Thoughts on Basso bikes (Loto, Laguna or Astra)

g00se

Hi,

I'm considering a Basso bike. Reality says I can afford a Loto or Laguna with the discounts going around at the moment - but I could stretch to the Astra if I sell an organ. The thing is, there are no shops nearby that stock Basso to try them out - so I'm after some advice before maybe trying Wiggle with an eye to return it if it's not for me.

I'm after something a little racy - but not bone-shaking or in the current aero mould. So lightness and comfort/compliance come into it more than head-down speed. But I'd still like it stiff enough to climb well.

In terms of kit, I know the Laguna and Loto use the re-badged Microtech (Miche) components, but I can swap it with the Italian stuff off of my current alloy bike - and turn that one into a winter ride - so it's the quality of the frame and fork that I'm really looking at.

The thing is, even though most folks accounts of the Laguna (and so I assume the Loto too) are good, there are reviews that say the front end is wrong: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... -11-42870/

Do folks agree; is that just a bad review bike; has the fork changed since then and how do you find the front for stability and feedback? Should I save up for the Astra - or will that be too race-oriented?

Any thoughts welcome. Cheers.

nochekmate

Contact Smidsy - he's got a Basso Astra that he raves about.

elderone

To buy a bike because some one else has one and raves about it is really daft.I rave about my bike but wouldn,t expect anyone to buy the same because of that.
Smidsy ,always raves about hand built wheels,but again there not for everyone.Point is only you, OP can decide what is best for you.

g00se

elderone wrote:

To buy a bike because some one else has one and raves about it is really daft.I rave about my bike but wouldn,t expect anyone to buy the same because of that.
Smidsy ,always raves about hand built wheels,but again there not for everyone.Point is only you, OP can decide what is best for you.

Agreed - but I'm more after thoughts on the issues with the Laguna handling - and views on the ride of the models before hunting out a ride on one of the three.

sloppyschleckonds

The Astro is very very stiff, much stiffer than my Cervelo R3. Handling is precise and sharp but the ride is not harsh, even with very stiff wheels. Not as lightweight a frame compared with some of the sub 800 gram frames.
+ you don't see too many of them.

StillGoing

I have an Astra which I built up to my spec. I bought the frame from Primera without seeing or let alone riding one. Put some quality components on it and SRAM Force/Red combination and love the way it handles. My seat is high and the bars as low as they can go so it's a very AUHD riding position, but I can manage 100+ rides on it without discomfort. The front is very planted in corners giving plenty of feedback to me as to what the front is doing. You don't see many of them around which I like. In fact I've yet to see another one in these parts. All in my Astra weighs a measly 6.7kgs. Climbing I can't really comment on as I'm a steady spinner rather than a mountain goat, but I'm sure the frame would suit one.

You can switch your components on to the Basso and the standard Basso components on to your other bike without problem.

nochekmate

g00se wrote:

elderone wrote:

To buy a bike because some one else has one and raves about it is really daft.I rave about my bike but wouldn,t expect anyone to buy the same because of that.
Smidsy ,always raves about hand built wheels,but again there not for everyone.Point is only you, OP can decide what is best for you.

Agreed - but I'm more after thoughts on the issues with the Laguna handling - and views on the ride of the models before hunting out a ride on one of the three.

Agree also .... but if the OP is looking for comments on the Basso range then they are likely to come from Basso owners past and present (of which I'm a former member of the Basso club)

One day elderone we'll agree with each other How does the OP decide if he ignores the comments of Basso ownets on account of bias??

smidsy

I can only comment on my experiences which are very positve with the Astra (and handbuilt wheels), but as elderone states it is probably not worth it as I only ever rave about them anyway.

OP - if you are local and actually interested in the bike (unlike some folk) you can always have a look at my astra in the flesh (pictures simply do not do it justice) and try it for size etc (it is a 56).

Edit - derr, just seen you are norwich so not really local (to anywhere) :oops:

g00se

Cheers Smidsy - but yes, not local to any dealers either

smidsy

Dealers in UK are very few and far between. Wiggle seems to be the only way for many.

Freds in Wolverhampton used to be but have moved over to Forme (same importer) due to delivery times from Basso. This is the negative of a small italian business but the wait is worth it.

They can get them if you ask but you still have no way of viewing/sizing prior, so no better than online in that sense.

Great bikes. Oh no there I go again

To answer one of your questions the Astra actually has quite a tall head tube for a race bike and despite being super stiff is actually a comfortable ride. I regularly do 70 miles plus on mine without issue.

g00se

Ah, there's a Forme dealer a couple of miles away......

elderone

nochekmate wrote:

g00se wrote:

elderone wrote:

To buy a bike because some one else has one and raves about it is really daft.I rave about my bike but wouldn,t expect anyone to buy the same because of that.
Smidsy ,always raves about hand built wheels,but again there not for everyone.Point is only you, OP can decide what is best for you.

