Hello Alex, Giovanni and all the good folks at Battaglin Bikes,

My pursuit for a new bike began 4 years ago when an unfortunate collision left my beloved Look 585 in pieces.

Once I’d healed, I picked up my 20-year-old steel Serotta and began to think of my next ride.

I knew I wanted steel for its traditional comfort, but I didn’t fancy a classic small tubed frame.

I dreamt of large ovalized tubes, a tapered headtube, and stunning paint work. But where to find such a bike? It just didn’t seem to exist.

So, I rode and waited, thinking of that dream bike, down to the smallest detail, hoping it would appear before me.

And then it did, in a picture I stumbled upon of a glorious blue Portofino with an iridescent cromovelato finish, oversized tubes and polished lugs.

I could not believe my eyes and knew I had to have it.

I quickly googled Battaglin, read the reviews and emailed Alex. The very next day we were chatting about the details of my new bike. I was so excited and could hardly wait. Only 8 weeks for it to arrive!

That was one week before Covid-19 hit Lombardy. Oh to be so close and yet so far away.

Covid hit Italy terribly and locked down the entire North including Marostica. I figured Battaglin wouldn’t survive and I’d never see that bike.

I decided not to bother Alex, he was dealing with problems far greater than my dream ride. The months passed and I waited, hoping Battaglin would endure.

I’d pretty much given up and then in July, a phone call from Italy. “Hello Marc, I just emailed pictures of your new bike, would you like to see it?”

A month later, it was in my hands. A thing of absolute beauty.

Mirror polished stays and lugs with an orange cromovelato finish. Stunning! I built it up with mechanical Super Record 12 speed, rim brakes and Bora WTOs.

It fit perfectly, just like Giovanni said it would.

And the ride, it was everything I’d hoped for. The smoothest ride I’d ever experienced.

What a joy to pedal and Super Record 12 is spectacular. Every shift just works with that precise mechanical Italian feedback.

People comment on it everywhere I ride. Not sure it’s a bike anymore. Perhaps a “rolling work of art” is more fitting.

Molto bene Battaglin and thank you for the wonderful experience!

Sincerely,

Marc Bernard