Palta III
The third generation of the Palta is the ultimate refinement of a vision we embraced in 2018. By blending high-performance technology with long-distance comfort, we’ve created the definitive recipe for gravel versatility. The Palta III is simultaneously our fastest racing machine and our most capable adventure bike all in one refined package. Discover how we made it possible.
Identity
Iconic elements that define the Palta identity: the high seat stay attachment along the seat tube, the signature elbow-design dropouts, and our advanced fork architecture.
Contaminations
The Palta III adopts refined design contaminations from Basso’s road platforms. The downtube has been reshaped to reduce its frontal area and streamline the frame profile, while the clean fork dropouts offer a minimalist, integrated aesthetic.
Light and strong Carbon Construction
Engineered for the ultimate balance of weight and durability, the Palta III utilizes a precise blend of Torayca T800, M40JB, and T700 fibers. This refined layup achieves a frame weight of 970g and 370g for the fork, delivering exceptional stiffness and impact resistance without compromising its lightweight profile.
Full bike weight
7.5 kg
size M, Sram Red AXS, Zipp 303 XPLR SW
Reinforced
downtube
to resist rock impact
Seatpost weight
180 g
380 mm length
Pedal Efficiency and Handling
Built from real feedback from our athletes and Palta riders, the bike feels immediately more responsive where it matters most. A stiffer bottom bracket and rear end turn every pedal stroke into forward motion, so climbs feel sharper and accelerations more immediate.
Up front, the ride is noticeably smoother. By tuning the front end to filter out harshness, the bike tracks smoothly through rough gravel and fast sections, giving you a planted, intuitive feel when the speed picks up. The result is confident cornering and precise control, even when the terrain gets demanding.
Why Aerodynamics?
Whether you’re chasing a podium or the sunset, we all want to save energy for that final climb. That’s why we’ve optimized Palta III to cut through the wind, preserving your strength for when it matters most.
- 18% Reduction in Frontal Impact Area: The Palta III reduces its profile to 29,238 mm2 down from the 36,548 mm2 of the Palta II.
- Seamless Wheel Integration: The front wheel is deeply integrated into the downtube to eliminate airflow disruption, specifically optimized for 45–52 mm tires.
- Truncated Airfoil Profiles: Applied across all tube sections to ensure the best possible aerodynamic efficiency in real-world wind conditions.
At Basso, we believe that true performance is only possible when a rider is perfectly fitted to their bike. We’ve engineered Palta III to prioritize comfort, ensuring you can maximize every pedal stroke and enjoy the experience from the first mile to the last.
Refining a Signature Geometry
For the past five years, Palta has been celebrated for its versatile geometry and confidence-inspiring handling.
With Palta III, we have expanded the range to six sizes to better fit more riders and ensure smoother transitions between sizes. We’ve further refined the fit by increasing the stack by 5 mm and removing the mandatory first spacer, meaning you can now “slam the stem” for a more aggressive setup. Additionally, the seat tube has been shortened by 20 mm (on sizes M, L, and XL) to allow for more seatpost exposure, delivering increased vertical compliance and comfort.
Maximize Traction and Control
With clearance for actual tire widths of 50mm (rear) and 52mm (front), the Palta III is designed for the modern gravel experience. Running higher-volume tires at lower pressures provides a smoother ride, reducing fatigue through improved shock absorption on rugged terrain.
Integrated Comfort Solutions
To maximize comfort and endurance, the Basso R&D team has integrated three key elements to enhance vertical compliance at the saddle:
- 3B Clamp System Gen II (Patent Pending): A hidden, lightweight fixing solution that utilizes a vulcanized plank to significantly dampen vibrations. This unique three-screw system combines sleek aesthetics with a robust anti-vibration function for a smoother ride on rough terrain.
- New Diamante Seatpost: Features a 27.2 x 25.3 mm cross-section, engineered in carbon for optimal flex and compliance.
- Increased Sloping Geometry: A more aggressive slope allows for greater seatpost exposure, leveraging the post’s natural flexibility to absorb impacts.
Downtube Storage: the Basso Way
Palta III features a dedicated downtube storage compartment, elegantly concealed by a color-matched carbon cover that preserves the frame’s sleek aesthetics. This cover provides a secure, rigid, and rattle-free mounting point, ensuring total stability even with heavy water bottles over rough terrain.
To maximize utility, the internal space houses two rugged, anti-abrasion, and waterproof bags, keeping your tools and essentials perfectly organized and protected.
Geometry
Tailor your ride with 3 cockpit solutions, 6 frame sizes, and 2 seatpost setbacks. Ensure your Palta III is perfectly configured for you.
Carbon Gravel Handlebar
| 400 | 420 | 440 | 460 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 400 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm |
| B | 450 mm | 470 mm | 490 mm | 510 mm |
| C | 12° | 12° | 12° | 12° |
| D | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm |
| R | 73 mm | 73 mm | 73 mm | 73 mm |
Fuga Handlebar
| 80-370 | 90-370 | 100-370 | 110-370 | 120-370 | 130-370 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 370 mm | 370 mm | 370 mm | 370 mm | 370 mm | 370 mm |
| B | 400 mm | 400 mm | 400 mm | 400 mm | 400 mm | 400 mm |
| C | 6° | 6° | 6° | 6° | 6° | 6° |
| D | 115 mm | 115 mm | 115 mm | 115 mm | 115 mm | 115 mm |
| E | 80 mm | 90 mm | 100 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm |
| R | 65 mm | 65 mm | 65 mm | 65 mm | 65 mm | 65 mm |
Levita Handlebar
| 90-400 | 90-420 | 100-400 | 100-420 | 100-440 | 110-400 | 110-420 | 110-440 | 120-400 | 120-420 | 120-440 | 130-420 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 400 mm | 420 mm | 400 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 400 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 400 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 420 mm |
| B | 420 mm | 440 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm | 440 mm |
| C | 4° | 4° | 4° | 4° | 4° | 4° | 4° | 4° | 4° | 4° | 4° | 4° |
| D | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm |
| E | 90 mm | 90 mm | 100 mm | 100 mm | 100 mm | 110 mm | 110 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm |
| R | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm | 76,7 mm |
Apidura x Basso:
Adventure Integrated
Developed alongside the Palta III, this collection mirrors the bike’s refined philosophy:
-
Seamless Integration: Bolt-on attachments for a clean, secure fit.
-
Smart Access: Designed for easy reach to bottles and internal frame storage.
-
Visual Clarity: Transparent side panels to locate essentials at a glance.
-
Elite Protection: Ultralight, waterproof construction using Apidura’s proprietary Hexagrid fabric.
Vibram x Basso: Protection Reimagined
Two legendary Italian brands collaborate to bring rugged durability to the Palta III.
-
Maximum Shielding: Protects your down tube from impacts and dirt.
-
Iconic Design: Featuring the Vibram “Diamante” texture and the world-renowned yellow octagon.
-
No Compromise: Custom-bolted fit that still leaves room for your extra water bottle.
