Basso has released the all-new Vega in two significantly different build kit outfits. While both bikes share the same Polini EP3+Evo drive unit and 500wh battery, there’s a drop handlebar Gravel version focused on long dirt road miles, and a flat-bar Urban edition which is equipped with a host of extras in order to take the city by storm.
Want to ride gravel but aren't quite ready for a motor? Make sure to check out our guide to the best gravel bikes.
Both versions share the same sleek aluminium frame, which with its dropped seat stays should provide a comfortable ride across a wide variety of terrain. The boxy downtube does a good job of integrating the 500wh Polini battery, and there’s also a bottle mounted battery extender available to purchase additionally which adds a further 250wh of assistance. Both builds also get a carbon fork which is said to provide predicable steering even when riding with fully loaded bags.
The frame sees tire clearance for up to 45mm rubber, while several bottle and luggage mounts mean it’s ready for big explorations.
Similarly to the Berria Mako Hybrid GT e-MTB we featured only the other day, we’re unfamiliar with the Polini engine and battery system here too, but it’s hard to ignore the impressive on-paper stats. Basso claims the Vega is capable of providing 220km of assistance while dishing out 75Nm of torque and 250W of power – a pair of numbers which look set to rival the Shimano and Bosch units we're used to seeing on the best e-MTBs.
As standard, the Urban bike comes with a rack, mudguards and LED lights, so it should be ready for city life right from the off.
Beyond the luggage rack and mudguards it’s the shape of the handlebars that signifies each Vega’s intention. The gravel focused bike gets a multi-position dropped bar, while the urban version gets a flat bar and conventional brake levers; something that should provide a more upright and comfortable position for fast-paced city riding. But regardless of handlebar shape, both versions get a bar mounted Polini TFT display screen which displays a host of useful stats through an automatic color adapting 2.5-inch screen.
We’ve had no exact specifications confirmed from Basso, but it appears both bikes are utilizing 1x11 drivetrains from SRAM, hydraulic disc brakes and aluminium wheels wearing Continental tires.
Both options are available in four sizes and Basso claims the very sloping top tube of the size small frame will be sought after by riders who regularly have issues with standover.
Pricing is stated to be €4399 for the Gravel and €3849 for the Urban, with availability for the Gravel being November 2022 and the Urban February 2023.
