Pirelli says that its Cinturato Evo TLR – available in widths up to a mahoosive (by road standards) 55mm – is the first tyre in a new ‘road enduro’ category.
The Italian brand says that the new tyre is suitable for all surfaces, and it’s the first model in the Pirelli range to use FSC-certified natural rubber while also featuring more than 50% bio-based and recycled materials.
55mm, then? That’s the most notable feature here, although Pirelli does offer the Cinturato Evo TLR in various sizes from 28mm upwards.
The Cinturato Evo TLR is the successor to the Cinturato Velo, which was introduced in 2018. When we reviewed the Pirelli Cinturato Velo TLR Reflective tyre we described it as “a high-quality tyre for pretty much all weather conditions, keeping the puncture fairy away while rolling quickly”
> Check out our review of the Pirelli Cinturato Velo TLR Reflective tyre from 2022
“While retaining the outstanding qualities of the Cinturato Velo – particularly its reliability and puncture protection – the new Cinturato Evo TLR enhances its performance in grip, comfort, and durability, with the aim of excelling in all weather and road conditions,” says Pirelli.
“Thanks to its technical features and broad range of sizes, the Cinturato Evo TLR introduces a new category: the road enduro tyre. Long appreciated in the world of motorcycling, this versatile concept is now also available for cyclists, offering broad versatility of use.”
Cinturato Evo TLR features Pirelli’s SmartEVO AS compound, which it describes as its most advanced in terms of grip, vibration damping and durability.
“Specifically engineered for riders who seek control, comfort, and confident handling across all surfaces, this formula strikes the ideal balance of grip – ensured by the compound – even on wet roads and at low temperatures,” says Pirelli. “It enhances vibration absorption and extends mileage, delivering a smooth ride even on rough terrain and in challenging weather conditions.
“This cutting-edge compound offers high levels of grip in all seasons and across a variety of surfaces, significantly enhancing comfort and handling thanks to its improved ability to adapt to uneven ground and dampen vibrations.”
Okay, enough of the marketing spiel.
As the name suggests, the Cinturato Evo TLR is a tubeless-ready tyre and it’s designed for road cycling, commuting, and gravel riding. It comes with a slick tread and, as mentioned, in widths from 28mm to 55mm.
Green credentials
Pirelli boasts that over 50% of the Cinturato Evo TLR’s tyres are bio-based and recycled, and FCS-certified (bio-based materials include natural rubber, biochemicals and vegetable oils, while recycled materials include silica derived from rice husk and recycled nylon.
“FSC-certified products come from forests managed responsibly, in accordance with rigorous environmental, social and economic criteria,” says Pirelli. “Adopting this certification helps counter deforestation, protect biodiversity to preserve the natural ecosystems, and guarantees a controlled, transparent and verifiable supply chain.
“From a social perspective, the FSC standards protect the rights of the workers and local communities who live in forest areas, by promoting fair working conditions and local development.”
Inspired by Pirelli’s Scorpion Trail III tyre
Motorcyclists might recognise the Cinturato Evo TLR’s grooved tread because, Pirelli says, it takes inspiration from its Scorpion Trail III road enduro tyre
“The similar application of the two Pirelli products, both dedicated to road and adventure riding in their respective fields, has enabled a selective technology transfer from the famous motorcycle tyre to the cycling one,” says Pirelli.
“In fact, like its counterpart for motorbikes, the new Cinturato Evo TLR is primarily intended for use on asphalt, but it also features a tread groove design developed to handle dirt roads, particularly gravel. Pirelli has therefore re-engineered the tread pattern of the Scorpion Trail III specifically for bicycle use, with a targeted distribution of grooves and solid sections along the profile.”
The grooved pattern is designed to increase traction on non-paved surfaces, like gravel. Pirelli also claims a 40% increase in mileage compared to the Cinturato Vel with the same tread thickness. Hooray for percentages!
The Cinturato Evo TLR is available now in 700C sizes, in widths from 28mm to 40mm, at a price of £74.99. The wider 45mm, 50mm and 55mm options will become available later in the year.
Some have just arrived for review at road.cc HQ.
5 thoughts on “How wide? Pirelli introduces new ‘road enduro’ category with slick tyres up to 55mm wide”
That rrp of £75 is bonkers
That rrp of £75 is bonkers though for a non-racing tyre. Especially when you compare them against pathfinders, with the brand new version still being sold at a rrp of just £45.
Yup, I’m out
Yup, I’m out
ooh, 55c ‘road’ tyres,
ooh, 55c ‘road’ tyres, schwalbe have been making those for a while.
Will they keep both Cinturato
Will they keep both Cinturato Velo and Cinturato Evo product lines or will Velo be phased out?
Phew! Entertaining Pulitzer
Phew! Entertaining Pulitzer-worthy marketing copy. Hopefully the tyres / tired are as good. Cheers.