chris3625

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

unterhausen

Moved here from framebuilders.

Welcome to the forum.

veganbikes

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.

mstateglfr 

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.

chris3625

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.

chris3625

Wow. That was really helpful. Thanks.

vespasianus

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!

genejockey 

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!"

chris3625

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.

vespasianus

Whichever you choose, you are one lucky person. Would love to see the winner!

MarcusT

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

thehammerdog

if u need to ask.....

chris3625

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.

vespasianus

All great bikes. There is someone here who has an XCR from Cicli Barco. Nice looking bike and I get the feeling they really work with you to get you the bike you want. Tommasini is fantastic as well but don't know much about the Chesini. They all look wonderful.

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.

Mulberry20

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.

AlgarveCycling

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.

georgiaboy

Tommasini vs. Battaglin? What about Merckx vs Battaglin?

mstateglfr 

There is no 'best at this point, its simply what appeals most to the user. You are looking at great options overall.
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.

fietsbob

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 ...


...

Hiro11

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.

Monkey Face

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.

vespasianus

Well, that is wacky. I have a 59 cm Sintesi and I am now 200lbs. When I got the bike (20 years ago!), I was closer to 150. But even in my current condition, the bike does not flex like a banana. I would not say it is the stiffest frame but in no way is it a wet noodle.

RiceAWay

If you are getting a custom Tomassini Techno you couldn't do any better unless you bought a Waterford.

mstateglfr 

Except for all the other incredible builders who some like more.
All this is arbitrary as its preference and can't be measured.

vespasianus

Any decisions? Whatever you choose, we need pics!