New Trends in Gravel: Let’s See How the Basso Palta and Wilier Rave SLR Have Evolved

Gravel cycling isn't what it used to be. A few years ago, we were just happy to have drop bars and 38mm tires. Today, the segment has split into two clear directions: extreme adventure and high-speed racing.

At Cicli Corsa, we’ve watched this evolution closely, especially through two of our favorite Italian brands. With the release of the Basso Palta III and the Wilier Rave SLR ID2, the "Gravel 2.0" era has officially arrived. Let’s dive into the trends shaping these machines.

1. The "Big Rubber" Revolution

The biggest trend right now is tire clearance. We are moving away from the old 42mm standard toward a "mountain-bike-adjacent" volume.

1. The Wilier Rave SLR ID2 has jumped from 42mm to a massive 52mm clearance.

2. The Basso Palta III follows suit, supporting up to 52mm in the front and 50mm in the rear. This allows for lower pressures, meaning more grip on technical "scassato" (rough terrain) and much more comfort on long days.

2. Aerodynamics is the New Standard

If you think aero is only for the World Tour, think again. Modern gravel races are fast, often averaging over 35 km/h. Both brands have spent hours in the wind tunnel to save you watts.

1. Wilier used NACA tube profiles to make the ID2 5.3 watts more efficient than its predecessor.

2. Basso reduced the frontal area of the Palta III by 18%, making it a true "fango veloce" (fast mud) machine.

3. Integration & "Survival" Features

Gone are the days of messy cables and bulky saddlebags. We are seeing a move toward internal storage and frame protection.

1. The Basso Palta III features a clever downtube compartment with a Fidlock magnetic closure for your tools. It also sports a Vibram guard to protect the carbon from rock strikes.

2. Both bikes now feature fully integrated cockpits (like Wilier's F-Bar or Basso’s Levita) and the UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) standard, which is great for finding replacements anywhere in the world.

The Contenders: Which Evolution Fits You?

Basso Palta III: The Italian All-Rounder The Palta III is the result of three generations of refinement. It’s lighter than ever (970g for a size M) but more comfortable thanks to a higher stack and an increased "sloping" top tube that allows the seatpost to flex more. It’s a bike that doesn't force you to choose between a race and an adventure.

1. If you're looking for that handcrafted "Made in Italy" feel, you can explore the various Palta III configurations in our shop.

Wilier Rave SLR ID2: The Aesthetic Racer The ID2 has shifted its soul. While the original Rave was an "all-road" hybrid, the ID2 is a dedicated gravel racer. It is 1x-only and features a tighter geometry for sharper handling. Plus, the "90s Rave Culture" aesthetics—like the Neon Purple or Glitch Black—make it one of the most striking bikes on the trail.

1. For those who want to build a superbike from the ground up, the Wilier Rave SLR ID2 frameset is a perfect starting point.

Conclusion

Whether you want the integrated storage and versatility of the Basso or the aggressive, aero-optimized speed of the Wilier, the latest trends are making gravel bikes more capable than ever.

Are you ready to define your own gravel? Check out our full collection of gravel bikes and find the one that matches your riding style.