“I first heard of Giovanni Battaglin in the early ’80s when I got into bicycle racing. Being from Italian descent, I have always been a fan of the Italian cycling greats. 

Having owned Bianchi and Pinarello bikes, I always longed for a Battaglin, especially knowing the company’s pedigree and the success they achieved during the grand tours in the late ‘80’s. 

Battaglin bikes were always on my dream list.  

In August, 2019, one week prior to a cycling trip in the Italian Alps, which had been on my bucket list since 1988, I was researching the location of the Battaglin museum, conveniently located five minutes from relatives my son and I planned to visit in Marostica. 

I was interested in the history and seeing the old race bikes and memorabilia. Until this point in time, I did not know much about Battaglin’s current bicycle production.  

We showed up at Officina Battaglin, unannounced, and were warmly greeted by Alessandro Battaglin.   

We soon met Giovanni and he proudly took us through and explained many of the pieces of his racing history displayed throughout the building. 

After a couple hours, I set eyes on the current line of bikes in the Officina Battaglin showroom. 

We continued to tour the entire workshop with Alessandro and Giovanni. 

As an engineer and owner of a small manufacturing company, both my son and I were very interested in and overwhelmed with the craftsmanship that takes place from all the employees and the passion and pride they take in the manufacturing process.

I had no intention of buying a bike. 

But this was an experience like no other. 

Being overdue for a new bike, even though my current titanium bike will outlast me, there was no time like the present. 

To see the line up in person was unbelievable. To be custom fit by Giovanni Battaglin was priceless, a moment I will never forget.  

When we left I still wasn’t convinced that I needed a new bike.

We returned to Officina Battaglin the next day as our plans had changed due to a late night out with relatives.  

I must have stared in admiration of the Portofino for about an hour and inspected every little detail on the bare frame. It truly is a work of art.  

I spent the next hour discussing component options with Alessandro, Campagnolo group sets, disc vs rim brakes, etc.

When my Portofino arrived (as well as my son’s Pave’), the temperature outside was -20⁰ Celsius and 25 cm of snow on the ground. As beautiful as it is to look at, I could no longer wait to ride it and pulled out the rollers. I ride the Portofino indoors in anticipation of warm weather to finally take it out on the road, I can’t wait.

This was not just buying a bike, it has been a journey through fifty years of cycling history.  

From meeting a cycling legend that one has admired for his accomplishments, to going through the workshop where bikes are being hand-made by passionate craftsmen, to owning a one-off masterpiece.

Thank you Giovanni, Alessandro, and the craftsmen at Officina Battaglin for the passion you bring to the cycling world and the lost art of hand building custom bicycles.”