougher trails, particularly compared with a more comfortable bike ridden beforehand. That is one tester’s impression, and comfort can depend on fit and setup.
What practical concerns did the review identify?
The reviewer flagged the small 3mm seatpost-clamp bolts as vulnerable to mud buildup and noted the bike has no fork mounts. The review did not report a failure of either feature.
Source: rss
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