Agreed - but I'm more after thoughts on the issues with the Laguna handling - and views on the ride of the models before hunting out a ride on one of the three.

Agree also .... but if the OP is looking for comments on the Basso range then they are likely to come from Basso owners past and present (of which I'm a former member of the Basso club)

One day elderone we'll agree with each other How does the OP decide if he ignores the comments of Basso ownets on account of bias??

We don,t need to agree matey,be dull all we all liked and said the same things.
The Op can get lots of rave reviews from owners,but they will be biased all the same.(less some one gets a friday afternoon one).At the end of the day asking owners is a good thing and worth doing,but I still wouldn,t spend a wad of cash on the word of a stranger on the interweb.

And Smidsy, you don,t just rave about hand builts but you poo poo factory builts. the way you go on, one would think your on commision. No offence but I don,t think you have the knowledge or skill like a pro who actually understands the differences and pro,s/cons of kit.There is an example of this but I cant find the thread when your "offering advice etc,then Ugo comes along and corrects you".That sort of said it all really.

chris_bass

I have a basso laguna and it is a thing of beauty! its chunky as hell but still manages to be pretty light. I'm saving up to put some better wheels on it at the moment but all in all I love it!

I'm not really a speed demon so can't comment on how quick it is but it irons out most bumps in the road very nicely keeping road buzz to an absolute minimum!

smidsy

elderone wrote:

No offence but I don,t think you have the knowledge or skill like a pro who actually understands the differences and pro,s/cons of kit. There is an example of this but I cant find the thread when your "offering advice etc,then Ugo comes along and corrects you".That sort of said it all really.

Ugo and I do sometimes differ but to say he corrects me may be a tad eager

As for knowledge etc. you have no idea who I am or what I do so at least do me the courtesy of not jumping to conclusions, as I have not about you.

Finally, I do not see how your arguments against me are even relevant to this thread. Someone wants to know about Basso bikes. I have a Basso bike and am therefor quailfied to comment. Just because you do not agree with me does not mean I am wrong or my comments are irrelevant. In fact I see very little in the way of value from you thus far.

g00se

Chris Bass wrote:

I have a basso laguna and it is a thing of beauty! its chunky as hell but still manages to be pretty light. I'm saving up to put some better wheels on it at the moment but all in all I love it!

I'm not really a speed demon so can't comment on how quick it is but it irons out most bumps in the road very nicely keeping road buzz to an absolute minimum!

Thanks,

Can I ask which year it is and have you found any handling issues with the front end compared with your other bikes?

StillGoing

smidsy wrote:

elderone wrote:

No offence but I don,t think you have the knowledge or skill like a pro who actually understands the differences and pro,s/cons of kit. There is an example of this but I cant find the thread when your "offering advice etc,then Ugo comes along and corrects you".That sort of said it all really.

Ugo and I do sometimes differ but to say he corrects me may be a tad eager

As for knowledge etc. you have no idea who I am or what I do so at least do me the courtesy of not jumping to conclusions, as I have not about you.

Finally, I do not see how your arguments against me are even relevant to this thread. Someone wants to know about Basso bikes. I have a Basso bike and am therefor quailfied to comment. Just because you do not agree with me does not mean I am wrong or my comments are irrelevant. In fact I see very little in the way of value from you thus far.

I also have a Basso Astra and hand built carbon tubs and would happily voice my preference for them over mass produced bikes and wheels.

daviegb

I bought a 2013 Laguna from Wiggle about 6 weeks ago as a 2nd bike. My only negative observation is the wheels are a little on the hevy side & take a while to get up to speed......however, once up to rolling speed they are perfectly acceptable.

I'm very happy with the feedback when cornering & haven't noticed any issues with the front end. There is minimal road buzz & it can absorb bumps well.

I'm very happy with how 'Ivan' performs for me - I think I've got a lot of bike for a (relatively) small price, having picked it up in the Wiggle Sale!!!

smidsy

daviegb wrote:

I'm very happy with how 'Ivan' performs for me

You do know they are nothing to do with HIM?

daviegb

I do Smidsy - it was an attempt at humour!

smidsy

daviegb wrote:

I do Smidsy - it was an attempt at humour!

Oh OK. Best leave the humour to us pros then

chris_bass

g00se wrote:

Chris Bass wrote:

I have a basso laguna and it is a thing of beauty! its chunky as hell but still manages to be pretty light. I'm saving up to put some better wheels on it at the moment but all in all I love it!

I'm not really a speed demon so can't comment on how quick it is but it irons out most bumps in the road very nicely keeping road buzz to an absolute minimum!

