Tommasini versus Battaglin
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#28
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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
The weights of the built bikes on the website are 17lbs, which is quite impressive.
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#29
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I had a 30 minute call with Alex Battaglin this morning. I am leaning toward the Power + Evo. $3500 Euros for that frame. I know it is expensive but compared to run of the mill Asian carbon frames it is quite reasonable considering it is custom and the pedigree of the builder.
The weights of the built bikes on the website are 17lbs, which is quite impressive.
The weights of the built bikes on the website are 17lbs, which is quite impressive.
ps. having just moved to a carbon bike, while nice and crazy light, the ride is just meh compared to a nice steel bike.
#30
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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
not a bad problem to have.
#31
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The Battaglin bikes on their web site are stunning. I'm wondering how they compare (from a ride perspective) to a titanium bike - like a Moots. Do modern steel bikes have any advantages over Ti?
#32
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I think titanium is probably stronger than light steel from a dent and crash point of view.
#33
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The other is cost. A completely custom frame in the most expensive tubing, XCR, is about $3500 from one of these masters.
Another to throw in the mix is Casata located in Monza. They work in both regular steel and stainless. The Expresso is a screaming value in Campy all around for about $4500.
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I read the title and thought this was about wines or pasta.
#35
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#36
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For those looking for a great deal on a Battaglin, a power+ just came up on e-bay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Officina-Ba...oAAOSwghtfOMub
This has me seriously thinking about selling all my other bikes to buy this...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Officina-Ba...oAAOSwghtfOMub
This has me seriously thinking about selling all my other bikes to buy this...
#37
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At this level, buy the bike that makes you say "That one! That one right there. That is the bicycle that I must have."
The one that makes you want to scarf a huge plate of pasta, down a bottle of Tuscan red, and go out and ride it all afternoon... that's your bike.
There was an article many many years ago, I think it was in Bicycle Guide, that included the line, "One does not take a bicycle to Italy. One brings a bicycle home from Italy." That's the vibe, right there.
Get the one that makes your heart sing opera.
--Shannon
(For me, that would be the Tomassini... every one I've ever seen, I've been tempted to steal. So unbearably Italian that you feel like you have to use extra virgin olive oil as thread lube when you build the bike.)
The one that makes you want to scarf a huge plate of pasta, down a bottle of Tuscan red, and go out and ride it all afternoon... that's your bike.
There was an article many many years ago, I think it was in Bicycle Guide, that included the line, "One does not take a bicycle to Italy. One brings a bicycle home from Italy." That's the vibe, right there.
Get the one that makes your heart sing opera.
--Shannon
(For me, that would be the Tomassini... every one I've ever seen, I've been tempted to steal. So unbearably Italian that you feel like you have to use extra virgin olive oil as thread lube when you build the bike.)
Last edited by ShannonM; 08-21-20 at 08:19 PM.
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#38
Senior Member
At this level, buy the bike that makes you say "That one! That one right there. That is the bicycle that I must have."
The one that makes you want to scarf a huge plate of pasta, down a bottle of Tuscan red, and go out and ride it all afternoon... that's your bike.
There was an article many many years ago, I think it was in Bicycle Guide, that included the line, "One does not take a bicycle to Italy. One brings a bicycle home from Italy." That's the vibe, right there.
Get the one that makes your heart sing opera.
--Shannon
(For me, that would be the Tomassini... every one I've ever seen, I've been tempted to steal. So unbearably Italian that you feel like you have to use extra virgin olive oil as thread lube when you build the bike.)
The one that makes you want to scarf a huge plate of pasta, down a bottle of Tuscan red, and go out and ride it all afternoon... that's your bike.
There was an article many many years ago, I think it was in Bicycle Guide, that included the line, "One does not take a bicycle to Italy. One brings a bicycle home from Italy." That's the vibe, right there.
Get the one that makes your heart sing opera.
--Shannon
(For me, that would be the Tomassini... every one I've ever seen, I've been tempted to steal. So unbearably Italian that you feel like you have to use extra virgin olive oil as thread lube when you build the bike.)
