Italian brand Sarto recently added the Raso to their special edition bikes using their Tri-Composite material. The special blend of carbon adds a metallic filament to the carbon composite to give the material unique properties.
The Raso is one of two all-around frames that Sarto offers. The Seta Plus is more of a classic build, that focuses on a traditional silhouette (twin triangle shape) and lighter weight, while the Raso adds a modern aerodynamic design and all-day comfort. They also offer an aero-specific Lampo Plus, the climbing-focused Asola Plus, and a Sarto Gravel TA Plus gravel bike. Watch for an article coming soon on an intro to the brand and its offerings.
As mentioned, the Raso fits into the modern style aero road bike formula. Instead of an extremely stiff, heavier, all-out aero design, the Raso has more of a traditional shape but also uses truncated tube shapes, dropped seat stays, and aerodynamic sculpting to help reduce drag. A one-piece carbon cockpit with a slight flare is also available to offer precise handling input, yet stay comfortable on your longest rides. Stiffness is still important but tuned to provide stiffness for power transfer without sacrificing ride comfort. Add in the ability to run 35mm tires, and you’ll have a bike that can take you through the Dolomites, or take you off the front of a cobbled classic.
Tri-Composite is a special blend of materials that Sarto uses on special editions of their bikes. The material blends carbon with copper filament and resin to create Tri-Composite. Copper helps to reinforce the composite material to help increase strength by minimizing localized mechanical stresses, but also adds additional comfort by helping to minimize vibrations.
“This special carbon fiber is also widely used in the automotive sector to create cockpits or helmets that are particularly resistant,” explains Enrico Sarto. “The characteristics of this material are essentially threefold: excellent impact resistance, high vibration damping capacity, and unique aesthetics. That’s why we spent several years on research and development to make it functional for the quality and performance of our top-of-the-range frames.”
The Sarto Raso TC in silver 
An hour glass head tube with a D shaped steerer help route cables internally for a clean finish. 
A smooth transition between the fork and frame help keep things aero up front. 
Dropped stays add to aerodynamics and ride comfort. 
Truncated tube shapes improve aerodynamics without adding weight. 
The black option offers a stealthy, understated look.
The Raso TC is available in blue, red, green, silver, and copper in stock sizing, or you can let your imagination run wild as part of their custom program. We’ll have more info on this in the aforementioned article going deeper into the brand and how you can work with their experts to create your perfect bike.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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