Stunning Italian Gravel Bike That Does Everything: Officina Battaglin Pave Review

Officina Battaglin Pave Review

“Officina Battaglin’s roots run deep into the history of bike racing. Founded by Giovanni Battaglin, the legendary cyclist capable of winning the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a Espana in just 48 days, Officina Battaglin is dedicated to ensuring that every creation is truly bespoke.” – Officina Battaglin

Why Steel?

“In the era of bicycle technology’s obsession with lightness and stiffness, carbon seems to be the only choice when it comes to finding a new bike to explore new road feels.”

Officina Battaglin Pave’

“Explore new terrains with the Battaglin Pavé, a gravel bike that redefines versatility and performance. Inspired by our Power+ EVO model, the Pavé is meticulously crafted with a custom-drawn Columbus GB81 steel tubeset, tailored specifically to meet Officina Battaglin’s exact standards.”

Officina Battaglin Pave’ Review Video

Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist Crew presents his review of the beautiful Officina Battaglin Pave’, which includes the real-world riding experience… on every road surface.

Continued from Above:

Features of the Officina Battaglin Pave

Columbus GB81 tubing (custom Officina Battaglin specifications)
Deda carbon fork
T47 bottom bracket
1″1/2 straight head tube with external cups
Disc-brake only
700×50 maximum tire clearance
Full internal cable routing
Compatible only with 1X groupsets

Battaglin Pave’ Riding Experience (Video Review Above)

Aesthetically, the Pave’ is stunning, you could say, too nice to ever consider getting dirty on a mixed-surface road. But I’ve done just that, from New England to the Mid Atlantic, and of course, the South Eastern USA, and it has turned heads no matter where I rode.

Despite this variant of the Pave’ having a top tier electronic groupset, high zoot carbon wheels, and other bells and whistles, the Pave’s is a simple machine. Built using an innovative laser welding process, this technology helps to minimize heat stress, enhancing durability which is so important for a bike design of this type. At the same time, the Pave leverages the renowned qualities of steel tubing for frame construction, synonymous with comfort.

I don’t usually go deep into frame finishing details, but the paint and Cromovelato finishing are of very high quality, and unique. Somehow I’ve only acquired two tiny paint blemishes from my time riding the Pave on the chainstay, and I did apply a ceramic coat to the frame, just like I do with all of my personal bikes and vehicles, you see more about that process at this link.

Officina Battaglin adds the modern touches of an integrated cockpit to the Pave, which isn’t for everyone, but with a nod to older bike designs with external headset cups of 1.5″, retaining a clean look for the front end, which only adds to this bike’s beauty.

I have always loved the ride quality of a steel bike, which isn’t too prevalent in mainstream cycling nowadays. The sublime riding experience of the Pave’ is difficult to express in video form, but let’s say the small weight penalty you pay vs a mass produced uber light carbon frame, is forgotten after just a few pedal strokes. We’re talking about 9.4kg complete as you see the Pave in this article / review, including computer mount with Garmin 1050, King Cage Titanium bottle cages, and Look Power Meter MTB pedals.

The Pave’s geometry is intended for modern gravel racing, which typically means a longer top tube, and shorter stem. Don’t let the performance aspect of that description dissuade you. The Pave’ is a bike you could ride comfortably all day, over any terrain, and finish the day tired by the effort, but not tired out by an overly stiff bike and punishing ride. By the same token, the Pave is not noodly, floppy, or wallowing beneath you. Handling is dialed at all speeds, which inspires confidence, something you need for all types of descending, particularly while traversing rocky tracks. The same can be said when riding slower uphill, carefully picking your line through the same terrain.

The larger tyre clearance is greatly appreciated, particularly for mud clearance, and wider tyres casings just help with the comfort. I expect the slightly oversized seatube helps with stiffness and breaks from tradition, but the larger diameter carbon seatpost by Deda Elementi did not negatively impact the bike’s riding qualities.

As the Pave’ is designed entirely around a 1x drivetrain, that will limit its appeal to some riders, with 2x still being a very popular option. With that said, this sram 13 speed red xplr drivetrain is superb, and its gearing will cover most of your gravel cycling needs. For bike packing, I’d say you’d be better off with the lower gearing of a SRAM GX Eagle AXS derailleur that supports a maximum cog count of 52 teeth.

However, there is no way I could see myself strapping bags of any kind to this beautiful frame, let alone the matching Deda carbon fork with handy mounts… that I would never use myself. Friendly reminder, review of the SRAM 13 speed Red XPLR drivetrain coming later.

There is so much to love about the Officina Battaglin Pave. Sizing aside, you can customize this bike to your liking, and with Cromovelato available as an option, life’s too short to ride bland. Adding to that, craftsmanship, build and ride quality of a very high end steel bike, hand-made in Italy, by the small crew of staff at Officina Battaglin headquarters in Marostica, Italy.

This bike is for the rider who desires something different and unique, with the performance you would expect from a modern gravel bike, but in steel. Pricing isn’t disclosed, but recollecting a conversation with Alex of Officina Battaglin website, I believe a frame and fork was under the $US 4,000 barrier. However, for the sake of accuracy, it’s best to contact Officina Battaglin directly for detailed pricing information which is likely to vary on frame finishing options, and if you choose to order a complete bike.