Battalion Frontline V3 Text Review

At the heart of the Frontline V3 is the T6 6061 alloy frame. Battalion has opted for a flared (or subtly widened) top tube profile to add stiffness and visual flair, while preserving relatively light weight. The geometry leans toward endurance/touring use slightly relaxed angles, extended wheelbase rather than an aggressive race posture. The frame is equipped with two water bottle mounts and two luggage mounts, which is a strong plus for riders wanting to supplement it with racks or panniers.

In riding, the frame inspires confidence — it doesn’t feel overly flexy even under sprinting or climbing effort. The clearance for up to 32 mm tyres gives future flexibility for rougher roads or partially gravel routes (a thoughtful feature).

In terms of fit, the available sizes (e.g. 51 cm, 54 cm) make it suitable for a range of riders, although a more extensive size spread would better cover very tall/short riders. The integrated headset (NECO) and clean cable routing help the aesthetic and reduce clutter.

The Frontline V3 is equipped with Shimano Claris components: ST-R2000 2×8 shifters, Claris front and rear derailleurs, and an 11–32T cassette. At the crank, it uses a Prowheel RPE-421P 50/34T double crankset (170 mm arms) and a KENLI bottom bracket.

In use, the shifting is crisp and reliable for its class. Claris is not a high-end groupset, but it delivers sufficient range for mixed terrain whether climbing or chasing flats. The 11–32T cassette gives a comfortable spread, and paired with the 50/34 front setup, you have decent flexibility. In my tests, jumps between gears were smooth, though under high torque (e.g. steep climbs) one must be precise with pedaling load during shifts.

Performance-wise, the drivetrain doesn’t drag or bog down it feels efficient enough for long rides when tuned well. The sealed-bearing hubs in the wheelset (discussed later) help reduce drivetrain drag. For riders who later wish to upgrade, the 2×8 architecture gives headroom for mid-tier upgrades (e.g. to a higher-level 2×9 or 2×10 group set) without needing to swap the entire frame.

For riders who later wish to upgrade, the 2×8 architecture gives headroom for mid-tier upgrades (e.g. to a higher-level 2×9 or 2×10 group set) without needing to swap the entire frame.

Comfort on the Frontline V3 is one of its strong suits. The endurance geometry (slightly taller head tube, more relaxed angles) makes for a more upright posture on long rides. The frame’s compliance is good subtle flex in the rear triangle absorbs road buzz without feeling mushy.

The standard tyres are 700×28C endurance tyres, which strike a balanced tradeoff between rolling efficiency and comfort. Given the tyre clearance up to 32 mm, riders can opt for wider tyres if their routes demand it (patchy roads, semi-gravel). That adaptability is a big plus.

The saddle is branded by Battalion a “memory foam” clamshell race-fit saddle which does well over medium distances. It’s not ultra-padded or plush, but supportive and ergonomic for typical road ride durations. The handling is stable yet responsive, so minor bumps and sideslip are well managed.

The Frontline V3 opts for Tektro rim caliper brakes (dual-pivot style). For an entry-to-mid road bike, this is a sensible choice — lower cost, lower weight, simpler maintenance. Braking performance is adequate: on dry surfaces, you can stop confidently; in wet or dusty conditions, the rim brakes require more modulation and care. They’re less powerful than disc brakes but for many users, the tradeoff is acceptable.

In terms of steering feel, the integrated NECO headset and the relatively stiff fork-frame junction give direct, predictable handling. The front doesn’t feel vague, and even in fast descents the steering holds well. The balance is good between agility and composure.

The wheels are double-wall alloy rims laced to sealed-bearing hubs (24h front, 28h rear) for better durability and lower drag. The wheels felt sturdy and responsive in my test rides; they held true under moderate load and didn’t introduce discernible flex. The sealed hubs also help maintain performance in varied weather without frequent servicing.

The stock tyres are 700×28C endurance tyres well-suited for road riding and moderate surfaces. The option to go up to 32 mm is a welcome buffer if you want more cushion or ride rougher lanes. 

As mentioned earlier, the saddle is a Battalion memory-foam, clamshell race-style saddle that balances firmness with some comfort. On 50–80 km rides, it held up decently; for ultra-long rides, more trial and fit tuning may benefit the rider.