Basso Zer - Component Upgrade Advice

Just looking for some advice as to what the best upgrades would be for my Basso Zer commuter. Its currently running on an old 9 speed Campagnolo Veloce groupset and Fulcram wheels which were both on the bike when I bought it 2nd hand last year.

I would like to upgrade the groupset, wheels and change the saddle/handlebars (improve speed/weight so it could be a training bike) but probably stick with secondhand Campagnolo parts so that I don't lose the older style of the bike. Any ideas or suggestions about particular parts I should look out for or the best way to source them would be very welcome!

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hmmm, not sure what i'd do. If you replace the groupset, wheels, saddle, handlebars, you're basically only keeping the frame. You'd end up spending quite a bit, and I'm not sure how much better it's going to make it. To be honest, if you serviced it I don't see why this wouldn't be a perfectly good training bike as is.

But if you really wanted to go down that route, I'd personally get a second hand but more modern campag 10/11 speed groupset (off here), or even a new current veloce or centaur groupset (it wouldnt ruin the looks, it would just make it more badass). Maybe some campag khamsin / scirocco wheels, some shallow drop handlebars (omegas or deda piega maybe?? or whatever the equivalent is these days).

Don't get rid of the flite saddle! But I would be change the seatpost out (silver thomson layback??).

That's all my opinion which means absolutely nada. Not sure I'd personally bother. But if you love the frame go for it...

Maybe check out this thread for some inspiration....

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/212733/

If you’re going to continue commuting? I’d upgrade the wheels for something lighter.

You’d instantly feel the difference in acceleration and climbing if you got something lighter.

Replacing the groupset wouldn’t make much difference unless you wanted to gear down, ie fitting a compact/semi compact chainset.
Also 9speed chain/cassettes are cheaper to replace and if you’re commuting this will be regularly (dependant on miles).

Also, cos of the age of the frame it might not have much clearance for wider rims/running 25mm tyres.

You show be able to pick up some 2nd hand wheels (Fulcrum Zero, Mavic Ksyrium SL, Campagnolo Shamal) for relatively cheap as they’re narrower than what is now the norm/in demand.

I'd keep the groupset, but change the chainset for an UltraTorque one (they can be found quite cheap, especially the doubles). Furious made a good point regarding older wheels, especially as you wouldn't need an 11speed compatible rear hub.

Ha, I’ll have a Record Ultra Torque chainset 175mm* 53/39 available in the coming months if you’re interested.

*Probably longer than you’ve got judging by the size of your frame.

Thanks a million. Really helpful advice. Just skimmed through that other thread and some of the bikes there are exactly what I was thinking - managing to keep the overall look but making it more of a performance bike. You are right on the saddle, has to stay!

Very helpful - thanks. I will continue to run 23mm so as you say hopefully that will help with picking up a set of wheels.