Italian Craftsmanship Meets Brotherly Love: Aligning for a Brighter Future
At the Sea Otter Classic, a stunning display bike created quite a buzz—a unique Basso SV frame with Campagnolo Super Record Wireless EPS, showcasing the level of quality and performance that Basso has been known by for many decades.
Three Partners, One Vision
Café Musette has become the beating heart of Philadelphia's cycling culture. With locations in the Art Museum district and Rittenhouse Square, owner Michael Harding— himself an avid cyclist and racer—created more than just modern cafés. Both Musette locations have evolved into gathering places where riders will meet before dawn, share stories after rides, and build the connections that transform individual cyclists into a true community. In 2026, the core riders on Musette’s cycling team are planning an expansion that will field an official race team. This isn't just about winning races; its focus is on strengthening the bonds within Philadelphia's cycling scene and creating opportunities for riders at every level to feel part of something larger.
This expansion will be supported by a number of notable local sponsors including Category One Cycles. Based in Lansdale just outside Philadelphia, owner Rob DeRosato has built the shop's reputation on focused attention to detail, personalized service, and a deep understanding that serious cyclists need. As a Basso dealer, Category One will strive to bring together Musette’s community-building influence with the technical precision necessary to dial bikes in for success—whether on the clock or not. This meticulous care mirrors Musette's own philosophy: whether you're ordering coffee or getting a bike fit, you're treated as an individual, not a transaction.
At the center stands Basso—the Italian frame builder crafting world-class bicycles since 1977 in Bassano del Grappa. For Musette Cycling Team, Basso’s vision for bicycle design and its ongoing desire to create frames that are at once classic and progressive displays a commitment to quality that matches their own dedication to the sport. This partnership amplifies what everyone involved does best: creating spaces where cyclists feel supported, understood, and inspired.
The Basso Range: Versatility for Every Challenge
Basso's comprehensive lineup spans the competitive cycling spectrum. Their road bikes deliver the lightweight, aerodynamic performance that criteriums and road races demand— handmade carbon frames representing five decades of expertise. But the range extends to gravel models with generous tire clearance and stable geometry, ready for everything from fast hardpack races to technical mixed-terrain adventures.
Category One's acumen across these platforms will undoubtedly aid the Musette team in providing further access to the mechanical assistance called for in whichever discipline its riders may find themselves competing.
The Sea Otter Display: A One-of-a-Kind Masterpiece
That Sea Otter display bike is truly unique—a one-of-one collaboration between Basso and Campagnolo, the only bike of its kind in the world. Created specifically for the Sea Otter Classic, it represents what's possible when two legendary Italian companies showcase their shared commitment to excellence.
Equipped with Campagnolo Super Record Wireless EPS, the bike demonstrates the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship meeting cutting-edge technology. This collaboration isn't just about components on a frame—it's about two companies with deep Italian roots working together to create something special.
Beyond Traditional Racing: The Adventure Revolution
While the Musette team will compete in criteriums and road races throughout the greater Philadelphia region in 2026, they're equally excited about the adventures beyond traditional formats—events that embody cycling's expanding, inclusive spirit.
Gravel racing has evolved into a legitimate discipline drawing thousands of riders to events like Unbound Gravel and the UCI Gravel World Championships. Alternative adventure events like Grinduro blend timed segments with strategy, while The Traka in Spain challenges riders with diverse terrain. Ultra-distance races like the Around Norway Race push boundaries with multi-day, self-supported epics.
These events test resourcefulness, navigation skills, and adaptability—they represent cycling as genuine adventure, attracting diverse communities united by curiosity and determination rather than just raw speed.
Why This Partnership Matters
Basso's design philosophy aligns perfectly with modern competitive cycling. Their frames feature practical considerations for easy serviceability and generous tire clearance for versatility. The craftsmanship from Bassano del Grappa delivers frames that perform reliably under real racing demands.
This three-way partnership matters because it's built on the understanding that cycling communities thrive when they're inclusive, supportive, and adaptable. Musette doesn't just want to field a competitive team—they want to create a platform that inspires Philadelphia's entire cycling community, from weekend warriors to seasoned racers.
Category One's technical expertise ensures riders have the support they need. Basso's craftsmanship provides tools worthy of any challenge. And Musette's cafés remain the gathering places where relationships form, stories are shared, and the next generation of cyclists discovers what this community is all about.
When the Musette team rolls out for their first race of 2026, they'll carry with them something more valuable than just quality equipment. They'll represent a community that honors cycling's traditions while embracing its adventurous future—a community where everyone is welcome, every ride matters, and the connections we build along the way are just as important as the miles we cover.
Because at its heart, Musette understands what makes cycling special: it's not just about the bike, the speed, or the competition. It's about the people you ride with, the community that supports you, and the joy of sharing this incredible sport with others who love it just as much as you do.