On the Pirelli testing ground

Pirelli Pzero first ride

A trip to Pirelli’s testing ground in Bicocca, Milan, provided the opportunity to hop aboard the new Pzero, in both the bone dry and the wet.

We rode the 25mm Pirelli Pzero Velo tyre and initial impressions were good. As Pirelli intended, the tyres feel stable on long, fast straights and give assured grip in the corners. They also iron out any road nastiness well, even when we tried riding along Pirelli’s pavé sections.

The tyres never felt draggy, but it’s difficult to estimate coefficient of rolling resistance and Pirelli didn’t give us figures, instead saying it can be tough to benchmark such data due to a lack of constants — pressures, weights and temperatures are always changing.

Of course, it’s tricky to judge a tyre’s performance on a new bike, in a totally different environment, so be sure to keep your eye out for our longer-term test coming soon.

The Pzero range

The new Pzero Velo tyre comes in three series: Pzero Velo, Pzero Velo TT and Pzero Velo 4S, all of which will be available in 23mm, 25mm and 28mm sizes apart from the TT, which is only available in 23mm.

The Pzero Velo TT, which is totally slick, will only be available in a 23mm size, although Pirelli assured us plans were afoot to extend this. The TT model is the fastest and lightest available Pirelli produces.

Finally, the Pzero 4S, an all-year option, is available from 23mm to 28mm.

Availability

■ Pirelli Pzero Velo: 23mm, 25mm and 28mm, clincher, available at the end of August. ■ Pirelli Pzero Velo TT: 23mm, clincher, available at the end of August. ■ Pirelli Pzero Velo 4S: 23mm, 25mm and 28mm, clincher, available at the end of August.

Currently, there is no sterling price but expect the tyres to cost around the £38 mark.