The Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M High Performance tyre could be the only gravel tyre you’ll ever need. Its tread is versatile, its compound is grippy, and its carcass is hard-wearing, meaning that, although these tyres are an investment, they cover a lot of bases.
I fitted the 45mm tyres I’d been sent to test on a pair of Vision wheels that are 25mm internal. Not the widest rims on the market, but a good platform for gravel tyres, and a wheel I’m very familiar with – having had them fitted for some big gravel races and thousands of KMs of bike packing over the last six months or so.
Put simply, these tyres were easier to install than some inner tube type tyres I’ve had in the past. They slipped onto the rims without any fuss and snapped onto the bead without sealant with a simple track pump. They held pressure absolutely fine without sealant and, after installing some Stans sealant, didn’t lose more than a psi or two in a few weeks of riding.
The tyres measured up at nearer 47mm once fitted and inflated to 21psi (a pressure I calculated using Pirelli’s own pressure tool), so keep that in mind if you’re running tight clearances. The tyres are also available in 35mm, 40mm, and 50mm – as well as 650b 45mm and 50mm options – so there will probably be a size out there that works for your setup. Sadly, these tyres in their SpeedGrip guise aren’t available with a tanned sidewall, only black with yellow Pirelli logos.
Full disclosure – I have used these tyres before. Over the last few years, I’ve run them in their 35 and 40mm guise, so I knew loosely what to expect from the tread pattern. The ‘M’ tread refers to a mixed terrain tread, and sits alongside their ‘H’ (hard) and ‘S’ (soft) options. The tread is deep and consistent across the whole tyre, leading to a fast rolling, round profile rather than a more angular shape with a hard shoulder.
I rode these tyres on as broad a mix of terrain as I could find – from tarmac, to fine gravel, rockier gravel, light mud, right through to deep bogs – and I really do think this has to be one of the most versatile treads I’ve used. They do find their limits of grip in really wet, sloppy mud, and in tackier, drier mud, they do start to clog up a little bit, but no more than other tyres I’ve used in this class. On bigger rocks, you can feel the knobs biting onto the terrain to keep you planted even on looser terrain. On faster hardpack gravel or tarmac, they roll along really nicely thanks to the round profile and tighter spacing on the centreline of the tread.
Value-wise, these aren’t cheap tyres. At £74.99 per tyre, these are a premium offering. The Maxxis Rambler HYPR-X EXO comes in at £20 cheaper per tyre, and reviewed really well.
On the other hand, there are more expensive tyres out there. Vittoria’s Terreno T60 Pro Mixed is £10 more, but does boast better eco credentials, using 92% renewable and recycled materials.
Overall, I love these tyres. They’re fast rolling on smooth terrain, grippy on the loose stuff, and last a very long time. Over the years, I don’t think I’ve ever punctured one of these tyres, and the 35mm pair I bought years ago are still going strong despite plenty of use. Whilst these are an investment, they’re versatile enough to be the only gravel tyre you ever need, and will last you a very long time.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
Pirelli say “Cinturato Gravel M is the gravel tire built for mixed terrain, from compact to loose surfaces and everything in between”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
“Its tread design with medium-height, medium-spaced knobs ensures excellent performance on all types of terrain, while the compact center strip sets a new benchmark in rolling efficiency for its class. Fully hookless rim compatible under the latest standards, it delivers strong puncture protection and reliable traction in dry or wet conditions, offered in multiple sizes, versions, and colors.”
Any further comments on quality?:
These tyres are some of the most premium I’ve used. They feel incredibly well made, and last a very long time.
Any further comments on performance?:
One of the most versatile gravel tyres out there.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
The tyres retail at £74.99 which, for a high end gravel tyre, is about par for the course. If anything, they’re a little cheaper than other tyres in this class like the Vittoria Terreno T60 Pro Mixed which come in at £85.00
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
A great all rounder that could be the one gravel tyre for all seasons
About the tester
Age: 30Height: 175cmWeight: 67kg
I usually ride: Road (Tarmac SL7)My best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 yearsI ride: Every dayI would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: Road racing, Time trialling, Cyclocross, Commuting, Mountain bike XC, Mountain bike Enduro, Mountain bike downhill/freeride
1 thought on “Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M High Performance gravel tyres”
A word of advice, if you don’t mind.
The way the photos were edited makes the logos very clear, but the tread is barely discernible. The review would’ve gained so much value if the tread pattern was actually clear and visible.
Thanks!