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.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year