Wilier Bassano review

Wilier's Bassano sits atop the ‘Weekend' range. It's by far the best specced and best looking of the three bikes the brand offers, and personally I think it just edges it when compared to the Bianchi

Wilier Bassano
Cycling Weekly Verdict

When I did my best to forget how much I enjoyed the Bianchi, and stopped comparing the Bassano to its fatter brother, I liked the ride. It definitely felt faster, if a lot less forgiving. (There I go again.) It does weigh significantly less, though, so despite having a smaller range of gears it climbs relatively well. The frame is responsive and agile; two great characteristics to keep in mind when you're thinking about how you want your bike to handle.The contact points previously mentioned on the Bianchi - the grips, saddle and pedals - are all less rewarding here. The pedals especially so - it didn't actually come with any! That's when I realised this is a true racer's casual bike. It's like Wilier just decided to swap out an anatomical drop handlebar for a straight-line version. Job done. Geometry, groupset, wheels, styling. It's a racing machine with a flat bar moustache. You're not fooling anyone, Wilier.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Good alternative to a drop-bar bike

  • +

    Responsive, agile frameset

  • +

    Looks great

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Brakes not too powerful

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A low front end is always a winner with me. It's not just that though; the matt black finish with red highlights looks superb draped over the shapely aluminium frame. It's definitely a racy-looking customer.

With ‘Weekend' printed in various places over the bike, Wilier is trying its best to separate the Bassano from your average run of the mill commuting machine - this isn't made for the weekly office slog. It was born as an alternative for your weekend drop-bar racing bike. A bike for casual trips in your best loafers. No clipless pedals here, please.

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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.