Thanks,

Can I ask which year it is and have you found any handling issues with the front end compared with your other bikes?

its 2013, not had any issues with handling at all, only small grip is the bars are a bit thinner than i'd like but that's just a personal preforance really!

smidsy

Two layers of bar tape - job done.

troj

I have a Basso Astra with: Super Record, FSA Slk finishing kit, and rolling with Pacenti SL23 rims built on Royce hubs. I think the weight is now just over 7kg (was less with original wheels) when I bought it but at the time I wasn't to bothered about weight as I was just under 100kg. My reasons for the Basso was the bike fitted my position without extreme stem lengths or angles and seat post lengths, it could handle my weight and power and finally the guys at Athlete Service shortlisted it given the about considerations.
Its has been faultless in the nearly three years I've owned it. I could tell you about stiffness, comfort, reduced road buzz etc but these are all subjective parameters but yes this bike shines. The only grippe was the wheels but really that was a factor of my weight and power. Even when I dropped down to 83kg the wheels pinged when I was climbing.
If you are going to any bike make sure it fits you or prepared to tweak it so it does. Don't buy a bike on superficialities. Try it fit you shortlist it.

elderone

smidsy wrote:

elderone wrote:

No offence but I don,t think you have the knowledge or skill like a pro who actually understands the differences and pro,s/cons of kit. There is an example of this but I cant find the thread when your "offering advice etc,then Ugo comes along and corrects you".That sort of said it all really.

Ugo and I do sometimes differ but to say he corrects me may be a tad eager

As for knowledge etc. you have no idea who I am or what I do so at least do me the courtesy of not jumping to conclusions, as I have not about you.

Finally, I do not see how your arguments against me are even relevant to this thread. Someone wants to know about Basso bikes. I have a Basso bike and am therefor quailfied to comment. Just because you do not agree with me does not mean I am wrong or my comments are irrelevant. In fact I see very little in the way of value from you thus far.

No, he definitely corrected you and if I could be arsed I would find the thread.I contributed the fact that buying a bike on a strangers review is daft.To my mind that is a fair coment. I know Ugo is a wheel builder and expert,I don,t know if you are but havn,t seen anyone recommend your work.If your not then why talk like you are.At the end of the day you just wind me up as every forum as a smidsy.Just leave it at that and move along.

smidsy

elderone wrote:

No, he definitely corrected you and if I could be arsed I would find the thread.I contributed the fact that buying a bike on a strangers review is daft.To my mind that is a fair coment. I know Ugo is a wheel builder and expert,I don,t know if you are but havn,t seen anyone recommend your work.If your not then why talk like you are.At the end of the day you just wind me up as every forum as a smidsy.Just leave it at that and move along.

There is an ignore facility on here you know. If I have such an effect on you perhaps you should learn to use it.

chris_bass

smidsy wrote:

Two layers of bar tape - job done.

actually might do that, the bar tape is white which i hate anyway so could cover that up and kill two birds with one stone

dubbs2009

I run a Basso Laguna 2013 and I love it - by far the best machine I have ever ridden - not faults at all... base kit on the bike can easily be upgraded a bit at a time - defo wheels first as these are sub the standard of the rest of the bike - once all the kit is sorted you will be riding something worth near £3K and totally in love with it - I guarantee it!

Doty

Just stumbled upon this thread.... The Astra is a fantastic bike. I've also got a Basso Devil, as my commute/training bike, which I love. The build quality of the Devil's 'smooth weld' aluminium frame is so top notch people mistake it for carbon! Basso is a very underrated/overlooked brand IMHO. Although they get rave reviews when the cycling press bother to include them, they just don't seem to have taken off in this country (possibly due to lacking UK stockists). Anyhow, I don't think you'll go far wrong no matter which model you choose.

The Astra will be worth the extra pennies I'd say. I would say that though wouldn't I, as I'm selling my Astra having bought a Canyon Ultimate CF SLX as an 'upgrade'.

To be fair it's not really turned out to be as significant an upgrade as I'd probably hoped (reflected in some of my comments on the Ultimate SLX thread). Don't get me wrong - I love the Ultimate... but if I'm honest found the Basso to be both stiffer and more comfy in many ways! And it's more 'beautiful' in a curvy Italian sexy kinda way. There are obviously other factors at play, like the impact tyres have on comfort, and the way other components perform. And of course ride 'quality' and enjoyment is not all about stiffness and comfort... But the Astra is a stunning frame, and worthy of higher end components than I'm selling mine with. I'll be sad to see it go, and at some point in the future I'll buy another Basso. The new Diamante looks amazing (but pricey!)

Any Basso related questions at all, just ask!
Doty

StillGoing

Basso have actually cut back on their UK dealerships. Basso are a small company that take pride in building their own frames in house. They won't go down the mass production route by farming frame building out to others preferring instead to build small quantities of bikes that are constructed to their standard. Because of the limited numbers they don't need as many stockists or distributors. They simply wouldn't be able to keep up with demand.

smidsy

And in what way is a Canyon an upgrade over the Basso. Sell the canyon..keep the Basso.

dubbs2009

It seems these days only Wiggle stock Basso in the UK - and they sell them off at a very good price! My advice... get em while you can! Awesome bikes - I have a Laguna these days, used to run a Devil too.... best bikes I've had by a very long stretch!