Eurobike is off to a flying start, even before the show opens, with multiple product launches hitting our inbox. Pirelli, who has been making a name for themselves recently in the cycling world, have began to round out their product lines. It started with the P Zero road range, and then the Cinturato tubeless road and Scorpion MTB ranges. The Italian brand is now adding cyclocross and gravel tires under the Cinturato range.
The new Cinturato Gravel and Cross will come in two varieties each, H for hard surface and M for mixed surface. Both lines are following what Pirelli has done with the Scorpion MTB tires, letting the surface dictate the tread and compound, not the weather. They also will use technology from the Cinturato road tires.
The H tires feature lower profile and tightly packed tread to keep rolling resistance low while still providing grip. The Gravel version is reminiscent of a traditional cyclocross file tread pattern with very low blocks down the center and taller shoulder blocks for traction in loose turns. The Cross H has fewer and taller blocks down the center, along with the supporting shoulder blocks.
The M tires have a more aggressive tread pattern for both Gravel and Cross. Both have a consistent block down the center to help reduce rolling resistance, but also have an open tread design between the center and the shoulders. The Gravel M has an almost solid line of tread down the center, with similar solid bars of tread alternating on each side and a single block filling the open voids. The Cross M is even more open with taller tread blocks to handle more aggressive cyclocross tracks that might also include mud.
Pirelli created a new compound for the Cinturato Gravel and Cross tires called SpeedGRIP. Like the SmartGRIP compound found in the Scorpion MTB tires, SpeedGRIP is formulated to perform in both wet and dry conditions. Since these tires are designed for higher speeds and longer distances, SpeedGRIP is designed to be efficient and durable, for anything from racing to bike packing.
For added durability, Pirelli utilizes a woven nylon fabric for added protection against punctures. When you combine it with the SpeedGrip compound above, a multi-ply 127 TPI nylon casing below, and a tubeless ready Aramid bead, the new tires are designed to keep you riding longer, while still performing at almost race tire levels.
When it comes to sizes, the Cinturato Cross will be available in 700×33, following the UCI’s cyclocross tire size guidelines. It’s a great place to start, but we hope to see them expand out to possibly a 35 or a 38 for those not constrained to UCI rules. For the Cinturato Gravel, they will be available in sizes ranging from 700×35, 40, and 45 and 650bx45 to 50. The Gravel tires will be available in all black or a classic tan sidewall. I can’t wait to see the tan sidewall versions.
Something interesting with these tires is the approach Pirelli took with the tread design. Instead of taking a one size fits all approach from one size to the next, Pirelli, like a fine Italian tailor, customized the tread based on the size of the tire. For example, the 650b versions is 45 and 50mm, will have a slightly different tread profile and pattern to match the different size tire.
We have a few sets of Pirelli’s in for review already. The P Zero Velo tires in 700×28 have found a home on our Vision Metron 55sl’s for the summer for more spirited road riding. I’ve found them to be fast and grippy, on par with some one my other favorites, like the Vittoria Corsa and Schwalbe Pro One. My only complaint is they are not tubeless. I’d be willing to bet we’ll see a tubeless version in the near future, but in the mean time, I’ve also been running the Cinturato Velo TLR in 700×28 and 700×35. What they slightly lack in speed, has been made up for in durability. While I did have a fluke slice in one of the 35’s (a bit of metal strapping cut through the tire about an inch), they have held up well on many miles of road, gravel, and even what should have been dubbed as a monster-cross event. We’ll have full reviews coming soon for both tires.
The Cinturato Gravel and Cross tires will be available starting in October 2019. We don’t have weights yet, but pricing will be $69 for the Cross and Gravel tires up to 700x40mm. The 700×45 and both 650b sizes will be $73.
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