Advice on Italian made bikes, Battaglin

[Pete Subs]

I posted here before regarding the Battaglin factory I visited last week in Italy. Does anyone has experience with them in the US. They offered me thier top of the line full carbon frame for around 3K.

Good buy or stay away?

 

[DirtyWorks]

I posted here before regarding the Battaglin factory I visited last week in Italy. Does anyone has experience with them in the US. They offered me thier top of the line full carbon frame for around 3K.

Good buy or stay away?

Well, unless Battaglin is laying carbon in Italy, (doubtful) it's made in Asia with all the rest. And it's probably very nice. More important though,

Does it have a warranty?
Does it fit?
Is it the right bike for your kind of riding?

 

[laziali]

Well, unless Battaglin is laying carbon in Italy, (doubtful) it's made in Asia with all the rest. And it's probably very nice. More important though,

Does it have a warranty?
Does it fit?
Is it the right bike for your kind of riding?

Bolded bit. Point of clarification - Colnago still lays up its carbon for its lugged models such as C59 and EPS (or whatever the new model is called) at Cambiago. The "monocoques" such as M10 and CX-1 are made in two triangles in Asia and then bonded in Cambiago to allow the finetuning that gives them such a sublime ride quality.

Not an "Italy is better than Asia" comment, just a clarification.

 

[DirtyWorks]

Bolded bit. Point of clarification - Colnago still lays up its carbon for its lugged models such as C59 and EPS (or whatever the new model is called) at Cambiago. The "monocoques" such as M10 and CX-1 are made in two triangles in Asia and then bonded in Cambiago to allow the finetuning that gives them such a sublime ride quality.

Not an "Italy is better than Asia" comment, just a clarification.

Thanks! I didn't know carbon frames were still being made in the West beyond boutique brands. Trade conditions strongly favor the Asian suppliers I just assumed everyone got pragmatic and ordered it from Taiwan/China. What's the price point on the lugged Colnago?

I'd argue the bulk of the technology and work on the monocoques is in the assemblies sent to Italy. They get to do the fit and finish work, which is definitely a value-add and good way to stay in business. But I'm insensitive to much of that fit and finish work. Many are not.

 

[Pete Subs]

Very interesting. Thank you guys.

I heard simelar things before. I told them that I read a lot about Italian brands who just "finish" their frames in Italy. When I visited them they took me to their production department in their factory and they showed me how they make their frames from scratch. All of their road frames are monocoque and made in their factory. They showed me the raw carbon material and every step that is involved.

I finally ordered this weekend from thier US channel a C13 with Super Record and Bora 2. I cant wait to ride it.

 

[DirtyWorks]

Very interesting. Thank you guys.

I heard simelar things before. I told them that I read a lot about Italian brands who just "finish" their frames in Italy. When I visited them they took me to their production department in their factory and they showed me how they make their frames from scratch. All of their road frames are monocoque and made in their factory. They showed me the raw carbon material and every step that is involved.

I finally ordered this weekend from thier US channel a C13 with Super Record and Bora 2. I cant wait to ride it.

More interesting information. Bataglin has in-house carbon production. Not cheap to start! Good for them for making the effort.

What's the frame warranty like?

 

[Pete Subs]

Yes. It was very interesting to see the effort they put in keeping everything Italian. They told me they get the raw carbon on big wheels and do everything on their own.

I researched a long time before I made a decision. First I wanted to buy only a frame. Like everyone else I wanted a Italian made bike and started looking for a Pinarello. I read every forum entry about Pinarello's. Many people were writing about Pinarello's Taiwan production and told me if I really want something Italian I have to look for a boutique brand.

The last decision maker was the price point, since they are selling factory direct in the US I went from just a frame to a complete bike. For their top of the line bike C13 with an integrated seatmast, Campy Super Record and Campagnolo Bora Ultra Two carbon I paid ~ $8500. I looked at Competetivecyclist.com and I configured a Pinarello with the exact same specs and wheels for ~$11900.

They give 2 year warrenty. Same as other Italian brands.

 

[oldborn]

Nice bikes, and they are factory direct at least in Italy/ and entire Europe
(i guess) so you should take this into account when buying, i mean no intermediate.
Also they are having some awesome MTB line Full Dynamix, check it out http://www.full-dynamix.it/

 

[Pete Subs]

Yes, If I wouldnt live in Florida I would get a Full-Dynamix MTB.

Yes, like I said. They sell factory direct now in the US as well. Check it out at http://www.Battaglin-USA.com

 

[bc_hills]

Why does this thread feel like an late night infomercial?

Hey Pete Subs, why did you delete your original thread were you said that an entry level bike from this guys was 'only' $2900? Was I too rude? Just curious.

 

[laziali]

Thanks! I didn't know carbon frames were still being made in the West beyond boutique brands. Trade conditions strongly favor the Asian suppliers I just assumed everyone got pragmatic and ordered it from Taiwan/China. What's the price point on the lugged Colnago?

I'd argue the bulk of the technology and work on the monocoques is in the assemblies sent to Italy. They get to do the fit and finish work, which is definitely a value-add and good way to stay in business. But I'm insensitive to much of that fit and finish work. Many are not.

