Italian gravel bike: Officina Battaglin Matera with traditional chrome paintwork

In a gravel cycling world dominated by carbon frames and mass production, Officina Battaglin Matera is deliberately striking a different note. With its steel gravel bike, the long-established Italian manufacturer presents an alternative that aims to stand out not only through its handcrafted construction, but also through one of the most iconic surface finishes in the cycling industry: Cromovelato.

The Officina Battaglin Matera is not aimed at riders who are solely focused on weight, aerodynamics or racing pedigree. Instead, it appeals to gravel cyclists who value craftsmanship, individuality and the unmistakable riding experience of a high-quality steel frame. With modern gravel technology, generous tyre clearance and the legendary Cromovelato paint finish, the Matera combines tradition and modernity in a way that has become rare today. It is a gravel bike for connoisseurs – and for anyone who wants their bike to have just as much personality as the trails they ride on.

Key information about Officina Battaglin Matera

• Intended use: gravel bike
• Maximum tyre clearance: 50 mm
• Frame material: steel
• Price of frameset: from €2,100
• Price of the complete bike: from €3,189
• Weight: N/A
• Special features: custom paint finish, made in Italy

Southern Italian naming conventions

Officina Battaglin’s gravel bike is named after the southern Italian city of Matera, whose cave dwellings, dating back thousands of years, are considered to be among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. For the Italian manufacturer, the city symbolises durability, authenticity and the close connection between people and the landscape – qualities that are also intended to be reflected in the character of the new gravel bike. At the heart of the Matera is a frame made from Columbus Spirit HSS tubes, manufactured to Officina Battaglin’s specifications. The frame is constructed in northern Italy using the traditional fillet-brazed method, in which the joints between the tubes are ground by hand. The result is flowing lines that are intended to evoke classic frame-building craftsmanship rather than modern mass production.

No technical nostalgia

Technically speaking, however, the Officina Battaglin Matera is by no means a nostalgic design. The frame is specifically engineered to meet today’s gravel cycling requirements. These include fully internal cable routing, a T47 bottom bracket, disc brake mounts and compatibility with modern single-chainring drivetrains. The maximum tyre clearance is 50 millimetres with 700C wheels. The details also show that the Matera is not just designed to look good, but to perform well in everyday use. The specially developed carbon fork features mounts for Anything cages and is fitted with 100 x 12 mm thru-axles.

A Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) makes it easier to source spare parts whilst on the road and ensures the bike is compatible with current rear derailleur standards. The Matera is also designed to accommodate Vario seatposts and features a practical rear end with 440-millimetre-long chainstays. The geometry is based on modern gravel concepts: a comparatively flat head angle, long wheelbases and high stack values promise a smooth ride and comfort on long tours, as well as safety on loose terrain.

The paintwork is a real eye-catcher

However interesting the technical specifications may be, it is the finish that really catches the eye. Officina Battaglin is one of the few manufacturers that still uses the intricate Cromovelato process. This involves chrome-plating the surface and then coating it with layers of transparent paint. The result is an extraordinary sense of depth, with the metal shimmering differently depending on the angle of the light. A total of 20 colour options are available for the Matera. Five of these are classic solid-colour finishes from the ‘Minimal’ series, whilst 15 variants are available as Cromovelato finishes. Each paint finish is applied at the company’s own factory in Italy and is custom-made for the customer.

The concept behind the ‘Cromovelato For You’ collection is particularly interesting. Whilst custom-built steel frames often involve delivery times of several months, Officina Battaglin promises to manufacture and paint the Matera within four weeks of ordering. This is intended to make the customisation of a handmade frame significantly more accessible. The frameset, including a carbon fork, headset and thru-axles, is available from €2,100. Complete bikes are also available from €3,189. Buyers also receive a personalised sizing consultation to determine the right frame geometry.

Conclusion on gravel bikes

It’s no secret that the Italians know a thing or two about design. With its elaborate custom paint finish, Officina Battaglin has really put the finishing touch on its gravel bike. The Matera is definitely a head-turner and has more to offer technically than you’d need for a quick ride to the ice-cream parlour. The prices for the locally manufactured steel frame are pleasingly fair. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor