PIRELLI’S SCORPION ATTACKS THE DIRT

At the start of March, Pirelli announced that they would bring their marquee Scorpion brand to the world of mountain biking. The Scorpion name has won 70 world titles in motorsport, and it’s clear that Pirelli have high aspirations for their first venture into mountain bike tyres.

During the launch at the base of Mt Etna, Sicily, we were shown four tread patterns that would be used across 2.2”, 2.4” and 2.6” tyres. Pirelli are using their own single compound rubber in the tyres to maximise tread life and grip. While tyres will be available in 27.5” (2.4” and 2.6” widths) and 29” (all widths) and a lighter casing option for 2.2” and 2.4” tyres, the restriction to four tread patterns is aims to simplify decision making.

Pirelli studied the competition, and the demands placed on tyres for mechanical grip (tread in contact with the terrain) and chemical grip (how the rubber grips the terrain) before finalising their four tread patterns. The Rear tyre has deep tread bridges and tread paddles, while there is a Hard terrain, Mixed terrain, and Soft terrain tyre option. Any of those tyres can be run on the back as well.

Pirelli have used a 120tpi casing on the 2.2” tyres, with 60tpi casing on the 2.4” tyres, although they have added an extra 120tpi layer on the sidewalls of the larger tyres for extra protection and sidewall support. The tyres inflate to a generous width for their given sizes, with the 2.2” tyres optimised for rims with a 25mm internal width, and the 2.4” tyres optimised for rims with a 30mm internal width. The 2.6” tyres will be available later this year.

FE Sports are importing the Pirelli Scorpion range of tyres, and they will be selling for $79 in 2.2”, and $85 in 2.4”. Tyres will be landing as you read this. Head to AMBmag.com.au for further details, and see our review of the new Italian tyres on p98-99.