TWH Chronicles: Basso Diamante — The Opal White Fade
Basso Bikes | Custom Road | Opal White Fade
We challenge you to find a Diamante built up better than this. It is the perfect mix of Italian class and top-spec equipment for the ultimate custom build. From the initial fit to the final build-out, the client was part of every single step of the process.
Handcrafted in Italy, the Basso Diamante is a thoroughbred race machine that refuses to compromise on ride quality. But it is the finish on this specific commission that truly sets it apart: a breathtaking Opal White Fade that shifts subtly in the light, demanding to be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
The Opal White Fade
Basso's in-house paint facility is renowned for pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a carbon canvas. The Opal White Fade finish on this Diamante is achieved through a painstaking multi-layer process, creating a sense of depth and texture that adds virtually zero weight to the frame while providing an unmistakable visual signature.
Contrasting with the pristine white are subtle branding elements and the raw carbon weave peeking through in strategic locations. The Basso downtube logo and the beautifully matched components create a visual harmony that elevates the entire build.
Campagnolo Super Record 13-Speed Wireless
The component specification matches the ambition of the frame. Campagnolo Super Record 13-speed wireless provides the shifting precision that a build of this calibre demands — the Italian pairing of Basso carbon and Campagnolo mechanics is a philosophy as much as a specification.
Delivering flawless, rapid gear changes without a single cable in sight, the drivetrain is paired with Campagnolo's impeccably machined brake callipers for absolute control on the steepest mountain descents.
The Wheel System: Partington & Rene Herse
Rolling duties are handled by Partington wheels, renowned for their incredible stiffness-to-weight ratio and striking full-carbon spoke design. Wrapped in supple Rene Herse 31mm tyres, this wheel system provides unmatched ride quality, vibration damping, and outright speed on any road surface.
Seamless Integration
Beyond the paint, the Diamante is an engineering marvel. It features fully internal cable routing, maintaining the clean lines expected of a premium race platform. The cockpit integration seamlessly blends aerodynamic efficiency with ergonomic comfort for long days in the saddle.
Every bolt, port, and junction has been considered. The build is finished with a Selle Italia SLR 3D-printed carbon saddle, Silca Cuscino tape for supreme comfort, and Look Keo Blade Power pedals, proving that at The Wheelhouse, we believe no detail is too small when commissioning a custom build.
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Commission Your Build
Ready to experience the Basso Diamante?
Every Basso we build is a bespoke commission, including custom geometry and personalized paint. Contact us to discuss your dream build.
Start Your BuildOur Relationship with Basso
A Partnership Built on Passion
The Wheelhouse is proud to partner with Basso Bikes, a brand that has been handcrafting carbon frames in Italy for over four decades. This is not simply a commercial designation — it is the result of years of genuine partnership, deep product knowledge, and a shared belief that a bicycle should be built around the person who rides it.
We sell Basso across the full range, from the Diamante road bikes to the Palta Gravel and beyond. That breadth of experience means our team can speak with authority about the nuances of each model — the way the Diamante's race geometry behaves differently from the Palta's gravel compliance, the decisions that make each frame suited to a specific type of rider and terrain.
When you commission a Basso through The Wheelhouse, you are not simply purchasing a bicycle. You are accessing a relationship — with the brand, with the craft, and with a team that has stood in the same workshop where your frame will be built.
The Finishing Details
A Wheelhouse build is considered at every millimetre. The frame and groupset define the machine's character, but it is the finishing kit that reveals the builder's intent. Each component below was chosen deliberately — not from a spec sheet, but from a shared understanding of what this particular bike and this particular rider deserved.
Saddle
Selle Italia SLR 3D-Printed
Cutting-edge 3D-printed carbon construction provides unparalleled support and pressure relief, matching the Diamante's blend of high performance and Italian style.
Bar Tape
Silca Cuscino
Silca's premium Cuscino tape offers supreme comfort and grip, ensuring the rider's primary interface with the machine is as refined as the frame itself.
Pedals
Look Keo Blade Power
Integrated power measurement in a lightweight, aerodynamic pedal body. The perfect finishing touch for a build focused on absolute performance.
These are the components that transform a high-performance bicycle into a one-of-a-kind commission. Every Wheelhouse build ships with this level of intentionality as standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Basso bikes made?
Basso bikes are handmade in Italy. They are one of the few remaining brands that still manufacture their carbon frames entirely in-house in their Italian facility, ensuring the highest level of quality control and craftsmanship.
What is the maximum tyre clearance on the Basso Diamante?
The latest Basso Diamante features generous tyre clearance, allowing riders to fit up to 32mm tyres. This provides exceptional comfort and grip without compromising the bike's aerodynamic performance or race-ready geometry.
Can I commission a custom Basso Diamante through The Wheelhouse?
Yes. The Wheelhouse is an authorised Basso dealer and builds every Basso as a bespoke commission. Custom geometry, paint, and component selection are all available. We begin every build with a fitting to ensure the frame geometry is dialled to your biomechanics.