“Alex,

Just a quick note to let you know about how my Power+ is coming along.

For background, I’m a recent convert to cycling having played rugby and raced motorcycles for the last 20 years.

Almost all my riding is between 30-70 miles with 3,000-4,000’ of climbing.

I’m not fast, can’t climb or TT, don’t race or style myself as one but love being outside getting exercise and spending time with riding buddies or meeting new ones.

As you may recall, I was recently on a Fondriest X-Status steel race bike that I loved, a new-old-stock frame that I found and built up with Campagnolo Record 11 gruppo.

However it was too big for me.

Prior to that I was on a Specialized Tarmac which, while being extremely responsive, was tiring to ride after 2 hours.

My hands were always numb which is why I switched to the steel Fondriest.

I learned about Officina Battaglin when your Marosticana was featured in an article in Peloton magazine maybe 2 years ago.

The craftsmanship, paint and backstory of your family’s business hooked me then and I’ve followed the company online ever since.

Truth be told, my dream bike is your Portofino but I was hesitant to commit the funds and time never having bought a bike long-distance before.

I like traditional frame lines and was considering the Power+ but frankly wasn’t enthused with the sloping frame or “racer’s attitude” so when we discussed sizing and ride characteristics and you indicated it would be built in a traditional manner plus with blue colorway I was “all in”!

It’s been about a month now and while I’m still fiddling with some minor set up adjustments I can definitively say it rides wonderfully!

The geometry is tight & responsive but the frame soaks up the road in spades!

My build is a full Campagnolo Super record along with Campagnolo Bora 35 wheels and 25mm tires which I make it handle sublimely.

It corners like on rails, descends super stable, pulls up hills with a lot less effort than what I was used to.

It just feels “rock solid”.

The workmanship is first-rate as is the finish.

I had one fellow ask me how I liked my new carbon bike – the welds are that seamless!

He was shocked it was steel.

Almost everyone is surprised a how light it is, 17.5 lbs., which I think goes a long ways towards demystifying the “steel is heavy” thought.

I’ve ridden about 500 miles on it so far and really love everything about it!

Happy to speak with anyone who is considering one.”