Bytagand the publication "Test long life of the new Pirelli P Zero Race tires"
Four years after the first P Zero bicycle tire, Pirelli presents an evolution of the model by adding the mention Race at the end of the name, with a new rubber supposed to reduce rolling resistance and improve grip. On paper, the P Zero Race are among the most attractive on the market within the range of versatile tires. Verdict after a test without concession of 1800 km.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr
These classic tires, which are used with an inner tube, complement the Italian brand's tubeless offering., with the P Zero Race TLR and P Zero Race TLR SL presented at the end of summer 2020, and which aims to optimize the behavior of the versatile models in the range. They take up some of the characteristics already known on the previous P Zero Velo tube type, which marked Pirelli's return to the bicycle market four years ago.
We thus find a Nylon 127 TPI carcass with flexible aramid rods., and a fabric layer called TechBELT Road for puncture protection (instead of the aramid layer). The new feature is rather at the tread level, with the use of a polymer mixture called SmartEVO Compound, designed to reduce rolling resistance and improve grip, even on wet ground. The P Zero Race is available in a 700×26 section (chosen for this test), 700×28 and 700×30, with black or dark brown (Classic) sidewalls. On a 19 mm inner width rim, the 700×26 are measured at 27,5 mm actual section, and they have a slightly oval shape when viewed from above. The weight checked for both copies of test is 210 and 214 g, which is particularly efficient for this section compared to the competition. Finally, note a relatively high sale price of €59,90 unity, which is not given in absolute terms.
Montage easy and good performance
The P Zero Race are particularly easy to mount (here on Fulcrulm Racing Speed), and do not require the use of tire levers. Care must nevertheless be taken to respect the recommended direction of rotation, indicated by an arrow on the side, and undoubtedly designed to follow the direction of the markings located on the yoke, intended to facilitate the evacuation of water on route humid.
In 700×26, the recommended inflation pressure is 5 to 8 bar, depending on the weight of the cyclist+bicycle assembly. After several tests, it is at 7 bar that we find the best compromise, despite our light weight, because we find a feeling of slight floating during the passages in force or in dancer with a lower pressure. However, there is indeed a slight difference in comfort, and the tire absorbs the vibrations a little less, even if it is not the softest on the market anyway.
In terms of performance, however, the P Zero Race are among the best tires in this category., whether on the flat at a sustained speed or on steep slopes at a lower speed. Nervous and precise in changing trajectory (inflated to 7 bar), they also benefit from their reasonable weight to limit the inertia of the wheels.
Mainly used on a route dry, they show reassuring grip even in the most extreme angles. Speaking on route wet, with certainly a more limited risk-taking, they never give the impression of stalling or being tricky. Their braking behavior is also remarkable, even during an emergency action on a route wet with disc brakes. In this area, they are also among the best on the market.
Still, their longevity may not be quite at the same level as some of their competitors., with a tread already marked after 1800 km, and wear indicators already well underway. In addition, we suffered three successive punctures on the same tire, in three different places, with good cuts. Each time, small flints did not allow the anti-puncture strip to resist. Nothing prohibitive of course, especially since their ease of mountingtagand demontage is an asset on the edge of the route, but they do not present above average characteristics in the field.
Pirelli P Zero Race tires are high-end, versatile models that shine with good performance and reassuring grip in all conditions. But they are relatively expensive, especially since their lifespan seems to be just average.
The PIRELLI P ZERO RACE in brief… Note: ***** The +: performance, grip, weight, mytagand easy The –: price, durability, puncture resistance Carcass 127 TPI Nylon - eraser SmartEVO Compound – reinforcement TechBELT Road - Available in 700×26, 700×28, 700×30 – Two colors – Weight: 212 g in 700×26 – Price: € 59,90 Contact : velo.pirelli.com |
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Personally, I have testThis summer I got the Race Color version (with orange sidewall lettering) in size 700x28c. I can confirm that they are easy to mount by hand on Fulcrum Racing 3 rims. I mainly rode on hilly roads in the Tarn region and mytagnine (Ain).
I found them comfortable with excellent grip. No slippage whatsoever, whether on dry ground or in the rain. Their rounded profile allows you to confidently link turns on a mountain descent.
Regarding their longevity, I doubt I'll be able to break any records with them. After 600km, the rear tire was already showing wear close to the wear indicator. I'm not exactly small (1,93m tall and 83kg), so it's possible the rubber suffered a bit from hard braking on descents.
There were a few flint cuts on the tread, but no punctures. I've since switched to another wheelset and will put the Fulcrum wheels back on with the Pirelli tires in the spring. I doubt I'll get more than 1000km out of the rear tire. It certainly won't be completely worn out, but I prefer to replace a tire when the wear indicator is smooth to avoid having to deal with repeated punctures once the tread has worn down.
I have them testand in comparison to the GP5000, there is no comparison, I find them better in comfort and performance even if all the tests talk about the 5000 as being the best. Weight-wise, we are just in line with what Pirelli announces: 214/217 gr against 233 for the 5000 mm gp25! Easy totagand indeed, in the hand what a treat! Longevity, I am currently at 1000 km the front is going very well, the rear is actually deteriorating quite quickly, I hope to reach 2000 km at least we will see. No punctures for the moment. If you want better longevity, you have to take the Pzero road model a little heavier but more resistant.
I have them testand in comparison to the GP5000, there is no comparison, I find them better in comfort and performance even if all the tests talk about the 5000 as being the best. Weight-wise, we are just in line with what Pirelli announces: 214/217 gr against 233 for the 5000 mm gp25! Easy totagand indeed, in the hand what a treat! Longevity, I am currently at 1000 km the front is going very well, the rear is actually deteriorating quite quickly, I hope to reach 2000 km at least we will see. No punctures for the moment. If you want better longevity, you have to take the Pzero road model a little heavier but more resistant.