Basso Palta ARTbound Limited Edition: The Art of Gravel Meets Unbound Dust
Basso Palta ARTbound Limited Edition: The Art of Gravel Meets Unbound Dust
Unbound Gravel, often hailed as the "Super Bowl of Gravel," has stood as the pivotal event in the global gravel scene since 2006. Each year, the desolate yet captivating dirt roads of Emporia, Kansas (USA), become the stage for an epic challenge that celebrates not just competition, but the very essence of cycling adventure. To honor this iconic race and the participation of the Enough Cycling collective, Basso Bikes, the historic brand from Vicenza, Italy, has created a frame that's much more than just a bicycle: the Palta ARTbound Limited Edition.
The Philosophy Behind ARTbound: Performance and Artistic Imperfection
After years of racing at Unbound, the Enough Cycling riders have gained a deep understanding: an exceptional performance in this race isn't just about brute strength or meticulous preparation. It's a masterpiece in progress—a unique blend of intuition, skill, and, above all, improvisation. Similarly, a day in the hostile yet evocative Flint Hills leaves an indelible mark on the cyclist, just as a work of art imprints its signature on its creator.
The Palta ARTbound embodies this philosophy. Each frame is designed to carry the soul of those who ride not only to compete, but to leave a mark, an imprint in the Kansas dirt.
Exclusive Details: Raw Brushstrokes and Made-in-Italy Uniqueness
What makes the Palta ARTbound a collector's item is its production process and distinctive aesthetic:
Raw Brushstrokes, Hand-Painted in Vicenza, Italy: Each individual frame is a unique work of art. The finish isn't just a decal, but the result of meticulous craftsmanship. This hand-painting with "raw," expressive brushstrokes ensures that "no two bikes are alike," transforming each Palta ARTbound into a canvas, and each ride into a story.
"Off-White" Finish and Hidden Livery: The frame's base is a striking off-white, a direct nod to the pale, dusty terrain of the vast Kansas plains. Beneath this seemingly uniform surface, raw and bold brushstrokes reveal the "Natural Reflection" livery of the Enough Cycling collective. This iridescence mirrors the shifting hues of the team's kit, creating a dynamic color effect that changes with light and perspective, just like the Flint Hills landscape itself.
Availability and Price: A Limited-Time Collector's Piece
The Basso Palta ARTbound Limited Edition will be available for a restricted period:
Purchase Period: From May 29th to June 29th, 2025.
Limited Number: It will be produced in a strictly limited number of frames, enhancing its exclusivity.
Price Supplement: Given the artisanal nature and exclusivity of the design, a price supplement is expected compared to standard Palta models: +€250 | +$280 | +CAD 390.
Available Configurations and Technical Specifications (Based on Rumors and Mattia De Marchi's Builds)
The Palta ARTbound will be available both as a frameset kit and as a complete bike, offering various configurations to suit gravel riders' preferences.
Frameset Kit
ARTbound Frameset Kit Price: The price supplement applies to the standard Palta frameset price, which is around €3,149, bringing the ARTbound frameset to approximately €3,399.
Construction: Monocoque carbon frame, 100% made with 3K Torayca HMCF T700-MR60 fibers.
Cable Routing: Fully integrated, for a clean aesthetic and protection from mud and debris.
Brakes: Flat Mount Disc Standard.
Bottom Bracket: Press Fit 86.5 x 41.
Seatpost: Basso 15mm layback (proprietary).
Headset: Fully integrated.
Tire Compatibility: Up to 45mm with 700c wheels (guaranteed with gravel groupsets; for road groupsets, refer to manufacturer specifications).
Thru-Axles: 100/142mm x 12mm (125x165mm).
Mounting Points: Hidden studs on the downtube for compatible bags + 3 bottle cage positions.
Frame Weight: Approximately 960g.
Fork Weight: Approximately 270g.
Complete Configurations (e.g., Mattia De Marchi and Standard Options)
For the ARTbound limited edition, Basso offers several build options, with the top-tier model reflecting Mattia De Marchi's choice for Unbound 2025.
Mattia De Marchi's Bike (Unbound 200 - 2025):
The bike Mattia De Marchi will ride at Unbound 200 will be the testbed for this special edition and features top-level components, including some prototypes:
Frame: Basso Palta ARTbound, size M.
Drivetrain: Rumored to be a Campagnolo Super Record Wireless with an HPPM power meter. Recently, Mattia De Marchi was spotted with a prototype 13-speed Campagnolo groupset, suggesting a possible future launch or an exclusive test for Unbound.
Wheels: Fulcrum Sharq.
Tires: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 45 mm (potentially prototype Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RH, as spotted).
Saddle: Fizik Argo 00.
Bottle Cages: Elite Superleggero Carbon.
Handlebar/Stem: Basso Fuga integrated (for aero and race setup).
Commercial ARTbound Configurations:
Complete models will be available with Shimano GRX 820 groupsets:
Basso Palta ARTbound + Shimano GRX 820 1x12:
With Microtech MX25 wheels: Price starting from approximately €4,569.
With Microtech RG38 wheels: Price starting from approximately €5,649.
Basso Palta ARTbound + Shimano GRX 820 2x12:
With Microtech MX25 or Microtech RG38 wheels: Price starting from approximately €5,849.
The Race Debut: Mattia De Marchi at Unbound 200
The first Palta ARTbound Limited Edition will make its official debut in one of the toughest and most iconic gravel races. Mattia De Marchi, the top male athlete of the Enough Cycling team and a competitor in the prestigious Lifetime Grand Prix, will ride it at the Unbound 200 Gravel Race 2025. After securing an excellent 5th place in the previous edition, Mattia is once again aiming for the top of the standings in the queen distance, bringing not only his skill but also a piece of art on two wheels.
The Soul of Enough Cycling: "Natural Reflection"
The "Natural Reflection" livery isn't just an aesthetic motif; it's a profound expression of Enough Cycling's identity. The collective was founded in 2021 with the simple idea that "one bicycle is enough to be happy." Their goal is to become the most inspiring cycling project, encouraging people to experience cycling in its most diverse forms and, ultimately, to find happiness. The livery, with its shifting shades from black to purple to orange, symbolizes how every ride has a different meaning, reflecting the balance between control and letting go, between pushing one's limits and enjoying the moment.
Conclusion: More Than a Bike, a Story
The Basso Palta ARTbound Limited Edition is much more than just a gravel bike. It's a tribute to the art of cycling, to the unpredictability of races like Unbound, and to the ability to leave a mark on the landscape and within one's soul. With its unique aesthetic, Made-in-Italy craftsmanship, and its baptism in one of the most grueling races in the world, the Palta ARTbound is positioned as a collector's item for gravel enthusiasts who seek a bike that combines high-level performance with a deep emotional and artistic resonance. Every time a Palta ARTbound challenges the Kansas roads, it will tell a story—an imprint in the dust, a moving work of art.
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