1980's Basso Gap

This Basso Gap is fitted with my all-time favorite cycling components, Campagnolo C-Record.

This is the 2nd generation of C-Record, with exquisite Delta brakes and an amazing finish on everything.

I could never quite pin down the year of production of the frame, but I suspect it to be mid-late 80's which matches well with the components. It is built with Columbus SL tubing.

I am well aware the first generation Campagnolo Shamal wheels are much newer than the rest of the components, but I just couldn't resist as they look amazing with the bike. I do have a pair of traditional C-Record / Mavic GP tubular wheels that also go with this bike.

This model, the Gap, was named after the city in France where Marino Basso won the world professional road championship in 1972. It was a controversial finish as Basso's Italian team mate Franco Bitossi was the solo leader with a chasing group breathing down his neck. It looked like he would hang on to win until Basso sprung out of the chasing groups and pipped him right on the line. Some bloke called Merckx could only manage 4th.

Marino was a charismatic and hugely successful sprinter in the 70's, earning him the nickname "Signore 10,000 Volts." After his retirement from cycling he joined his brother Alcide in the bike business, launching the Basso brand.