Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tire: A Performance Review

Unleash Your Ride: Discover the Pirelli Cinturato Advantage

Understanding the "Cinturato" Philosophy: Built for Durability

The term "Cinturato" directly translates to "belted" from Italian, a characteristic vividly embodied by these tires. A distinctive smooth, slick black band encircles the tire's circumference, setting it apart. This design feature contributes significantly to its remarkable speed, making it, by far, the quickest 55mm-wide bicycle tire the reviewer has ever encountered. Weighing a mere 710g per tire (RH Team Edition), a portion of this impressive speed can be attributed to its reduced mass.

Key Specifications and Features of the Pirelli Cinturato

The Pirelli Cinturato RH Team Edition tires come with a weight of 710g and are available in various sizes: 700x40, 45, 50, and 55c, with the 700x55c model being the focus of this review. Each tire is priced at $113.90 and can be purchased through authorized Pirelli dealers. These specifications highlight its lightweight design and broad compatibility for gravel and off-road cycling.

Optimized for Speed: Performance on Varied Terrains

For cyclists aiming to enhance their mountain bike's performance on both paved roads and gravel paths, these tires present an excellent option. The Pirelli tread is also perfectly suited for riders who prioritize rapid movement or competition on hard-packed gravel surfaces, where the terrain itself provides substantial grip. The Cinturato RH Team Edition tires are as swift and provide as much grip as any other tire, assuming the ground is firm and arid. However, their performance characteristics shift slightly when it comes to turning. For their intended application on hard-packed gravel roads, the shoulder tread delivers ample traction.

Cornering Dynamics and Traction Limits

The tread, initially fine on the shoulders, gradually gains thickness. Yet, due to the tires' rounded profile, an extreme lean angle is necessary to engage the side knobs on dirt. While they offer grip at maximum cornering speeds, they operate close to their slipping point. This design choice prioritizes rolling efficiency over aggressive cornering prowess on loose surfaces, making them best suited for consistent, straight-line speed on compact terrain.

Versatility and Pressure Considerations for Diverse Riding

Beyond competitive gravel racing, these tires are an excellent choice for bikepacking trips or extended journeys on logging roads. For such applications, careful attention to tire pressure is crucial. The reviewer found optimal performance running 25psi in the rear and 22psi in the front, experiencing no issues on gravel. However, for added weight or rougher, chunkier terrain, an increase in pressure would be advisable to protect the lightweight casings from potential damage caused by impacts with stones.

Overall Assessment: Balancing Speed with Terrain Limitations

In conclusion, the Pirelli Cinturato RH Team Edition tires successfully deliver on their promise of rapid rolling on compacted dirt. For riders whose primary focus is this type of terrain, these tires are a worthy consideration. They are available in widths ranging from 40mm to 55mm and accurately measured to size on the reviewer's 30mm (internal rim width) WTB rims. The main advantage lies in their exceptional speed and light weight, though their tread design is best suited for specific, drier conditions.