GRAVEL
ROAD
Since its launch in 2018, the Basso Palta has established itself as one of the most recognisable Italian gravel bikes on the market. With this third generation, the brand from Bassano del Grappa puts forward a simple idea: to address a gravel market that has become highly segmented, split between race-focused machines and adventure bikes that are sometimes heavier and less lively.
The Palta III aims to sit between these two worlds, without forcing riders to pick a side.
🚀 In short:
Handmade-in-Italy carbon frame, quoted at 970 g (size M) and available in six sizes.
Claimed gains vs Palta II: -18% frontal area, +19% bottom bracket stiffness and +12% at the rear triangle, with -15% head tube stiffness for comfort.
Tyre clearance up to 52 mm at the front and 50 mm at the rear, plus integrated storage in the down tube (Fidlock) and additional mounts.
Basso is not starting from a blank page. The Palta III remains an evolution of the initial concept, with geometry tweaked in small increments. The brand emphasises the pursuit of a good balance between efficiency, stability and comfort.
The frame keeps a “Sempre Veloce” orientation (Basso’s performance DNA) while claiming versatility that suits most gravel uses, including when the terrain gets rough.
One highlighted point concerns fit: tall stack, sloping top tube, and six sizes. In other words, Basso aims to make it easier to achieve an efficient position you can hold over time, rather than pushing riders toward a very low, very “race” posture.
Just like the Palta II we tested, the Palta III is handmade in Italy and uses a Torayca layup said to balance weight, stiffness, comfort and durability.
Basso quotes a frame starting at 970 g in size M, which clearly places it among performance-oriented gravel bikes.
On the figures provided, the brand also claims an 18% reduction in frontal area (aero impact) compared to the Palta II, as well as a stiffness gain at the bottom bracket of +19% and at the rear triangle of +12%.
Conversely, head tube stiffness is said to be reduced by 15%, with the idea of improving vibration damping and making steering feel “smoother” on rough terrain.
The easiest evolution to see is tyre clearance: up to 52 mm at the front and 50 mm at the rear. These are figures in line with modern gravel, which is no longer limited to smooth, rolling tracks.
This choice opens the door to lower pressures, hence more comfort, more grip, and a better margin when the going gets rough.
Basso also highlights the second generation of its 3B Clamp System, presented as more effective against vibrations. The Palta III comes with a Diamante carbon seatpost and a shorter seat tube to increase seatpost exposure and thus available flex.
Another notable new feature: an internal storage compartment in the down tube, closed by a carbon cover and a Fidlock latch, with two waterproof bags included. This is exactly the kind of update that targets long day rides as much as more adventure-oriented uses, without tipping into a heavily bikepacking-focused gravel bike.
In the same vein, Basso adds extra mounting points on the top tube and under the down tube. The idea is not to turn the Palta into a pack mule, but to give you more freedom to install a bolt-on top-tube bag, some small luggage, or simply multiply carrying options.
Basso focuses on build-to-order assembly and an à la carte approach: drivetrain (1x or 2x, mechanical or electronic), wheelsets, cockpit, seatpost setback… The Palta III is offered notably with SRAM builds (Red/Force XPLR) and Shimano (GRX 820 and GRX 825 Di2).
The frame also adopts the UDH standard, now a marker of compatibility and future-proofing for modern drivetrains.
On the cockpit side, three options are available. The Fuga targets a more “performance” approach with a light, narrow integrated cockpit, while the Levita is more classic yet still integrated. Finally, the Strato + carbon gravel handlebar combo caters to those who prefer a traditional setup that is easier to set up and adapt.
The Palta III also marks two Italian and “useful” collaborations. Vibram provides a down tube protector designed to guard against impacts and spray.
Apidura, for its part, develops specific bolt-on bags designed to integrate cleanly with the frame while preserving access to bottles and the internal storage.
The Palta III is announced in three colours: Purple Dust, Carbon Chrome and Galaxy Dream. Basso communicates a five-year warranty (after registration).
Pricing varies widely depending on build, with a starting price around 4 299 € and high-end configurations exceeding 8 000 €.
A particularly interesting price point, especially when you consider the frame is handmade in Italy.
The Palta III neatly illustrates a current trend: the return of a “platform” gravel bike, able to go fast and far rather than being locked into a single use.
On paper, Basso ticks the boxes many expect in 2026: generous tyre clearance, integrated storage, additional mounting points, UDH compatibility, and a clear intent to improve the efficiency – comfort balance.
| Riding style | Versatile gravel |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Electric assist | No |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Year | 2026 |
| Model | Basso Palta III – Shimano GRX 820, Basso Palta III – SRAM Red XPLR AXS |
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