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Cycling Weekly reviewed the Basso Palta III, a carbon gravel bike tested in a SRAM Force XPLR AXS build on Peak District terrain. The reviewer found it fast and stiff on dry trails, while noting concerns including narrow handlebars, limited wet-weather suitability for the test tyres and muddy access to small seatpost-clamp bolts.
Cycling Weekly reviewed the Basso Palta III, a carbon gravel race bike, and found it quick on dry Peak District routes but notably stiff compared with a more comfort-oriented bike. The assessment offers prospective buyers a look at the bike’s race-focused setup, practical features and compromises, based on a test of its SRAM Force XPLR AXS build.
The review describes a bike designed around speed: the test model had Miche Graff Aero 48 wheels, Schwalbe G-One R tubeless-ready tyres and a one-piece aero handlebar. The bar measured 37 centimetres across the tops and 33 centimetres at the hoods, with a 110mm stem. The reviewer said the setup looked fast but found the handlebars exceptionally narrow and noted that buyers may be able to select another option when ordering.
Basso says the frame’s shapes draw on its road-bike designs, aiming to reduce frontal area and increase torsional stiffness around the bottom bracket. The company gives a 970-gram frame weight in size medium; the review did not independently verify that figure. The bike also has a magnetic-latch in-frame storage compartment, multiple frame mounts and a Vibram down-tube protector. Its stated tyre clearance is 50mm, which the review calls healthy but not class-leading.
On the test routes, the reviewer’s initial impressions were speed and stiffness. The rides took place during a warm, dry summer, conditions suited to the tyres’ dry-trail focus. The reviewer was less certain how they would perform in muddy conditions. The report also flags the seatpost clamp’s small 3mm hex bolts, which sit where rear-wheel spray can reach them; the reviewer worried that dirt could make them difficult to maintain.
A Race Setup With Clear Trade-Offs
The review matters to riders comparing gravel bikes for fast riding because it shows how the Palta III’s components and frame character work together in practice. Its aero-oriented cockpit and wheels, stiff feel and 1x gearing are aimed at riders prioritising speed on suitable routes, rather than maximum comfort or versatility in every condition.
That focus comes with practical choices buyers should weigh. The test tyres were selected for dry-trail speed, not muddy grip, and the reviewer’s experience does not establish how the bike handles in wet or rough conditions over longer periods. The narrow bar and exposed clamp bolts are also specific points to check when choosing a size and planning routine maintenance.
gravel bike tubeless tires for wet muddy conditions
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Basso’s Third-Generation Palta
Basso Bikes was founded in Italy in 1977 by engineer and cyclist Alcide Basso. The company is separate from Ivan Basso’s Aurum brand, according to the report. Its range includes road, gravel and electric bikes, and the Palta III sits as its premium gravel model; the report distinguishes it from a cheaper bike called the Palta.
The review’s test bike was equipped with SRAM Force XPLR AXS. Cycling Weekly says the Palta III is also offered in the UK with Campagnolo Record X or Shimano GRX and GRX Di2 builds. The frame is UDH-compatible, and the report says there is potential to fit a front derailleur, although it lists no 2x builds available in the UK. The bike comes in sizes XS to XXL and three colour options.
“My first thought about the bike was its speed, followed pretty quickly by its stiffness.”
— Cycling Weekly reviewer
gravel bike handlebar wider flared drop bar
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Wet-Weather Performance Remains Untested
The review’s riding took place during a warm, dry summer, so it does not establish how the Palta III or its Schwalbe G-One R tyres perform in sustained wet, muddy conditions. The reviewer specifically questioned whether the tyres would suit autumn slop. The report also does not provide a full independent frame-weight measurement, long-term durability findings or a detailed account of performance across every available build and size.
The source excerpt ends during the performance discussion, so it does not include the review’s full closing verdict, price information or any further ride findings. Those details cannot be confirmed from the material provided.
3mm hex key set bicycle maintenance
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Check Build and Fit Before Buying
The next step for prospective buyers is to compare the available builds and check whether the bike’s cockpit width, gearing and tyre choice suit their routes and riding position. Riders considering wet or technical terrain should look for information on appropriate tyre options and clearance rather than assume the test setup covers those conditions.
The review provides an assessment of one configuration in specific weather and terrain, not a broader long-term test. Further details on pricing, other builds and performance in less favourable conditions would help complete the picture; the supplied report does not state when such information will be published.
gravel bike frame storage bag magnetic latch
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Key Questions
What did Cycling Weekly test?
The review covered a Basso Palta III fitted with SRAM Force XPLR AXS, Miche Graff Aero 48 wheels and Schwalbe G-One R tubeless-ready tyres.
How did the Palta III ride?
The reviewer’s first impressions were that it was fast and stiff. The assessment followed rides on dry Peak District routes and contrasted the bike’s rigidity with a more comfortable gravel bike ridden previously.
Is the Palta III suited to muddy riding?
The review does not establish that. Its test took place in warm, dry weather, and the reviewer said the dry-trail-focused tyres might be less suitable in muddy conditions.
What practical features does the frame have?
It includes in-frame storage with a magnetic latch, top-tube and down-tube mounts, three mounts beneath the top tube, a Vibram down-tube protector and stated tyre clearance of 50mm. The report says it has no fork mounts.
What concerns did the reviewer raise?
The reviewer noted the very narrow test handlebars and raised a maintenance concern about the small 3mm seatpost-clamp bolts, which are exposed to mud spray from the rear wheel.
Source: rss
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