Long term test ride -
Basso Diamante SV

Words by Terry Hawes
Images by Matt Grayson

A very long Summer - update

For some of us cycling has been the safety net during the pandemic and lockdown times. It’s been a source of hope, inspiring us to work harder and train in different ways. The term Zwift is no longer a winter only ‘thing’ but common place all year round. Here at Simpson the notion of desire has also become a strong motivating force, pulling us out of sleep too early, distracting our thinking, making us at times restless and at its most extreme form, obsessive.

Following on from last years factory visit to Basso’s Bassano HQ, we’ve been graced with the ability to test ride the Diamante SV closer to home on the Suffolk roads we know and love. A great bond and respect had developed since being introduced to the Basso which continues to grow. Time shared out on the road with a bike is a unique, intimate and intense relationship.

When the Basso arrived last Summer it instantly turned heads at Simpson HQ even before it was fully out of the box. We’d opted for a colour scheme that summed up something very different and very Italian. It stood alone, not quite wanting to join in the party.

We were first introduced to both the brand and the bike back in 2018 when it featured alongside the world’s finest road bikes at Campagnolo’s Press launch of their 12-speed groupset. Its appearance portrayed self confidence - it was its own boss and did its own thing regardless.

Having ridden a demonstration model on the roads up to Monte Grappa our immediate feedback was the Diamante SV was a bike that rides as good as it looks but the true test would need to be a longer term, day to day assessment in order to gain a greater overview.

We had, for some time been looking at putting together an ultimate ride build. Would the Basso formulate the basis of this project? Its specification would need to bear everything we consider premium for a bike of this nature. It’s DNA based on our knowledge and experience of ride quality.

Specific specifications
Frame: Basso Diamante SV
Groupset: Campagnolo SR 12-speed
Wheels: Campagnolo Bora One 35 Road Disc Wheelset
Handlebars: Basso "INTEGRA" handlebar
Tyres: Schwalbe One V-Guard Evolution Road Folding Tyre - 700c - Black / Tan / 700c / 25mm
Saddle: Fizik Arione R1 Carbon Rail road saddle
Pedals: Look Keo Blade Carbon Composite Cromo Axle Pedals - Black
Bottle cages: Campagnolo Super Record Carbon (not pictured)

Unfortunately since the bikes arrival, it has to date, only been ridden three times. Why? because lockdown restrictions left it marooned in a Suffolk garage smouldering peacefully away gaining dust not road miles. This coupled by Simpson’s change of HQ made the past Summer a very long and lonely affair.

On the occasions it has graced British roads, it commanded admiring looks and respect for both riders and non-riders alike. It’s safe to say it has maintained the good looks/good ride mantra from our time with it on Italian roads. Now the need to ride it is even greater but with limited seasonal opportunities the frustration continues. It’s safe to say that this bike remains in our estimation an experience worth savouring for the lighter, warmer months ahead.