February 10th - Bassano Del Grappa, Italy - Basso Bikes is proud to announce the arrival of the Palta III. The third generation of Basso’s iconic gravel platform, the Palta III, is the answer to a fragmented market, bridging the gap between pure racing and off-road capability.

All too often, riders are being forced to choose increasingly purpose-focused gravel bikes that are designed to fulfil specific niches within the discipline. But with most riders not limiting themselves to one type of riding, the resulting choice leaves them unsatisfied and with a fear of missing out.

Developed under the philosophy "Two Souls. One Bike. Zero Regrets," the Palta III is designed for riders who refuse to choose between fast-paced racing and rugged adventure.

Leonardo Basso, Product and Marketing Manager at Basso, said of the Palta III:

“When we launched the first Palta in 2018, gravel was a niche, a simple midway point between road cycling and mountain biking. Today, it has become a culture of its own; a scene that we at Basso don’t just observe, but one we embrace and live every day.
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​Palta III is our response to that evolution. We’ve taken everything we’ve learned over the last seven years to create a tool that is faster, more comfortable, and more capable, yet still retains that signature 'Palta' DNA. Our goal with this third generation wasn’t to define gravel for the rider by forcing them to choose between a race-specific bike or one suited more for adventure. Instead, we wanted to provide the best platform for them to define it for themselves. One question remains: Where will you draw the line?”

Evolutionary Design & Italian Craftsmanship

With the Palta (named after the local Veneto dialect for "mud") having been first introduced in 2018, the Palta III is the third evolution of the platform. Maintaining Basso’s "Sempre Veloce" (Always Fast) racing DNA, while retaining the versatility needed to cover the vast majority of off-road drop-bar riding.

The signature Palta geometry has been refined for the Palta III through small changes, with every detail having been engineered for the perfect ride. A focus on achieving the perfect fit has been achieved through a high stack, sloping top tube and six overlapping frame sizes to ensure a flexible and tailored fit for every rider.

Palta III introduces significant technological refinements across the board. Hand-made in Italy, the new frameset features a mix of high-performance Torayca™ carbon fibres (70% T800, 20% M40JB, 10% T700) designed to balance weight, stiffness, comfort and strength.

Key design highlights include:

Integrated Innovation

For the first time on the Palta platform, a dedicated internal storage compartment is included. Elegantly concealed by a carbon cover and secured by a Fidlock® magnetic latch with a mechanical locking system, the compartment houses two waterproof internal bags for tools and essentials.

The Palta III utilises the second-generation 3B Clamp System (patent pending), featuring an anti-vibration function that significantly improves comfort on uneven surfaces. This is paired with Basso’s Diamante carbon seatpost and a shorter seat tube to encourage additional flex and extra comfort.

Tyre clearance has been expanded to accommodate up to 52mm at the front and 50mm at the rear, allowing for lower pressures, greater comfort and superior traction on technical trails.

Palta also comes with several extra mounting points. The top tube hosts points both above and below for additional bottles, bags and other accessories. Two further mounting points under the downtube expand storage and hydration possibilities, ensuring riders are fully equipped for any distance.

Versatility by Design

True to Basso’s customer-centric approach, every Palta III is assembled upon request, ensuring complete customisability. Riders can choose their cockpit, groupset, seatpost setback and wheel choice to perfectly match their unique riding style and physiology.

Both mechanical and electronic Groupsets will be available in both 1x and 2x configurations. With SRAM Force XPLR and Red XPLR alongside Shimano GRX 820 and GRX 825 Di2.

Basso offers three distinct cockpit options:

The Fuga integrated handlebar is optimised for aerodynamics and low weight. Measuring 370mm wide at the hoods and weighing just 300g (+/-3%). Ergonomically shaped tops allow for better hand positioning, a 6° flare widens the bars to 400mm at the drops, while a short 65mm reach enables a clean lever/handlebar integration. Stem sizes range from 80-130mm

The Levita integrated handlebar enables a more classic bike fit. With seamless compatibility and additional customisation without sacrificing weight at just 330g (+/-3%). Widths at the tops range from 380-440mm in 20mm increments, matched with a 4° flare that results in a width of 400-460mm at the drops. Stem sizes range from 80-130mm.

The new Strato alloy stem ensures riders who prefer a traditional, non-integrated setup are catered for. Available in lengths of 80-130mm, it is an evolution of the Paradigma stem found on previous generations of Palta. Strato brings an improved clamping system while also reducing the weight to 250g. This is matched with the Carbon Gravel Handlebar, a more traditionally shaped gravel bar with a 12° flare. The bar features an innovative recessed section that allows for the use of thick 4.5mm handlebar tape without sacrificing aesthetics. Sizes range from 400-460mm at the tops and 420-480mm at the drops.

Enhanced Through Collaboration

Vibram

The Palta marks the introduction of a collaboration on new innovation from Basso and another iconic Italian brand, Vibram. A specially designed rubber downtube not only protects from scratches and dirt but also helps to soak up energy from impacts. The guard features a signature ‘Diamante’ texture and proudly displays Vibram’s famous yellow octagon, a mark of performance and durability worldwide.

Apidura

Basso has partnered with leading technical bikepacking brand Apidura to develop a range of bespoke frame bags to complement the bike’s refined approach to race and adventure. Streamlined, integrated and built to perform without compromise, the waterproof bags use bolt-on attachment for a clean, seamless fit while still allowing easy access to bottles and the Palta’s in-frame storage.

Options & Availability

The Palta III is available in three meticulously crafted colourways and backed by a 5-year warranty.

Purple Dust:

Carbon Chrome:

Galaxy Dream:

Further images, a detailed technical presentation and EU/US price list can be found below:

Riders can learn more at basso.news/PaltaIII_Welcome (Page will be live post embargo)

Note for UK publications:

The Palta III will be distributed by Chicken CycleKit and will have UK specific builds as follows:

For more information and testing requests please contact:

Ollie Gray

Account Director

• ollie@paceupmedia.com
• +44 (0) 7713 440117

Chris Terry

Senior PR Account Manager

• chris@paceupmedia.com
• +44 (0) 7770 995779

About Basso Bikes: Since 1977, Basso has been synonymous with excellence in the creation of road and gravel bicycles. Founded by Alcide Basso in Rettorgole di Caldogno, a small town in the province of Vicenza, the company has always pursued one clear goal: to create bicycles capable of inspiring through performance and, above all, the joy of cycling. For Basso, a perfect ride cannot be measured solely by speed, distance, or destination. It is rather a deeper feeling: that of becoming one with the bicycle, of experiencing every moment on the saddle with pure pleasure, anywhere, anytime. Over the years, Basso has maintained its dedication to quality and Italian design, remaining one of the few private bicycle manufacturers in Italy still family-run, blending timeless elegance and superior performance. With almost 50 years of experience, Basso bicycles are designed for the most demanding cyclists, seeking the best in performance and style. Each frame is the result of a perfect balance between artisanal tradition and technological innovation, aimed at providing the best equipment for those who want to live their passion. Read more about the company’s history at: https://bassobikes.com/en/story-of-a-long-ride