Italy's Basso has introduced a new Venta R road bike that aims to make the brand accessible to more riders; the new model is available in only one specification from Basso, priced at £2,999, although UK distributor Chicken Cyclekit plans other builds.
The Venta is a long-standing model in Basso's line-up, with Basso claiming that the new Venta R combines aerodynamics and light weight at a popular price point.
The Torayca T700 carbon fibre frame features aero-shaped tubes, a rear wheel cut-out in the seat tube, and dropped seatstays.
Simple integration
The Venta R features a semi-integrated front end, with the cables routed beneath the stem, which is the same technology used in all Basso bikes.
As well as streamlining aesthetics, this is designed to offer practical benefits, allowing the stem to be changed without needing to re-cable the bike, making for easier maintenance and customisation.
There is also integrated technology at the rear of the bike with Basso's 3B Clam Gen2 System which is a "lightweight, invisible, and robust seat post clamp fixing solution" with three screws.
This system not only claims to secure the seat post firmly but also, "reduces vibrations and enhances comfort even on uneven surfaces," claims the brand.
Geometry
The Venta R is designed as an all-rounder road bike with a top tube that is angled sharply downward towards the seat tube "to maximise seatpost flex and a lower standover height, especially on smaller sizes."
The Venta Disc 105 model that we reviewed features a race-styled geometry. The Venta R has an increased stack of 571mm in size 53, compared to the 564mm of the Venta Disc 105. The reach is just a touch shorter: 381.3mm versus 383mm. This suggests that the Venta R's ride position is a little more upright.
Builds and pricing
As mentioned up top, Basso is making the Venta R available in one spec - with Shimano 105 R7100 mechanical 12-speed groupset and Basso's own brand Microtech MCT wheels.
The wheels feature rims with a depth of 27mm and an internal width of 21mm. With a tyre clearance of up to 35mm, the Venta R is designed to tackle a variety of terrains, from tarmac to light gravel, according to the brand. That clearance suggests that all-road type riding won't be an issue, although you'd probably want more than 35mm tyres for more technical terrain.
Basso's UK distributor, Chicken Cyclekit, plans to offer Venta Rs in other builds. Details and prices have yet to be set. These will arrive in September at the earliest.
The Venta R comes in seven sizes from 42 to 61, and is available in two glossy colours – Magma Black and Pearl White.
bassobikes.com
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12 comments
I have another revolutionary idea: you don't actually need all this aero integrated whatnot ugliness.
Having read the review, I think I must have missed the bit where it was explained how this bike was going to “revolutionise the cycling landscape”!
Yeah, sad times if 'revolutionary' means 105, OEM aluminium wheels and (probably) barely sub-9kg for £3,000...
I built up last years Venta rim brake frameset. I've not actually done many miles on it (distracted by gravel riding!) but it feels fast and punchy, very stiff. Not especially light though, barely saved any weight over the triple butted aluminium Rose frameset it replaced.
At RRP it would have built up for about £3k also but with mechanical Ultegra, Fulcrum 3 wheels, Ritchey finishing kit etc. You certainly couldn't tempt me with the version above...
Basso are a beautiful bike.
If only they could get me a range extender battery like their website says it can.
Thats a bottle of lucozade clamped to the stem and continually just out of reach...
No mention of mudguards? If they REALLY want to make it more accessible to UK riders, then it needs to have the possibility of fitting 'guards. Speaking as someone whose only road bike is an aero one...
There is always a possibility of fitting mudguards. How do you think people managed in the days when winter bikes were simply retired summer bikes? There's nothing a saw, wire, string, etc. and a bit of creativity won't fix. And if it rattles or rubs, give it a kick.
I did that once and ended up sitting in the road, seeing stars and with my helmet in two parts. You need to add "(* but not front mudguards while cycling)".
Ah yes. If the bottom catches on the tyre and the mudguard rolls up underneath itself, the front wheel will lock instantly. Great fun.
Clip on mudgaruds they come in many different shapes size colors and price range very easy to find in almost any brick mortar bike shop and online shop
Alternatively. Dont fall for illusionary marketing driven aero gains when its much simpler and easier to go for a poo before a ride, or go on a diet, or add clip ons.
(Not having a pop, Im completely guilty for buying the bikes I wanted rather than the bikes that would suit me most.... I'd probably still be on my Grifter if that were the case.)
Not sure going for a poo makes much of an aero gain.