The one purebred Italian racing-steed in our group test, the Basso Diamante SV Disc, has literally dominated social media over the past few months. So we decided we had to put it through its paces and see what all the fuss is about. Here we’ll tell you how Basso’s mean aero-machine with posh Campag spec performed out on the road.

This bike is part of a previous group test. Here you’ll find the latest GRAN FONDO race bike group test.

Basso Diamante SV Disc 2019 im Test
Basso Diamante SV Disc | 7.51 kg | € 10,290

We called, you answered! Since we had room for one more bike in our van, we asked our readers which bike they wanted to see in our big 2019 group test. Basso’s Diamante SV Disc emerged as the clear winner! Compared with other recent Basso models, our test-bike features a rather classic paint-finish, along with decals, graphics and lettering scattered all over the richly-faceted frame of the Diamante SV.

The bike is so nimble, you could turn it on a dime.

The discreet cocktail of glossy and matt components includes a Campagnolo Super Record H11 groupset and Bora One 35 Disc wheelset. The combination of a semi-compact 52/36 crankset with 11-32 cassette suggests a wide range of applications. Basso’s in-house carbon seatpost blends in seamlessly with the overall concept and complements the elegant Diamante SV 110 mm aluminium stem. Only the unattractive cable ports and cable routing fail to match the harmonious overall picture. Our test bike rolls on 25 mm Continental GP 4000 S II rubber but has clearances for chunkier 700 x 28 C tires. Our size 56 test bike weighs in at 7.51 kg and costs € 10,290.

The Basso Diamante SV Disc in detail

Drivetrain Campagnolo Super Record H11 2×11
Gearing 52/36T und 11–32T
Brakes Campagnolo H11 HO 160/160 mm
Seatpost Basso Diamante Carbon 25 mm Setback
Stem Basso Diamante SV Alloy 110 mm
Handlebar Microtech Quantum Carbon 400 mm
Wheels Campagnolo Bora One Disc 35
Tires Continental GP 4000 SII 25C

Power to the people!
The impressive braking power of Campag’s disc brakes is easy to modulate.
Innovation at any price?
Basso’s 3B seatpost clamp has three screws and requires two different-sized Allen keys. In our opinion that’s unnecessarily complicated.
Forget me not!
The Basso decals are visible from any angle.
Many sides
The endless details on the Basso frame.

Die geometry of the Basso Diamante SV Disc

Size 45 48 51 52 56 58 61
Seat tube 450 mm 480 mm 510 mm 530 mm 560 mm 580 mm 610 mm
Top tube 505 mm 515 mm 525 mm 545 mm 560 mm 575 mm 590 mm
Head tube 90 mm 90 mm 115 mm 127 mm 145 mm 169 mm 203 mm
Head angle 71.8° 71.8° 72.0° 72.3° 73.5° 73.5° 74.0°
Seat angle 76.0° 75.0° 75.0° 74.0° 73.5° 73.0° 72.5°
Chainstay 400 mm 400 mm 400 mm 400 mm 402 mm 406 mm 406 mm
Reach 381 mm 382 mm 386 mm 393 mm 395 mm 397 mm 396 mm
Stack 493 mm 493 mm 518 mm 530 mm 557 mm 580 mm 614 mm

The Basso Diamante SV Disc in test

The stiff bottom bracket area and light Campagnolo wheels provide snappy acceleration from standstill and allow the Basso to quickly reach its cruising speed. However, in fast-paced flat sections, the bike lacks efficiency and requires a lot more power input to maintain speed than its more aerodynamic competitors. On climbs the bike feels discreetly understated and literally begs you to throw it downhill, because that’s where the Basso truly shines with its predictable and nimble handling. After a little familiarisation you’ll quickly develop a pleasant feeling of trust and fully enjoy the bike’s cornering qualities, which somehow remind us of carving skis.

Tuning-Tip: A 2019-pertinent paint job
Helmet Giro Aether MIPS| Glasses Oakley Flight Jacket| Jersey VOID Armour LS Jersey| Bibs VOID Armour Bib Shorts| Socks The Wonderful Socks Spaghetti Socks| Shoes Fizik Aria R3

However, the one thing that does put us off is the loud rattling noise from the cables slamming against the inside of the frame – something you definitely don’t want to hear on a ten-grand bike! The handling of the Diamante SV Disc is consistent at all speeds. The high degree of control allows you to steadily increase your cornering speed and ride the bike like a downhill beast. The cross-wind stability of the wheels and powerful, well modulated Campag brakes enhance this feeling of confidence even further.

Bergauf verhält sich das Basso Diamante SV Disc unauffällig und wartet förmlich auf die Abfahrt

As far as riding comfort goes Basso’s carbon steed feels stiff and racy. With a light flare in the drops, the Microtech Quantum Carbon bars provide comfortable grip and dampen down most vibrations. However, the rear-end fails to match this level of comfort. The frame design seems to be partly responsible for this, with the minimal slope in the top tube allowing for marginal seatpost extension and thus limited compliance.

Conclusion

The Basso Diamante SV Disc is great fun on downhills. It’s amiable enough for ambitious beginners but also ensures a great performance for zealous hobby racers who like chasing the Sella Ronda downhill KOM. If you’re keen on classic looks, the Basso is a solid and predictable bike with good all-round performance.

Tops

  • Agile and sporty character
  • Braking performance

Flops

  • Finish (Colour scheme)
  • ZCable ports look shabby
  • Internally routed cables rattling

For mor info head to: bassobikes.com

This bike is part of a previous group test. Here you’ll find the latest GRAN FONDO race bike group test.

All bikes in test: Argonaut Road Bike | Bianchi Oltre XR4 Disc | BMC Timemachine Road 01 TWO | Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 | Cervélo S5 | EXEPT Allroad Classic | FOCUS IZALCO MAX 9.8 | MERIDA REACTO DISC TEAM-E | Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc SL6 Disc | Trek Madone SLR 9 Disc


This article is from GRAN FONDO issue #011

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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl