Tommasini versus Battaglin
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Tommasini versus Battaglin
Hi
I'm putting together a build and would like the opinion of the learned members here.
I have a choice of a Tommasini Tecno or a Battaglin Portofino. I realize there is a price difference between the two but given that they will be assembled with identical parts I'm really looking for opinions on each.
Has anyone been lucky enough to ride both?
Given that the price difference between the Tecno and the Batt is about $1,200 is the Batt worth the extra cost?
Thanks.
C
I'm putting together a build and would like the opinion of the learned members here.
I have a choice of a Tommasini Tecno or a Battaglin Portofino. I realize there is a price difference between the two but given that they will be assembled with identical parts I'm really looking for opinions on each.
Has anyone been lucky enough to ride both?
Given that the price difference between the Tecno and the Batt is about $1,200 is the Batt worth the extra cost?
Thanks.
C
#2
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,397
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,698 Times
in
2,518 Posts
Moved here from framebuilders.
Welcome to the forum.
Welcome to the forum.
#3
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,522
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4355 Post(s)
Liked 3,994 Times
in
2,665 Posts
I have a friend with 3 Batts two vintage ones and one new Officina Battalign. He loves them to death. Amongst his many many many bikes the Batts are clearly his favorite. I have been lusting after one myself. I will say the Tommassini is a nice bike as well so it might be a tough choice.
#4
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,614
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10964 Post(s)
Liked 7,490 Times
in
4,189 Posts
As you said, those are quite different.
os tubing and a steel fork vs 2os+ tubing and a carbon fork.
the geometry chart for the tommasininis beyond worthless and the Battaglin is custom, so thats a significant difference.
the cromovelato paint on Battaglin frames is amazing.
the massivd lugs on the Portofino look cool in some instances and plump in other instances. I think when they are chrome it's better?...jury is out.
Interesting couple of frames you have narrowed your options to. Whats the reasoning for these?
...i always enjoy hearing how someone came to narrow the seemingly endless list of steel frame options.
os tubing and a steel fork vs 2os+ tubing and a carbon fork.
the geometry chart for the tommasininis beyond worthless and the Battaglin is custom, so thats a significant difference.
the cromovelato paint on Battaglin frames is amazing.
the massivd lugs on the Portofino look cool in some instances and plump in other instances. I think when they are chrome it's better?...jury is out.
Interesting couple of frames you have narrowed your options to. Whats the reasoning for these?
...i always enjoy hearing how someone came to narrow the seemingly endless list of steel frame options.
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks, guys.
I have a Specialissima and an Eroica and love both of them. What I was going for was.a split between them: a steel frame (Italian) that would allow for modern components. I hopped onto Batt earlier but was looking at alternatives. Tommasini came up as the tecno could be customized (geometry and color) and was a little less expensive. I read the reviews but I find the bike mags almost always list the positives and only a blogger named the bike grouch was somewhat critical of the Portofino.
I'm sure they are both excellent. Just wish I could ride them both first.
I have a Specialissima and an Eroica and love both of them. What I was going for was.a split between them: a steel frame (Italian) that would allow for modern components. I hopped onto Batt earlier but was looking at alternatives. Tommasini came up as the tecno could be customized (geometry and color) and was a little less expensive. I read the reviews but I find the bike mags almost always list the positives and only a blogger named the bike grouch was somewhat critical of the Portofino.
I'm sure they are both excellent. Just wish I could ride them both first.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Some of the "cyclists" who frequent the C&V subforum are familiar with these brands. I recall that somebody recently purchased the Battaglin.
Personally, for what these Italian frames go for I would go with a custom American framebuilder. You could even find one with an Italian-sounding surname, so you could fool most people into thinking your frame was Italian.
Personally, for what these Italian frames go for I would go with a custom American framebuilder. You could even find one with an Italian-sounding surname, so you could fool most people into thinking your frame was Italian.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: In the south but from North
Posts: 700
Bikes: Turner 5-Spot Burner converted; IBIS Ripley, Specialized Crave, Tommasini Sintesi, Cinelli Superstar, Tommasini X-Fire Gravel
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 406 Post(s)
Liked 389 Times
in
219 Posts
I think with the Techno, like all Tommasini's, you can have it made with your custom geometry (or at least what Iro thinks it should be!). Also, for the price of a Battaglin, you are looking at a Fire or X-Fire.
Both bikes are absolutely beautiful. The Portofinio seems more modern but honestly, might be no different than a Fire or X-Fire. I have an old Tommasini Sintesi (similar to Techno with smaller tubes) and it offers an absolutely magical ride. I have spent time on some other custom steel bikes (Vanilla, IF) and they are different. IF comes closer to the Italian feel.
Personally, if I had the cash, I would buy the Portofino. If the queue for the Portofino is too long, I would move quickly to the Fire or X-Fire. But the Techno with modern components, along with carbon bars, stem, seat post and a solid wheelset would be an absolutely stunning bike.
I would also add, that if you want to spend a little less, there is a Power+ for sale on the Pro's Closet. It is a large disc version. Built with a Campy disc group set would be stunning!
Both bikes are absolutely beautiful. The Portofinio seems more modern but honestly, might be no different than a Fire or X-Fire. I have an old Tommasini Sintesi (similar to Techno with smaller tubes) and it offers an absolutely magical ride. I have spent time on some other custom steel bikes (Vanilla, IF) and they are different. IF comes closer to the Italian feel.
Personally, if I had the cash, I would buy the Portofino. If the queue for the Portofino is too long, I would move quickly to the Fire or X-Fire. But the Techno with modern components, along with carbon bars, stem, seat post and a solid wheelset would be an absolutely stunning bike.
I would also add, that if you want to spend a little less, there is a Power+ for sale on the Pro's Closet. It is a large disc version. Built with a Campy disc group set would be stunning!
Last edited by vespasianus; 06-29-20 at 10:54 AM.
#8
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,962
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10425 Post(s)
Liked 11,899 Times
in
6,094 Posts
Go for the Portofino. No question.
I own a Battaglin, a MAX frame from the early 90s. Bought it a dozen years ago. Had it repainted red with white detailing in the pantographed lugs. Built it up with Chorus, the last generation that was still polished aluminum. I get a LOT of compliments from other riders on that bike!
It's not light, but it is stiff and responsive, and it corners like it's on rails. Every time I ride it after riding another bike for a while, I think, "Oh, yeah! THIS is why I love this bike!"
I own a Battaglin, a MAX frame from the early 90s. Bought it a dozen years ago. Had it repainted red with white detailing in the pantographed lugs. Built it up with Chorus, the last generation that was still polished aluminum. I get a LOT of compliments from other riders on that bike!
It's not light, but it is stiff and responsive, and it corners like it's on rails. Every time I ride it after riding another bike for a while, I think, "Oh, yeah! THIS is why I love this bike!"
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I think with the Techno, like all Tommasini's, you can have it made with your custom geometry (or at least what Iro thinks it should be!). Also, for the price of a Battaglin, you are looking at a Fire or X-Fire.
Both bikes are absolutely beautiful. The Portofinio seems more modern but honestly, might be no different than a Fire or X-Fire. I have an old Tommasini Sintesi (similar to Techno with smaller tubes) and it offers an absolutely magical ride. I have spent time on some other custom steel bikes (Vanilla, IF) and they are different. IF comes closer to the Italian feel.
Personally, if I had the cash, I would buy the Portofino. If the queue for the Portofino is too long, I would move quickly to the Fire or X-Fire. But the Techno with modern components, along with carbon bars, stem, seat post and a solid wheelset would be an absolutely stunning bike.
I would also add, that if you want to spend a little less, there is a Power+ for sale on the Pro's Closet. It is a large disc version. Built with a Campy disc group set would be stunning!
Both bikes are absolutely beautiful. The Portofinio seems more modern but honestly, might be no different than a Fire or X-Fire. I have an old Tommasini Sintesi (similar to Techno with smaller tubes) and it offers an absolutely magical ride. I have spent time on some other custom steel bikes (Vanilla, IF) and they are different. IF comes closer to the Italian feel.
Personally, if I had the cash, I would buy the Portofino. If the queue for the Portofino is too long, I would move quickly to the Fire or X-Fire. But the Techno with modern components, along with carbon bars, stem, seat post and a solid wheelset would be an absolutely stunning bike.
I would also add, that if you want to spend a little less, there is a Power+ for sale on the Pro's Closet. It is a large disc version. Built with a Campy disc group set would be stunning!
Thanks for a really thoughtful response. I have the same opinions on the Batt versus the various Tommasini's and yes: the Fire and Firex look to be quite close to what Alex and his Dad are offering.
I wish I had enough dough to buy them all. I'll look at what the Pro's Closet has. Thanks for the tip.
Likes For chris3625:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: In the south but from North
Posts: 700
Bikes: Turner 5-Spot Burner converted; IBIS Ripley, Specialized Crave, Tommasini Sintesi, Cinelli Superstar, Tommasini X-Fire Gravel
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 406 Post(s)
Liked 389 Times
in
219 Posts
Thanks for a really thoughtful response. I have the same opinions on the Batt versus the various Tommasini's and yes: the Fire and Firex look to be quite close to what Alex and his Dad are offering.
I wish I had enough dough to buy them all. I'll look at what the Pro's Closet has. Thanks for the tip.
I wish I had enough dough to buy them all. I'll look at what the Pro's Closet has. Thanks for the tip.
#11
Senior Member
Both great frames. I prefer the Tommasini because I am an older guy and this one looks just like the bike I dreamt about in my youth. The Battaglin looks like many other modern frames, plus don't quite understand the need for oversized steel tubes.
Whatever you go with, should be a great bike
Whatever you go with, should be a great bike
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NWNJ
Posts: 3,704
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 722 Post(s)
Liked 353 Times
in
226 Posts
Hi
I'm putting together a build and would like the opinion of the learned members here.
I have a choice of a Tommasini Tecno or a Battaglin Portofino. I realize there is a price difference between the two but given that they will be assembled with identical parts I'm really looking for opinions on each.
Has anyone been lucky enough to ride both?
Given that the price difference between the Tecno and the Batt is about $1,200 is the Batt worth the extra cost?
Thanks.
C
I'm putting together a build and would like the opinion of the learned members here.
I have a choice of a Tommasini Tecno or a Battaglin Portofino. I realize there is a price difference between the two but given that they will be assembled with identical parts I'm really looking for opinions on each.
Has anyone been lucky enough to ride both?
Given that the price difference between the Tecno and the Batt is about $1,200 is the Batt worth the extra cost?
Thanks.
C
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
OK, guys. The saga continues. I've looked at some other builders and then did a little more research on steel frames, and have noted the differences with some stainless steel frames.
I've narrowed it down to the following:
Tommasini XFire
Chesini XCR
Cicli Barco XCR
Battaglin is still in my mind but I read and researched a little more on the SS versions.
Any thoughts? Preferences?
Thanks for any helpful comments.
I've narrowed it down to the following:
Tommasini XFire
Chesini XCR
Cicli Barco XCR
Battaglin is still in my mind but I read and researched a little more on the SS versions.
Any thoughts? Preferences?
Thanks for any helpful comments.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: In the south but from North
Posts: 700
Bikes: Turner 5-Spot Burner converted; IBIS Ripley, Specialized Crave, Tommasini Sintesi, Cinelli Superstar, Tommasini X-Fire Gravel
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 406 Post(s)
Liked 389 Times
in
219 Posts
OK, guys. The saga continues. I've looked at some other builders and then did a little more research on steel frames, and have noted the differences with some stainless steel frames.
I've narrowed it down to the following:
Tommasini XFire
Chesini XCR
Cicli Barco XCR
Battaglin is still in my mind but I read and researched a little more on the SS versions.
Any thoughts? Preferences?
Thanks for any helpful comments.
I've narrowed it down to the following:
Tommasini XFire
Chesini XCR
Cicli Barco XCR
Battaglin is still in my mind but I read and researched a little more on the SS versions.
Any thoughts? Preferences?
Thanks for any helpful comments.
The price that Tommasini has for a complete X-fire with a Campagnolo Record group and Shamal wheels is actually pretty darn good as well.
#15
Senior Member
Go with Cicli Barco. I was close but since I have one steel bike it didn’t make sense to get another, so I am getting a Parlee RZ7.
My dealings with one of the sons at Barco were great. Their frames are some of the best available. Just look at the welds in the pictures.
My dealings with one of the sons at Barco were great. Their frames are some of the best available. Just look at the welds in the pictures.
Last edited by Mulberry20; 08-05-20 at 06:42 PM.
#16
Full Member
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 425
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 167 Post(s)
Liked 291 Times
in
163 Posts
Battaglin for me. They have always been works of art - the current range are objects of beauty.
While my own bikes are modern and designed for saving watts, they are functional tools compared to the sheer wonderful craftsmanship that Battaglin and others are producing.
While my own bikes are modern and designed for saving watts, they are functional tools compared to the sheer wonderful craftsmanship that Battaglin and others are producing.
#17
Retro-nerd
Tommasini vs. Battaglin? What about Merckx vs Battaglin?
__________________
Would you like a dream with that?
Would you like a dream with that?
Likes For georgiaboy:
#18
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,614
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10964 Post(s)
Liked 7,490 Times
in
4,189 Posts
OK, guys. The saga continues. I've looked at some other builders and then did a little more research on steel frames, and have noted the differences with some stainless steel frames.
