Basso launches new for 2025 SV

A performance bike that’s truly comfortable – that’s the Basso SV, so says the brand at the launch of its new for 2025 bike.

So far, so familiar, or maybe not? When was the last time you heard a bike brand launch a new bike with the line “Without the constraints of catering firstly to professional racing demands, we had the freedom to design a bike that prioritizes the needs of everyday riders who ride for passion, performance, and the sheer love of the sport.”

Talking about the process which leads to the launch of the SV (Sempre Veloce – from the Latin semper velocem, meaning always fast) Basso points out that “By collaborating with 4 Performance Bike Fit Studio and leveraging artificial intelligence, we gained deep insights into what riders truly value: comfort, fit, and speed.”

So is this a race bike, an endurance bike, or a bike for people who like the modern semi-aero look, but whose back does not appreciate the aero, racer, ride position?

Basso points out that SV represents “a philosophy where aerodynamics, lightness and handling are associated with comfort and adaptability capable of transforming every rider into the fastest version of themselves.”

Geometry and weight matters

Talking numbers, we’re told the frame weight is 780 grams (with the fork 370 grams) for a size 53, and the bike is capable of taking up to a 35mm tyre.

Of that frame, there is a clear emphasis on the stack height (560mm on that size 53 frame), which would imply a more comfort oriented ride position, when paired with a shorter reach (385mm on the 53 frame). To note: The SV is engineered around a headtube length of 152mm.

How does this compare to other bikes of its kind? A more conventional tube shape looking Cannondale Synapse (frame weight suggested between 950-1100 grams), comes in size 51 or 54.

Across headtube length, and stack, it’s clear the 53cm Basso SV sits in the middle of the two Cannondale Synapse sizes. ‘Encouraging’ is the word I’d use here.

Slight caution is needed when looking at reach – the size 53 SV is longer than either size 51 or 54 Synapse, though by only 9mm and 4mm respective (a stem / bar swap may resolve this – more on this in a moment*).

What does this all mean?

The new Basso SV is a bike that aims to combine “pro-level performance with all-day comfort”. With its geometry, including a sloping top tube, increased stack height, and shorter seat tube, the SV aims to “ensure a more precise fit for every rider without sacrificing performance”.

Here, Basso CEO, Alessandro Basso, comments: “True performance is only realized when comfort and fit are prioritized.” Hard to disagree here, especially for non elite, non pro, riders – those of us who don’t spend time working on flexibility and strength, using any and all spare time to get out on a bike and enjoy the ride.

One-piece bar/stem options

The new SV also comes with the all new 37cm wide *Fuga Integrated Handlebar, which, as you’d rightly expect, is “optimized for aerodynamics and designed for maximum wrist and hand comfort”.

This needs careful consideration.

One-piece cockpits may have a desirable ‘look’, but ask yourself if that look also makes for the best fit? Is the bar width and stem length going to give you a comfortable, sustainable, position? It’s a very costly mistake if you find out you need a swap, post purchase. Food for thought here, and an observation that is true of any bike with a carbon one-piece bar/stem.

Featuring a five year warranty, available in three build options, or as a frameset, the Basso SV is available in the UK exclusively through Chicken Cyclekit.