Basso has launched the Palta III, the third generation of its gravel platform, positioning the bike as a do-it-all machine in a market increasingly split between dedicated race bikes and heavy-duty adventure rigs.
Developed under the tagline "Two Souls. One Bike. Zero Regrets," the Palta III is hand-made in Italy and built around a Torayca carbon frame weighing 970g in size medium. Basso claims an 18% reduction in frontal aerodynamic area over the outgoing model, alongside a 19% increase in bottom bracket stiffness and 12% more rear triangle stiffness. Head tube stiffness has been deliberately reduced by 15%, improving vibration damping on rough terrain, the company said.
Tyre clearance has been expanded to 52mm at the front and 50mm at the rear, broadening the platform's capability on technical gravel, with the brand stressing the vibration absorption benefits of lower inflations in the bike's white paper – while 50mm sits short of verging into mountain bike clearances.
UK pricing starts at £3,999 for a Shimano GRX mechanical 1x12 build with Miche Graff XL wheels, rising to £4,699 for a GRX Di2 electronic build and £5,399 for a SRAM Force XPLR AXS spec with a Miche Graff Aero 48 carbon wheelset. The bike will be distributed in the UK by Chicken CycleKit, Basso's British partner.
"Our goal with this third generation wasn't to define gravel for the rider by forcing them to choose between a race-specific bike or one suited more for adventure," said Leonardo Basso, Product and Marketing Manager at Basso. "Instead, we wanted to provide the best platform for them to define it for themselves."
Frame and integration
The carbon layup uses a blend of Torayca T800 (70%), M40JB (20%) and T700 (10%) fibres, and is intended to provide stiffness where power transfer matters and compliance where comfort does. The updated geometry uses a high stack, sloping top tube and six overlapping frame sizes, intended to offer a flexible fit across rider types.
For the first time on the Palta platform, Basso has integrated a downtube storage compartment. It is concealed behind a painted carbon cover secured by a Fidlock magnetic latch with a mechanical lock, housing two waterproof bags for tools and spares.
Basso's second-generation 3B Clamp System, a rubber-damped seatpost clamp that adds vertical compliance, is paired with the brand's Diamante carbon seatpost and a shorter seat tube to encourage additional flex.
Mounting points include two positions above and below the top tube, and two under the downtube, allowing up to three bottles simultaneously alongside bags and accessories.
Three cockpit options cover different rider preferences. The Fuga integrated bar (300g) is the lightest, with a 6° flare and aero-optimised profile. The Levita integrated bar (330g) offers a more traditional fit in widths from 380mm to 440mm. The new Strato alloy stem (250g) pairs with a carbon gravel bar featuring a 12° flare and a recessed section for thick bar tape, catering to riders who prefer a non-integrated setup that is easier to service.
Groupset options span mechanical and electronic in both 1x and 2x configurations, including SRAM Force XPLR, Red XPLR, Shimano GRX 820 and GRX 825 Di2. Every bike is assembled to order.
Basso has also partnered with Vibram, the Italian rubber specialist, on an integrated downtube protector designed to absorb impact energy from rock strikes. Apidura, the bikepacking bag manufacturer, has developed a bespoke range of bolt-on frame bags tailored to the Palta III's tube profiles, removing the need for strap-based attachment and the potential paint damage that can come with it.
The Palta III is available in three colourways, Purple Dust, Carbon Chrome and Galaxy Dream, and carries a five-year warranty.
