Well I don't think I have ever used Pirelli tyres on any of the cars that I have owned not about on a bicycle. The company started with road tyres a few years ago and seemed to have expanded their cycle
range over the years. I was looking for some more winter / grippy / off road gravel tyres for the DT Swiss wheelset on the Creo SL. I have ran Graveling SK for a long time now and yes they are spot on when the conditions are not too wet and muddy but offer very little grip in more traditional UK winter months. Specialized do the
Rhombus which looked spot on as I was looking for a slightly narrower tyre than the 43mm (which come out at 45mm) Gravelking to increase mud clearance on the fork crown & rear bb / stays area. I found this Pirelli model fitted to a pair of 27.5" DT Swiss wheels on a Creo SL on Instagram in Norway. A quick google and I discovered they come a vast array of sizes 700c - 35,40 & 45c in both black and amber sidewalls. There are also two models in 27.5"/650b - 45 and 50mm again in both sidewall colours. I also found some lovely looking Teravail Rutland tyres which come in 700x42c size but availability was none existent in the UK and they are expensive.
So it was back to the Cinturato as there is discounted stock and knobbly enough so a good old slop fest. I ordered a pair and they arrived within 3 days. Fitting was harder than the Gravelking. The bead is tight compared to Panaracer and required metal tyre levers to ease them onto the rims. Once on and Stans poured in they both aired up straight away and seated first time. Overnight they were still holding pressure so cannot fault them on that side. They weigh 517g each which is over the manufacturers claimed 500g. I checked the width and they come up exactly 40mm wide butt hat may change in time when the tyres settle in / possible sag a little. Another reason why I picked this model is the tread in the centre rigid is near continuous so even on tarmac / hard compact they are not too bad for rolling resistance. I have used them on a few rides now taking in plenty of mud, puddles, ice, frost, tarmac etc and I have had no issue's so far. They are slightly more noisy on smooth tarmac sections which you would expect. Only time / more miles will tell how the compound lasts especially on the rear of an E bike!
RRP £55 each and I paid £44 each in p&p from Sigma Sports
Manufacturers blurb - The Cinturato™ Gravel Mixed Terrain is a gravel-specific tyre designed for mixed terrain, where the surface varies between compact and unstable terrain and all intermediate types. The tread consists of knobs with average height and spacing to guarantee excellent performance on a wide range of terrains.
The special SpeedGRIP Compound adds features of mechanical resistance and chemical grip without compromising the rolling efficiency. Cinturato™ Gravel Mixed Terrain is a high-performance tyre with unique characteristics of grip in all weather conditions, be they dry or wet, plus a high level of puncture protection.
The tread of Cinturato™ Gravel Mixed Terrain is composed of knobs whose height and spacing were studied alongside the physical and mechanical properties of the rubber compound, to offer uncompromising performance in conditions varying between compact and unstable terrain. The addition of specific ribbing helps support the knobs, limiting their deformation and encouraging the release of excess mud in wet conditions.
The properties of the new SpeedGRIP Compound are tailored for all weather conditions, regardless of whether the terrain is dry or wet. The new formulation retains the same polymer matrix as the specific mountain bike SmartGRIP Compound, improving the rolling efficiency.
Coupling a reinforced casing construction featuring a woven fabric bead-to-bead layer with a tubeless-ready Aramid bead optimized for wide modern rims, Cinturato™ Gravel Mixed Terrain offers an extremely high level of puncture protection and a new level of performance in terms of rolling and grip, as well as a great reliability - which is already what the Cinturato™ trademark stands for in Pirelli
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