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Italian racing flair: Pirelli Scorpion Race Enduro M
Pirelli has got serious. After the first steps in the MTB sector, the Scorpion Race series marks the attack on the Enduro podium. The "M" in the name stands for Mixed Terrain and is the centrepiece of the range. Here, an uncompromisingly sticky rubber compound meets a carcass that has been specially developed for the tough demands of modern enduro racing. A tyre for riders looking for maximum traction on a wide variety of surfaces.
We tested these enduro tyres:
Character and area of application
The Scorpion Race Enduro M is the Swiss army knife for rough terrain. Its tread design with rather narrow centre lugs and massive side lugs is designed to excel on hard ground as well as on loose forest soil. It offers an extremely Predictable borderline behaviour - The dreaded "smearing away" is to be replaced by a smooth transition. Thanks to the SmartEVO DH compound, the tyre literally sticks to the ground and offers a level of self-damping that is otherwise only known from heavy downhill shoes. It is ideal for technical enduro stages and bike park use where the ground conditions are constantly changing.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
- Outstanding grip: The SmartEVO DH compound offers plenty of grip - it literally sucks up stones and roots.
- Predictability: Very stable handling when leaning without sudden traction loss.
- Stable carcass: The DualWALL construction offers excellent puncture protection and high support at low pressures.
- Attenuation: High level of comfort and quietness in the chassis thanks to the soft rubber compound.
- Self-cleaningThe tread of the Scorpion does not clog up much even in muddy conditions.
Weaknesses:
- Rolling resistance: As you'd expect, the Scorpion is at the back of the field when it comes to rolling; the focus is clearly on downhill performance.
- Wear and tear: As with all soft racing compounds, the edges suffer noticeably during intensive use on the rear wheel.
- Weight: At well over 1200 g, it is no lightweight, which is noticeable when accelerating.
- Very expensive: At a price of 90 euros each, Pirelli makes the Scorpion expensive.
Pirelli Scorpion Race EN M - Facts & Price
| Pirelli Scorpion Race EN M | |
| Price | 89.90 >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | Smart Evo DH (40 A) / 120 |
| Carcass / size | Dual Wall / 29 x 2.5 |
| Laboratory test | |
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1381 g / 46.3 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 63.2 / 58.9 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 520 mm / 115; 595; 510 N |
| Practical test | |
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ |
| BIKE grade | 2,07 |
Conclusion: Pirelli Scorpion Race EN M
Where the Maxxis combination is a scalpel, the Pirelli feels more like a battle axe. The heaviest tyre in the test is also the widest. The large volume, stable carcass and soft rubber compound create a plush ride with high traction and confidence. The Scorpion is made for holding on and also achieved the highest puncture resistance values in the lab. Although the high weight stabilises downhill, it also ensures very sluggish acceleration. Due to its width, the Pirelli is only suitable for rear triangles with sufficient tyre clearance. Very expensive at 90 euros.
How Bike tests
With a total of ten different tyres, we went to the laboratory of tyre manufacturer Ralf Bohle, where we measured values for the Puncture protection, rolling resistance and weight determined. The practical test took place in the Oberammergau Bike Park on various routes.
The test in the laboratory
How well do the tyres roll and how good is the puncture protection? We used Schwalbe's test laboratory to clarify these questions. The fast Specialized Eliminator rear tyre and the Maxxis Highroller are separated by over 21 watts at a speed of 20 km/h, 50 kg load and 1.7 bar tyre pressure. There are also clear differences in terms of snakebite protection. While the lightweight Specialized Butcher deflates at a drop height of 310 millimetres, the thick Pirelli Scorpion can withstand a 70 percent higher impact before failing. We test how sensitively the tyres react to foreign objects such as thorns or sharp stones with a triple puncture test. A round spike with a diameter of 1.5 millimetres and a five-millimetre blade are pierced through the tread. The test is also carried out on the side wall with the blade. There are differences of up to 70 per cent in the penetration.
The practical test in Oberammergau
We organised three identical Canyon Neuon:On AL 8 tyres so that we could ride them directly against each other. The test took place in the Oberammergau bike park in rainy weather and with an outside temperature of twelve degrees. On small laps and sections, we were able to compare the tyres perfectly with three test riders. Traction for uphill riding and braking, cornering grip and self-cleaning were evaluated for each individual tyre. Riding stability and damping behaviour also played a part in the overall score. The practical impressions make up 50 per cent of the final score. A further 30 per cent is accounted for by puncture protection, while weight and rolling resistance together contribute 20 per cent to the final score.
Stefan Frey
Editor
