Belted. That’s the direct translation of “Cinturato” from Italian to English, and with this set of rubber, the belt is clearly visible. A smooth strip of slick black wraps the circumference, offering what is easily the fastest rolling 55mm-wide bike tire I have ever tasted. At only 710g each (RH Team Edition), some of that speed comes via weight savings.
Pirelli Cinturato key specs
- Weight: 710g
- Sizes: 700×40, 45, 50, and 55c (700x55c tested)
- Price: $113.90
- Buy from Pirelli dealers
If you’re looking to throttle up your mountain bike on road and gravel rides, this is a sweet way to go. This Pirelli tread is also fitting for riders who want to roll fast or race on hard-packed gravel roads where the dirt itself gives as much grip as the tire.
As an arrow flies, the Cinturato RH Tream Edition tires are as fast and grippy as any, provided the earth is compact and dry. Things change a bit when it’s time to turn. For their intended use of hardpack G-roads, there’s ample traction with the shoulder tread.
What starts as file tread on the shoulders thickens somewhat. However, you would need an extreme lean to feel those side knobs on the dirt given the round profile of these tires. At max corner speed, they will grip, but they won’t be far from slip.
Apart from racing gravel, I might mount these for bikepacking or long logging-road adventures. For those purposes, pressure will be an important point. I ran 25psi rear and 22 front and had no issues graveling with the Cinturato set. Add a payload and/or chunkier stones, and I might go up in pressure from there, as these lightweight casings aren’t something I want to ding against too many pebbles.
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Pros and cons of Pirelli Cinturato
Pros
- Decidedly fast rolling and lightweight
Cons
- Conditions-limited tread
Bottom line
Overall, the Cinturato RH Team Edition tires from Pirelli make good on their promise to roll fast on tight-packed dirt. If that’s your jam, this set is worth considering. They come in 40-55mm widths and measured true to size on my 30mm (internal rim width) WTB rims.
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