Curious about the impact of a wheel upgrade on your ride? Look no further than the Basso Astra—a quintessential example of modern Italian bike craftsmanship proudly made in Italy.
I recently had the opportunity to test ride and race on the Basso Astra, starting with a challenging route at Mt Dandenong to assess its climbing and descending capabilities. The initial ride revealed the bike's robust build, ideal for riders seeking stiffness and durability, albeit with a noticeably harsh feel due to its setup.
Equipped with Campagnolo Eurus wheels and 23 mm tires, the Astra transmitted every road imperfection, yet exhibited unexpected lateral flex under hard acceleration. To truly unlock its potential, I swapped the wheels for Roval CLX 32s borrowed from a S Works Tarmac—a decision that transformed the bike's performance.
The ride instantly became smoother, with enhanced power transmission and overall handling. The Campy Record drivetrain performed flawlessly, reaffirming its reputation for precision and reliability. Meticulously maintained, the Basso Astra exuded the quality expected from a bike straight out of the Venice factory.
While the Campagnolo Eurus wheels may not have met my personal preference, upgrading to brands like Zipp, Reynolds, Enve, or Roval could elevate the Astra's performance even further. Pictured with Zipp wheels, the Astra is priced at $3250 with Eurus wheels, but we offer complete packages starting at $4000 featuring top-tier wheel brands.
Discover the potential of the Basso Astra and explore our range of premium wheel upgrades at [Your Bike Shop Name]. Unleash a new level of performance on your rides with Basso's Italian craftsmanship and superior cycling technology.
Nigel Letty
