With its completely revamped Scorpion range, the Italian tyre manufacturer is introducing its mountain bike range with new names and new tread patterns. The basic principle behind the new range is simple: first, the appropriate tread pattern is chosen; next, the carcass; and finally, the rubber compound.
This should make it possible to put together a suitable combination for almost any application – from an efficient trail tyre to a heavily reinforced downhill tyre. And Pirelli has already proven to us that it can build high-grip hardcore tyres, most recently in the Review of the Scorpion Race EN.
Three profiles for different hunting grounds
Pirelli Scorpion Black Sting
The introduction to the newly renamed *Familienbande* is the Black Sting. The completely redesigned tread pattern is aimed at riders who want to ride as fast as possible on hard and compact surfaces. Closely spaced, flat lugs are designed to keep rolling resistance low, whilst reinforced shoulder lugs ensure stable braking and precise cornering. Pirelli describes the Black Sting as fast, direct and responsive. It is available in 27.5 and 29-inch sizes, each in a 2.4-inch width.
Pirelli Scorpion Emeror
The Emperor takes on the role of an all-rounder. The tread pattern is based on the previous Race-M, but according to Pirelli, it has been extensively revised. Evenly spaced knobs are designed to offer a balanced mix of rolling speed, traction and control on varied terrain. The Emperor is available in a wide range of sizes, from 27.5 x 2.4 to 29 x 2.6 inches, and is designed to perform equally well on aggressive trail rides as well as in enduro and downhill riding.
Pirelli Scorpion Red Claw
For loose, dusty or ‘loose-over-hard’ soils, the Red Claw Designed. Its widely spaced tread pattern with sharp-edged, interrupted blocks is intended to grip deep into the ground and clean itself more effectively whilst riding. Pirelli recommends the Red Claw primarily as an aggressive front tyre – either paired with an Emperor on the rear wheel or as a complete set for soft and variable terrain. It is available in 27.5 x 2.4, as well as 29 x 2.4 and 29 x 2.5 inches.
Four frames, from trail to World Cup
There are four different tyre options to choose from. The ProWall, weighing around 700 to 900 grams, is the lightest version and is designed for trail riders and light enduro use. The HardWall offers additional stability and protection against punctures and, according to Pirelli, weighs around 900 to 1,100 grams.
For more demanding conditions, there’s the double-layered DualWall. Weighing between around 1,100 and 1,300 grams, it is designed for enduro racing, bike parks and freeriding. At the top of the range is the DH+Wall, featuring additional reinforcement on the sidewall and bead. Depending on the version, it weighs between around 1,300 and over 1,500 grams and is designed to withstand even the toughest conditions in downhill racing.
According to Pirelli, all four tyres are available in an ‘eMTB Ready’ version and are therefore suitable for both traditional mountain bikes and light and full-power e-MTBs.
Three compounds for grip and durability
When it comes to rubber compounds, Pirelli uses the designations ‘Medium’, ‘Soft’ and ‘Supersoft’, familiar from motorsport. The Medium compound is designed to offer a balanced compromise between grip, comfort and mileage. The Soft compound promises more grip and direct feedback whilst still offering acceptable durability. The Supersoft compound is designed for maximum grip, high damping and a particularly direct driving feel – especially for demanding races and technical descents.
Overall, this results in a large number of possible combinations. However, not all profiles are available with every casing and every compound. For example, the Red Claw is reserved for the more robust DualWall and DH+Wall versions, whilst the Black Sting and Emperor are also available as comparatively lightweight ProWall tyres.
The new Pirelli Scorpion range is now available online and from selected specialist retailers. Pirelli does not specify prices in the press release. Prices depend primarily on the chosen compound and casing and range from €61.90 (e.g. ProWall casing, medium compound) to €92.90 for the super-soft DH+Wall variants.
Sebastian Brust
Editor