Mixed terrain covers a lot of ground: fire roads that shift from hardpack to loose gravel, singletrack with embedded rocks, and everything between pavement and proper dirt. The Cinturato Gravel M from Pirelli addresses that spectrum with a tread pattern built around medium-height knobs and a compact center strip. The knobs provide bite when you lean into corners or climb out of the saddle on loose surfaces, while the smooth centerline keeps rolling resistance in check during those long approach miles on tarmac or packed dirt.

Pirelli developed the SpeedGRIP compound specifically for gravel applications, drawing on their rally racing background to create a rubber formulation that maintains grip in both dry and wet conditions. The compound prioritizes chemical adhesion to varied surfaces rather than relying solely on mechanical grip from the tread pattern. This means the tire hooks up on damp hardpack and rain-slicked pavement where a purely knobby tread might slide.

The TechWALL Gravel casing uses a 60 TPI construction with reinforced nylon fabric running bead to bead. That continuous layer adds cut resistance without the weight penalty of a full-on downhill casing. For riders covering remote routes where a trailside repair means a long walk, the extra protection matters. The tubeless-ready design pairs with an aramid folding bead optimized for modern wide rims, and Pirelli rates the tire as hookless compatible under current standards.... Read More