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The two new gravel tyres are part of the high-quality High Performance Line and are manufactured entirely in Italy. Pirelli is thus gradually expanding its range of tyres produced at its home base. The letter R denotes the racing focus of both models, whilst H stands for Hard and M for Mixed, describing the respective surfaces. The development draws on experience from motorsport and MTB XC competition.
Tread pattern: from smooth to high-grip
The Cinturato Gravel RH is optimised for compact and fast surfaces. The tread pattern features a completely smooth centre strip, which maximises the contact patch and improves rolling resistance on asphalt and firm gravel. Pronounced side lugs provide traction and enable precise cornering. According to the manufacturer, the RH has the lowest rolling resistance in Pirelli’s entire gravel range.
The Cinturato Gravel RM features a tread pattern previously known as RC. The tread pattern offers a balance between grip and rolling resistance for varying conditions, ranging from fast sections to technically demanding sections. The construction is designed to provide stability in corners as well as reliable traction when accelerating and braking on loose and mixed surfaces.
Carcass construction and rubber compound
Both models feature the ProWALL Gravel casing made from 120-TPI nylon, which is derived from the brand’s XC racing tyres. The design is intended to deliver a responsive ride, control and puncture protection. The SmartEVO GR rubber compound has been specially developed for performance-oriented off-road gravel riding. The compound is designed to combine low rolling resistance with grip in both dry and wet conditions.
The FSC-certified natural rubber used accounts for at least 15 per cent of the tyres’ total weight. Production at the Milan-Bollate plant allows for control over materials and manufacturing processes.
Product ranges: From budget to high-performance
The High Performance Line represents the cutting edge of technology in Pirelli’s gravel range. It is developed and manufactured at the company’s own plant in Milan-Bollate, drawing on materials expertise from motorsport and the XC MTB sector.
The more affordable Performance Line is based on tried-and-tested technologies from the existing gravel range. These tyres feature a different casing with a 60-TPI construction and a different rubber compound called SpeedGRIP. The P-Line is aimed at riders who want to cover various aspects of gravel cycling.
The Cinturato Gravel RH and RM are already available online and in specialist shops. The High Performance Line is available in four colourways: classic black, classic brown, retro and the Team Edition with yellow racing labels. Sizes range from 40-622 to 55-622.
Key technical specifications:
- Models: Cinturato Gravel RH, Cinturato Gravel RM
- Casing: ProWALL Gravel, 120 TPI nylon
- Rubber compound: SmartEVO GR
- Sizes: 40-622 to 55-622
- Colours: Black, Classic Brown, Retro, Team Edition
- Material: FSC-certified natural rubber (at least 15% of the total weight)
- Manufactured at the Milan-Bollate plant, Italy
- Rolling resistance: 17% lower (RH), 20% lower (RM) compared to the Performance Line
Jens Klötzer
Editor