#39
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I’m lucky enough to own both a Tommasini Tecno and a Casati Inox RS (now known as the Espresso Inox), so can perhaps give some insight which might help. Both bikes have quite distinct purposes for me, so which I’d recommend would depend upon what you want from your bike.
My Tecno is built up with a steel Air fork, Campagnolo Athena, quill stem, shallow section Mavic rims, and a Regal saddle, and to my mind is a piece of jewellery, what with the chrome, and the silver groupset and the retro look. I bought it for the sole purpose of riding in nice weather, and as a reminder of what bikes looked like when I first got into cycling in the late 80’s, but with the modern day advantage of Ergopower levers, dual pivot brakes and 11 speed. As you know, custom geometry and paint are available at no extra charge from Tommasini, and the ride is sublime - beautifully smooth, relaxing when you want it to be, but still plenty stiff at the BB.
As for the Casati, that is also a fabulous bike, and one I chose over the Cinelli XCR/Cicli Barco, or the Tommasini X Fire because of the beautiful fillet brazing which creates smooth welds, and a seamless join between the tubes. I always liked the Casati Laser, and so decided to buy the Inox instead of a carbon bike. The Casati has a carbon fork and Chorus carbon groupset, and is more of a race bike of course than the Tecno. Because the Inox is somewhat oversized compared to the Tecno, and has an ahead stem rather than quill, it is stiffer at the BB and head tube than the Tecno, but still feels very comfy and smooth.
The Battaglin’s also look stunning, and I can’t compare them directly, but what I will say is I would choose the Casati or Battaglin over the Cinelli/Barco as I think that aesthetically they are nicer, and can attest to the help, support and customer service from Rudi at Casati has been outstanding.
Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll be happy with the bike, but as one of the other posts said, go with the bike that really makes your heart sing.
Hope that helps, and let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know.
My Tecno is built up with a steel Air fork, Campagnolo Athena, quill stem, shallow section Mavic rims, and a Regal saddle, and to my mind is a piece of jewellery, what with the chrome, and the silver groupset and the retro look. I bought it for the sole purpose of riding in nice weather, and as a reminder of what bikes looked like when I first got into cycling in the late 80’s, but with the modern day advantage of Ergopower levers, dual pivot brakes and 11 speed. As you know, custom geometry and paint are available at no extra charge from Tommasini, and the ride is sublime - beautifully smooth, relaxing when you want it to be, but still plenty stiff at the BB.
As for the Casati, that is also a fabulous bike, and one I chose over the Cinelli XCR/Cicli Barco, or the Tommasini X Fire because of the beautiful fillet brazing which creates smooth welds, and a seamless join between the tubes. I always liked the Casati Laser, and so decided to buy the Inox instead of a carbon bike. The Casati has a carbon fork and Chorus carbon groupset, and is more of a race bike of course than the Tecno. Because the Inox is somewhat oversized compared to the Tecno, and has an ahead stem rather than quill, it is stiffer at the BB and head tube than the Tecno, but still feels very comfy and smooth.
The Battaglin’s also look stunning, and I can’t compare them directly, but what I will say is I would choose the Casati or Battaglin over the Cinelli/Barco as I think that aesthetically they are nicer, and can attest to the help, support and customer service from Rudi at Casati has been outstanding.
Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll be happy with the bike, but as one of the other posts said, go with the bike that really makes your heart sing.
Hope that helps, and let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know.
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#40
Senior Member
I’m lucky enough to own both a Tommasini Tecno and a Casati Inox RS (now known as the Espresso Inox), so can perhaps give some insight which might help. Both bikes have quite distinct purposes for me, so which I’d recommend would depend upon what you want from your bike.
