Sicily’s Mount Etna served as the dramatic backdrop for the launch of the Basso Palta 3, the Italian brand’s latest iteration of its gravel bike. Reporters testing the new model found a machine designed for performance riders seeking versatility, rather than the extreme demands of professional racing.
The Palta 3 represents a significant evolution from Basso’s initial foray into gravel biking with the first-generation Palta in 2018, which bore a closer resemblance to a cyclocross bike. The second generation, released in 2021, marked a more definitive step into the emerging gravel discipline. While the visual changes between the Palta 2 and the Palta 3 aren’t immediately striking, Basso has implemented substantial refinements beneath the surface.
Basso distinguishes itself by manufacturing all its frames in Italy, utilizing carbon sourced from Japan. For the Palta 3, the company employs a blend of Toray T800, M40JB, and T700 carbon fibers.
The Palta 3 accommodates tires up to 50mm wide in the rear, with ample clearance for mud shedding, and up to 52mm in the front fork. This aligns with recent trends in gravel bike design towards increased tire volume.
Departing from some contemporary gravel bike designs featuring dropped seat stays, Basso has opted for an “elbow” design rear dropout, intended to provide vertical compliance. This design element is consistent with the aesthetic language found across Basso’s bicycle range, including the SV road model. The downtube shape has been directly carried over from the SV, optimized for aerodynamics with subtle modifications for gravel leverage.
A partnership with Vibram has resulted in a replaceable hard-rubber covering for the lower portion of the downtube and bottom bracket area, providing protection against impacts. Integrated storage is also a key feature, utilizing a Fidlock system with two internal bags – a larger one for extended rides and a smaller one for essentials.
Basso has focused on refining the frame’s aerodynamics, achieving an 18% reduction in frontal area compared to the previous generation. Stiffness has been increased in the bottom bracket and rear triangle, while the head tube has been subtly tuned for improved compliance. Frame weight is claimed to be 970 grams for a medium size.
The geometry of the Palta 3 is positioned between race-oriented and adventure-focused designs, aiming for a balance of responsiveness and stability. The redesigned fork weighs 370 grams uncut and features clean, hidden dropouts. The bike will be available in six frame sizes, ranging from XS to 2XL.
Mounting options include two points on the top tube for a bolt-on bag, three additional bolts on the underside of the top tube, and standard bottle cage mounts on the seat and down tubes. Two additional mounts are located on the underside of the downtube. Notably, You’ll see no mounts on the fork legs, reflecting the bike’s design focus on performance rather than extended bikepacking.
Basso has collaborated with Apidura to develop frame-specific bags, including a 0.4l top-tube bag and frame bags in 1.4l and 2l sizes.
The Palta 3 utilizes Basso’s 3B seatpost clamp assembly, featuring a hidden bolt design and a rubber bung to allow for seatpost flex. The frame is UHD as standard and UCI-approved, and comes with a five-year warranty.
Three bar/stem options are available, including a gravel-specific two-piece setup with a flared gravel bar (available in 40, 42, 44, and 46cm widths) and a Strato alloy stem (80-130mm). One-piece options include the Fuga (aero, race-oriented) and the Levita (classic design, deeper drop). The seatpost weighs 180g (380mm length) and is available with -15mm or 0° offset.
The Palta 3 will be offered in three color options: Galaxy Dream (glittery green), Purple Dust (desert yellow with purple accents), and chrome black. Nine builds will be available, ranging from a frame kit priced at $4795 / €3299 to a top-end model with SRAM Red AXS and Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheels at $10,995 / €8499. The test bike was equipped with SRAM Force and Zipp 303XPLR S wheels, retailing for $8995 / €6699.
Riders testing the Palta 3 on the slopes of Mount Etna found it offered a confident handling experience, though not one that encouraged reckless abandon. The geometry provides a balance between agility and control, forgiving rider errors while maintaining a sense of connection. The bike proved capable on both on-road and off-road surfaces, excelling in fast descents and switchbacks.
Basso has positioned the Palta 3 as a bike for performance-oriented cyclists, rather than professional racers. The design prioritizes versatility and enjoyment, aiming to appeal to riders who seek a gravel bike that performs well in a variety of conditions without being overly specialized. The bike’s road handling capabilities were particularly noteworthy, blurring the lines between gravel and all-road categories.