Gravel tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC & Cinturato Gravel S on test: all-rounders and biters
Robert Kühnen
· 25.04.2025
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Cinturato S all-weather tyres with plenty of control
Among seven gravel tyres, Pirelli has positioned the S model as an all-weather tyre for control on slippery surfaces. According to our driving impressions, this works. But the "S" also bites hard on loose gravel. The front wheel steers neutrally and can hardly be made to lock. The rear wheel also has to be relieved of a lot of weight to create some slip. When pedalling on tarmac, the studs are audible but not annoying. If there is a lot of loose or slippery terrain, it is a good choice, especially as the rolling resistance is not excessive. However, our test chisel easily overcomes the sidewall protection and the measured values are the weakest in the test field.
Facts, figures, price: The Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S
- Price: 69,90 Euro >> available here
- Nominal dimension: 622 x 45
- Measured width: 46 millimetres
- Weight: 580 grammes
- Street 3 Bar: 31.1 Watt
- Street 2.5 bar: 31.8 watts
- Street 2 Bar: 33.1 watts
- Gravel 2 bar: 46.4 watts
- Cut resistance running surface (N): 412 Newton
- Cut resistance side wall (N): 196 Newton
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S: Review & Grade
- Weight: 2,3
- Rolling resistance gravel: 2,7
- Rolling resistance road: 2,3
- Cut resistance Tread: 3,3
- Cut resistance side wall: 3,0
- Grip: 1,0
- Road feel: 2,0
- Overall grade: 2.2
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC for gravel racing
The RC rolls more quietly on the road and is designed for gravel racing. It also offers very good grip off-road, close to the performance of the S. The rolling resistance is slightly lower due to the more closed tread pattern and the low centre knobs, but the gap is surprisingly small. For a pure race tyre, the rolling resistance is perhaps a tad too high. Pirelli's Gravel H is the slightly faster choice with flatter lugs on moderate trails (38.4 watts at 2 bar on gravel). Both tyres are "Made in France".
Facts, figures, price: The Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC
- Price: 69,90 Euro >> available here
- Nominal dimension: 622 x 45
- Measured width: 46 millimetres
- Weight: 598 grammes
- Street 3 Bar: 29.0 Watt
- Street 2.5 bar: 29.8 watts
- Street 2 Bar: 31.9 watts
- Gravel 2 bar: 44 watts
- Cut resistance running surface (N): 373 Newton
- Cut resistance side wall (N): 196 Newton
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC: Review & Grade
- Weight: 2,3
- Rolling resistance gravel: 2,3
- Rolling resistance road: 2,0
- Cut resistance Tread: 4,0
- Cut resistance side wall: 3,0
- Grip: 1,5
- Road feel: 2,0
- Overall grade: 2.3
More gravel tyres in the test
This is how we tested
All tests were carried out independently by manufacturers using their own methods. The rolling resistance test on level ground should be emphasised. We can also measure on gravel and see that a thicker tread adds power. As a "road" for the rolling resistance test, we choose a rough surface that interacts with studs and shows which rubber compound works efficiently.
The test criteria were weighted as follows for the evaluation:
- Weight: 10 %
- Rolling resistance gravel: 20
- Rolling resistance road: 25 %
- Cut resistance tread: 10 %
- Cut resistance tread: 5 %
- Grip: 20 %
- Road feel: 10 %