I've narrowed it down to the following:
Tommasini XFire
Chesini XCR
Cicli Barco XCR
Battaglin is still in my mind but I read and researched a little more on the SS versions.
Any thoughts? Preferences?
Thanks for any helpful comments.
I've narrowed it down to the following:
Tommasini XFire
Chesini XCR
Cicli Barco XCR
Battaglin is still in my mind but I read and researched a little more on the SS versions.
Any thoughts? Preferences?
Thanks for any helpful comments.
Maybe one has a unique finishing touch you like, or one has tubing you want. Maybe you like the history, or enjoy the model names,, that sort of thing. What I would do or what some random shlub would do is beside the point.
#19
Banned
Racers founding race bike companies
Irio Tommasini
'Irio since 1948 has been a master frame-builder and in his time was a successful rider in the world of racing.'
{Not finding any info on the guy's racing career, on the internet}
Battaglin, is obviously much younger https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_Battaglin
The Little hole in the wall bike shop I used to work for, in the 80's sold Tommasini steel frames/forks ...
...
'Irio since 1948 has been a master frame-builder and in his time was a successful rider in the world of racing.'
{Not finding any info on the guy's racing career, on the internet}
Battaglin, is obviously much younger https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_Battaglin
The Little hole in the wall bike shop I used to work for, in the 80's sold Tommasini steel frames/forks ...
...
Last edited by fietsbob; 08-07-20 at 11:19 AM.
#20
Senior Member
I think it's unlikely anyone here is going to be able to provide meaningful feedback on very expensive, custom stainless steel frames from tiny legacy Italian brands. These frames are the type of thing (in different days) you would fly to Italy for and get sized in the factory. I will say that if this is the type of bike you have to want very specifically, it's not the type of bike that you want when you just want a "good bike". If that makes sense. I personally love these types of bikes, but they are certainly a niche offering.
#21
Senior Member
I can't compare the two bikes, but I had a Tecno that I ended up deciding was a size small for me - but it was the best bike I've ever owned. I'm about 180lbs and when pushing hard, out of the saddle, the Tecno frame would bend like a banana, but it felt so alive. I see you've gone on to the XFire. All I can say is, try a Tecno first.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: In the south but from North
Posts: 700
Bikes: Turner 5-Spot Burner converted; IBIS Ripley, Specialized Crave, Tommasini Sintesi, Cinelli Superstar, Tommasini X-Fire Gravel
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 406 Post(s)
Liked 389 Times
in
219 Posts
I can't compare the two bikes, but I had a Tecno that I ended up deciding was a size small for me - but it was the best bike I've ever owned. I'm about 180lbs and when pushing hard, out of the saddle, the Tecno frame would bend like a banana, but it felt so alive. I see you've gone on to the XFire. All I can say is, try a Tecno first.
#23
Full Member
Hi
I'm putting together a build and would like the opinion of the learned members here.
I have a choice of a Tommasini Tecno or a Battaglin Portofino. I realize there is a price difference between the two but given that they will be assembled with identical parts I'm really looking for opinions on each.
Has anyone been lucky enough to ride both?
Given that the price difference between the Tecno and the Batt is about $1,200 is the Batt worth the extra cost?
Thanks.
C
I'm putting together a build and would like the opinion of the learned members here.
I have a choice of a Tommasini Tecno or a Battaglin Portofino. I realize there is a price difference between the two but given that they will be assembled with identical parts I'm really looking for opinions on each.
Has anyone been lucky enough to ride both?
Given that the price difference between the Tecno and the Batt is about $1,200 is the Batt worth the extra cost?
Thanks.
C
#24
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,614
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10964 Post(s)
Liked 7,490 Times
in
4,189 Posts
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: In the south but from North
Posts: 700
Bikes: Turner 5-Spot Burner converted; IBIS Ripley, Specialized Crave, Tommasini Sintesi, Cinelli Superstar, Tommasini X-Fire Gravel
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 406 Post(s)
Liked 389 Times
in
219 Posts
OK, guys. The saga continues. I've looked at some other builders and then did a little more research on steel frames, and have noted the differences with some stainless steel frames.
I've narrowed it down to the following:
Tommasini XFire
Chesini XCR
Cicli Barco XCR
Battaglin is still in my mind but I read and researched a little more on the SS versions.
Any thoughts? Preferences?
Thanks for any helpful comments.
I've narrowed it down to the following:
Tommasini XFire
Chesini XCR
Cicli Barco XCR
Battaglin is still in my mind but I read and researched a little more on the SS versions.
Any thoughts? Preferences?
Thanks for any helpful comments.
Any decisions? Whatever you choose, we need pics!