The Portofino R
The first steel frame in the world with oversized lugs is now even more modern
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Since its inception, the Portofino has been Officina Battaglin’s flagship model. A lugged steel frame with oversized tubing: it was the perfect blend of the tradition of Italian steel frame building with modern tech and aesthetics.
Over the last few years, the Portofino has seen several updates taking cues from the most advanced race bikes: tapered steerer, disc brakes, fully internal routing. But how close to a modern race-focused thoroughbred could a lugged steel bike get?
Alex and Giovanni Battaglin had been feeling the need to push the Portofino toward the race side for a while. So, when the update project started, they focused on one single goal: achieving an increase in frame stiffness without compromising on comfort.
First, they opted for a very different approach to the frame geometry by drastically lowering the seat stays. This implied redesigning the seat lug, which took a sharp departure from the classic shape accommodating the seat stays. But the new geometry also led to several adaptions on the rear triangle, with new flat chainstays and a new proprietary dropout. From there, the tubing diameters were increased.
All combined, these major revisions led to the most dramatic change since the launch of the Portofino, the fastest Portofino version to date:
The Portofino R
The Portofino R retains the Portofino Classic’s distinctive identity. It’s a frame that prioritizes rider comfort, so you can enjoy the unparalleled smoothness of a handcrafted lugged steel bike. But it won’t take more than a few pedal strokes to feel like a pro on a breakaway: thanks to the increased stiffness, the Portofino R will give you the sensation you’re transferring every single watt of energy to the ground, with more power than ever.
The most significant change from the Portofino Classic is the seat lug. The lug shape has been completely reengineered to go with the new geometry. The seatpost locking system employs an expander bolt clamp that allows more clamping pressure with less torque. There are no bolts in sight, making for a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing look.
Built around a geometry almost aero-inspired, the Portofino R features dropped seat stays. The rear triangle’s reduced section translates into more stiffness, to provide instant response during a full gas sprint or when climbing out of the saddle.
The Officina Battaglin design team put their heart and soul into creating a completely new aesthetic that will make your bike stand out even when you’re not riding. The incredibly elaborate paint scheme involves setting a smooth transition between two cromovelato colors with a filigree design where every single logo has to be applied by hand. Combine this with the Portofino R’s chrome lugs, and you’ll have all the best finishes a custom Italian bike has to offer.
The color of your custom bike might be the most challenging decision you ever make for a bike. So, shouldn’t you be able to enjoy the color that haunted you for weeks even when you’re riding the bike? The cockpit in matching cromovelato finish will allow you to do exactly so. Every time you push on the pedals and you put your head down, you’ll see the handlebar and stem in a translucent shiny color… The best choice you could ever make.
The cockpit in matching cromovelato finish is available as an upgrade option and includes a custom Officina Battaglin stem.
If you want to take the personalization to a level no one has reached before, the saddle’s shell will be your secret weapon. The saddle in matching cromovelato finish, available as an upgrade option on specific saddle models, will add even more vibrancy and depth to your bike.
They might be small, but there’s no doubt that they’re one of the most potent custom touches that you can add to make your Portofino R feel really complete. The brake levers in matching cromovelato finish are available as an upgrade option.
You can order a custom Portofino R direct from Officina Battaglin and enjoy the full experience of building a frame or bike tailor-made to your preferences.
A custom Portofino R frame includes:
- custom steel frame built to your measurements in the Battaglin workshop
- carbon fork manufactured in Italy
- head parts
- custom paint or custom cromovelato finishing (one color from the Officina Battaglin cromovelato selection)
- individually numbered plate
- certificate of Authenticity signed by Giovanni Battaglin
The price for a Portofino R 2023 frame custom-made for you in the Battaglin workshop starts at 7.000 €.
Technical specifications
- Columbus GB81 tubing (Custom Officina Battaglin specifications)
- Proprietary carbon fork manufactured in Italy
- Proprietary steel lugs
- 1”⅛ 1”¼ tapered head tube
- T47 bottom bracket
- Custom geometry
- Rim and disc brake versions available