My Tecno is built up with a steel Air fork, Campagnolo Athena, quill stem, shallow section Mavic rims, and a Regal saddle, and to my mind is a piece of jewellery, what with the chrome, and the silver groupset and the retro look. I bought it for the sole purpose of riding in nice weather, and as a reminder of what bikes looked like when I first got into cycling in the late 80’s, but with the modern day advantage of Ergopower levers, dual pivot brakes and 11 speed. As you know, custom geometry and paint are available at no extra charge from Tommasini, and the ride is sublime - beautifully smooth, relaxing when you want it to be, but still plenty stiff at the BB.
As for the Casati, that is also a fabulous bike, and one I chose over the Cinelli XCR/Cicli Barco, or the Tommasini X Fire because of the beautiful fillet brazing which creates smooth welds, and a seamless join between the tubes. I always liked the Casati Laser, and so decided to buy the Inox instead of a carbon bike. The Casati has a carbon fork and Chorus carbon groupset, and is more of a race bike of course than the Tecno. Because the Inox is somewhat oversized compared to the Tecno, and has an ahead stem rather than quill, it is stiffer at the BB and head tube than the Tecno, but still feels very comfy and smooth.
The Battaglin’s also look stunning, and I can’t compare them directly, but what I will say is I would choose the Casati or Battaglin over the Cinelli/Barco as I think that aesthetically they are nicer, and can attest to the help, support and customer service from Rudi at Casati has been outstanding.
Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll be happy with the bike, but as one of the other posts said, go with the bike that really makes your heart sing.
Hope that helps, and let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know.
My Tecno is built up with a steel Air fork, Campagnolo Athena, quill stem, shallow section Mavic rims, and a Regal saddle, and to my mind is a piece of jewellery, what with the chrome, and the silver groupset and the retro look. I bought it for the sole purpose of riding in nice weather, and as a reminder of what bikes looked like when I first got into cycling in the late 80’s, but with the modern day advantage of Ergopower levers, dual pivot brakes and 11 speed. As you know, custom geometry and paint are available at no extra charge from Tommasini, and the ride is sublime - beautifully smooth, relaxing when you want it to be, but still plenty stiff at the BB.
As for the Casati, that is also a fabulous bike, and one I chose over the Cinelli XCR/Cicli Barco, or the Tommasini X Fire because of the beautiful fillet brazing which creates smooth welds, and a seamless join between the tubes. I always liked the Casati Laser, and so decided to buy the Inox instead of a carbon bike. The Casati has a carbon fork and Chorus carbon groupset, and is more of a race bike of course than the Tecno. Because the Inox is somewhat oversized compared to the Tecno, and has an ahead stem rather than quill, it is stiffer at the BB and head tube than the Tecno, but still feels very comfy and smooth.
The Battaglin’s also look stunning, and I can’t compare them directly, but what I will say is I would choose the Casati or Battaglin over the Cinelli/Barco as I think that aesthetically they are nicer, and can attest to the help, support and customer service from Rudi at Casati has been outstanding.
Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll be happy with the bike, but as one of the other posts said, go with the bike that really makes your heart sing.
Hope that helps, and let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know.
#41
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Ok, a year later the build is complete. Rather than a Tomm or a Bataglin I went with a Pegoretti Marcello. Had the Ciavete paint job, and finished the build with Campy Record, Campy 33W WTO, Pirelli PZeros, Deda stem, bars, and seatpost, and a Selle Italia saddle. The bar tape was from Leh. The color of the bike (underneath the Ciavete) is a cobalt blue. Smooth as all hell; handles nicely; just a joy to ride. The dream bike. I'll post some pics soon.
#42
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Ok, a year later the build is complete. Rather than a Tomm or a Bataglin I went with a Pegoretti Marcello. Had the Ciavete paint job, and finished the build with Campy Record, Campy 33W WTO, Pirelli PZeros, Deda stem, bars, and seatpost, and a Selle Italia saddle. The bar tape was from Leh. The color of the bike (underneath the Ciavete) is a cobalt blue. Smooth as all hell; handles nicely; just a joy to ride. The dream bike. I'll post some pics soon.
Looking forward to them! A Pegoretti is one of the few machines on my "dream list"
#43
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I just realized we got no pics of that Pegoretti!
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#45
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Subscribing for some sweet pics.