Description
Cassette: 11-32
Chainrings: 50-34
Crank length: 170
Handlebar width: 38
Stem length: 90
Wheels: Microtech ME38 carbon
Tyres: Continental GP 5000
Saddle: Selle Italia Novus EVO W145 L 245
The 2022 Basso Diamante SV is over 40 years in the making. It represents the pinnacle of carbon engineering, meticulous research and development, impeccable construction and an attention to the finest details in order to create a race bike that delivers in every sense. Incredible speed and efficiency in a design that demands attention and that, despite its unquestionable performance, also offers versatility and longevity – very typically Basso. Moreover it is an artisanal creation. Unlike so many “Italian” road bikes, the Diamante SV (like all Basso) is 100% hand built in Italy.
The Diamante has been a part of the Basso range for a long time. An elegant and purposeful machine that is built to race whilst remaing not only functional but beautiful and enduring.
With the recent revision of the Diamante into a racebike that is not only stiffer but more accessible as a platfrom for a wider demographic; Alcide Basso chose to reimagine his pure race bike. Since the award-winning Diamante is extremely capable in the arena, it was no small feat to make it better. Never resting on his laurels and enlivened by the challenge, Basso set about creating the Diamante SV – Super Veloce in order to better their best by improving performance while simultaneously increasing versatility.
A fine racing bike has a very specific remit: to assist its rider in going as fast as possible, under control and by consuming less energy. This principle is what drove the design of the SV. Indeed, extreme efficiency, reactivity and control render the bike capable of delivering incredible speed, hence the moniker SV, or Super Veloce.
In terms of construction Basso has used the very best carbon availabe. The frame is built from 100% 3K Torayca T800 and T1000 HM Carbon Fibre to deliver huge stiffness and low weight. Every tube has been optimised in terms of its internal structure and external form to render the bike incredibly reactive and efficient and this construction is varied across sizes to ensure the same ride feel and reactivity for all sizes of rider.
It is however the external form of these tubes that have been meticulously studied to provide an overall aerodynamic advantage that benefits the rider in a versatile manner. The Diamante SV’s tubeset is more angular and aero-focussed than that of the Diamante, however Basso’s Wind Shape design ensures the design is still ‘real world’ fast and therefore versatile in a host of conditions.
The fork provides wider spacing between the tyre and wheel to maximise the airflow and reduce drag. By widening this gap, Basso has made the frame not only faster but future proof and it is capable of accepting tyres up to 32mm wide. The fork has been designed to be both vertically compliant, yet horizontally rigid, so while there is some shock absorption within the carbon lay-up of the fork, it is completely rigid and reliable when you’re out of the saddle and sprinting, or diving full-bore into a corner.
There is no question around control
The integrated head tube/top tube junction, by setting the headset below the head tube not only provides superior manoeuvrability and precise handling but also creates a cleaner look and adds to the aero aesthetic. The headset also features split spacers which provide easy adjustment which then lock into position. These spacers also feature an internal blocking system designed to stop the cables from being pinched.
The aero handlebar & stem combo for the Diamante SV is especially unique. While it is integrated to the frame, it remains modular in that you can adjust the handlebar fore and aft position to your liking. Full cable integration means a clean look throughout.
The Diamante SV is built for speed. An extremely stiff ‘Spine’ – from Bottom Bracket through Down Tube and Head tube – delivers amazing levels of reactivity for immediate response when you push the pedals. Married to the new, lower profile seat stays that are mounted lower on the bike, the entire chassis delivers incredible response and efficiency to drive you to the line faster while using less energy.
All this stiffness and speed is tempered with clearance for 32mm tyres and a simple, elegant and unique solution to absorbing road vibrations : Basso’s 3B Seat Post Clamp System.
While integrated seat post clamps are not uncommon, the Basso solution goes beyond merely discreetly holding the seatpost in the desired position. The 3B seatpost clamp system uses a rubber gusset surrounding the seat post which is capable of absorbing road vibrations to deliver comfort. It is an elegant solution that does nothing to detract from the aesthetic and with minimum weight penalty.
Even the paintwork on the Diamante SV has been mixed and designed specifically to give the rider every possible advantage. The 3D structure of new ceramic nano particles in the paint create a less porous and more compact finish that is more uniform than conventional paint, and consequently less prone to drag. It is also said to be more durable than ever, even shedding water better.
Basso is famed for his geometry. Refined over 4 decades of frame building, Basso’s is a unique ride that is more than measured in numbers, it is a ride feel that evokes emotion, that encourages and enhances.
The Diamante SV features a modern geometry and clever integration that allows for all types of rider to benefit from the incredible performance and speed that the Diamante SV delivers.
The Diamante SV warrants its name, it encompasses all of the expertise the Basso brand has accumulated in over 40 years of experience constructing fine racing bikes by hand, in Italy. Made to race, made to win, made to last. The Diamante SV is ready to become the road bike of your dreams, ideal for riders looking for a frame offering blistering speed, impeccable head-turning looks and the very best of Italian design, usually reserved for the riders in the Pro peloton.
The Diamante SV Campagnolo Super Record EPS is built with a full complement of Campagnolo components. Race ready Super Record EPS 12 speed electronic shifting with Hydraulic discs, delivers lightweight, reliable shifting and effortless control and stopping power. Campagnolo’s incredible BORA WTO 45 DB wheels take on rolling duties and deliver swift pick-up and acceleration befitting the chassis. Their agility and precision perfectly controlled by Continental 5000 tyres.
Finishing kit is in the form of the Basso Integrated bar, stem and seatpost for the perfect complement to the frame.