The top of the line C59 lugged Colnago is about EUR3,900 or USD4,400. I've ridden a lot of frames and think the Colnago's give the best ride quality vs stiffness, although no doubt other posters will prefer a different marque such as Pinarello.

It all depends what one is after. For all out crazy shake-your-bones-off stiffness you can't beat a Cervelo. For overall vfm I would be going for a house brand like Ribble or even an Asian OEM. For ultra-light, there is Storck.

PS - For looking like a fanboy tool there is Trek

 

[Pete Subs]

Hey bc_hills, I didnt delete any posts. I thought it was deleted by the forum. I couldnt find it anymore. Yes, I was looking for an entry level bike for my wife.

Why infomercial?

 

[Pete Subs]

Hey laziali

Thanks for the info on Colnago. It was one of the brands I considered when I was shopping for a road bike. I just bought a Battaglin C13, integrated seatmast, Super Record and Bora 2 Carbon for $8500. Do you happen to know the prices of something simelar from Colnago?

 

[oldborn]

Hey bc_hills, I didnt delete any posts. I thought it was deleted by the forum. I couldnt find it anymore. Yes, I was looking for an entry level bike for my wife.

Why infomercial?

Ok i got it, you bought entry level bike for your women for 8500$.
Do you know Francesca chick from Battaglin?

 

[laziali]

Hey laziali

Thanks for the info on Colnago. It was one of the brands I considered when I was shopping for a road bike. I just bought a Battaglin C13, integrated seatmast, Super Record and Bora 2 Carbon for $8500. Do you happen to know the prices of something simelar from Colnago?

About the same price. Ps I just had a look at your Battaglin C13 on the link - sweet looking ride!

 

[Pete Subs]

Wow! I received this afternoon my C13. What a sweet ride.

I didn't have time to go for long ride but the few miles I tried it out were really sweet. I wasn't sure about which color combination I should take but ended up with the red/white one which fits perfectly to the Bora wheels.

What an awesome ride. I can't wait to really log some serious miles with it. So far I am very happy with my choice. I was looking for a true Italian made ride with great components and some exotic flair.

 

[Pete Subs]

Hey oldborn,

No, the entry level for 2900 was for my wife the C13 for myself.

No, I don't know her. I bought it from their US branch and spoke to a guy. Why?

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

Wow! I received this afternoon my C13. What a sweet ride.

I didn't have time to go for long ride but the few miles I tried it out were really sweet. I wasn't sure about which color combination I should take but ended up with the red/white one which fits perfectly to the Bora wheels.

What an awesome ride. I can't wait to really log some serious miles with it. So far I am very happy with my choice. I was looking for a true Italian made ride with great components and some exotic flair.

You toured the factory in Italy last week, ordered from the U.S. distributor on the weekend, and received the bike on Tuesday. And it is a sweet ride. This does not sounds fishy. Not at all.

Let me guess. You work for the distributor and sell Shamwows in your spare time.

 

[Pete Subs]

What is it with these guys and me working for them???

Yes, you got it. I went to their factory and checked it out. Then I returned home and ordered the bike which arrived 9days later. I wanted to get an opinion on the bikes. That's all.

 

[LugHugger]

I think that some people are surprised that you made your decision in 9 days, apparently without riding similar Italian frames. Colnago have been mentioned and it would seem from your posts that you have not ridden or researched their frames. Many bike riders would start with Colnago, Pinarello and De Rosa and move to Battaglin, Milani, Pegoretti, Wilier and others from there.

Not many people fly to Italy to see one factory without taking the opportunity to visit other factories and make a an educated comparison. Given your budget, I am surprised that you did not visit other factories given you were within an hour's drive of most of the above brands when you were in Marostica.

Given your previous comments, I think that some of us feel that you either made a hasty decision or you are not being totally transparent about your relationship with Battaglin. Then again, you may have just made an impulse decision. But your comments do not bear the latter out.

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

In the last week new posters have popped up on several cycling forums touting Battaglin frames.

New poster with lots of inside information about Battaglin appears here.

6/8/2011: "...I visited last week in Italy..."
6/13/2011 (Monday): "...I finally ordered this weekend..."
6/14/2011 (Tuesday): "... Wow! I received this afternoon my C13. What a sweet ride..."

I think the previous poster nailed it with the infomercial comment.

 

[Pete Subs]

Hi LugHugger,

Thank you for your explanation. I think I made a sound decision with purchasing the bike I did and yes you are right, I did put in a lot more thought prior seeking help in this forum. I visited the factory because a friend in Italy rides a Battaglin. I likes everything about this bike and there was no need for me to look further.

I appriciate the tips. What kind of bike do you ride?

 

[Michele]

In the last week new posters have popped up on several cycling forums touting Battaglin frames.

New poster with lots of inside information about Battaglin appears here.

6/8/2011: "...I visited last week in Italy..."
6/13/2011 (Monday): "...I finally ordered this weekend..."
6/14/2011 (Tuesday): "... Wow! I received this afternoon my C13. What a sweet ride..."

I think the previous poster nailed it with the infomercial comment.

And all thanks to the magic internet world!

 

[Pete Subs]

Hello Michele,

I like your site but what so magical about the internet?