Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tires on Review

Pirelli are taking decades of motorsport expertise and transferring it directly to the bicycle, applying their systematic approach to the gravel racing scene. Whether it is the efficient Cinturato Gravel H on hardpack or the aggressive Gravel S in the mud, we have been checking just how much racing DNA is packed into these Italian tires and where the limits of the Cinturato Gravel family lie.

This review is part of a large group test to find the best gravel tire. Click here for the detailed intro, with all 32 tires in the group test.

For many, Pirelli is synonymous with screaming Formula 1 engines and pristine black asphalt. But you would be mistaken to think the Milanese firm only belongs in the paddocks of elite motorsport: this Italian powerhouse manufactured their first bicycle tire way back in 1894. After a long hiatus from cycling, the heritage company has made quite the comeback in the gravel market with its Cinturato Gravel line. With this range, they have created a gravel portfolio that translates technical solutions from rally racing for the bicycle. Pirelli follow a clear philosophy: a tire can’t be the best at everything, so it must be unbeatable in its specific niche.

Gravel has evolved into a highly specialised and nuanced discipline where your choice of tread often dictates the entire ride feel – it can even be the difference between victory and defeat. Pirelli approach this challenge with a very logical array of tires for different conditions: H stands for Hardpack, M for Mixed terrain, and S for Soft surfaces. Behind this trio lies the specially developed SpeedGRIP compound, designed to guarantee maximum traction in any weather and on any surface, without sacrificing durability.

In our big 2026 gravel tire group test, the Italian specialists had to prove how well this specialisation works in practice. We pushed the lightning-fast Cinturato Gravel H, the agile all-rounder Gravel M, and the grip monster Gravel S through their paces on our test loops. Does the range live up to our performance expectations of Italian engineering? Or does the high degree of specialisation fall flat when you don’t have a pit crew to change to wet weather tires when it starts raining?

The Different Rubber Compounds and Casings of the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tires in Detail

To understand the current Pirelli range, you have to look beneath the surface. The Italians follow a technological approach heavily influenced by their success in the World Rally Championship. For the latest generation, the development team in Milan claim to have redefined the balance of the compound. The goal: maximum control on changing surfaces, without sacrificing efficiency on fast tarmac sections.

Compounds Derived from Rallying: SpeedGRIP and SmartEVO GR

A key building block is the SpeedGRIP compound. While some brands use different rubber compounds in different sections of the tread, Pirelli use a single compound approach here. This mixture is based on MTB tire technology, but has been specifically tuned for better efficiency. Since the rubber compound is the same across the entire tire, wear should progress evenly so that performance remains stable over the full lifespan of the tread, without softer side layers wearing out prematurely.

For riders searching for the most versatile rubber compound, Pirelli also offer the SmartEVO GR compound. This “Made in Italy” compound is designed specifically for modern off-road racing, intended to offer the ideal compromise between minimal rolling resistance and high grip on both dry and wet surfaces.

TechWALL And ProWALL: Tailor-Made Shields

Pirelli offer two distinct constructions that differ in their thread density and protective qualities. The ProWALL Gravel casing utilises a finer 120 TPI fabric. Thanks to the increased flexibility of this thinner material, it delivers more agile handling and adapts better to the terrain, while additional reinforcements on the sidewalls guard against cuts.

In contrast, the TechWALL Gravel casing is built for maximum robustness. It is based on a coarser 60 TPI casing, supplemented by an additional wrap-around protective layer from bead to bead. This edge-to-edge protection is designed to increase resistance to punctures and sidewall damage, while the multi-layer construction still provides enough flexibility to damp vibrations.

The Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tire Group Test at a Glance

To make the performance of the Italian brand’s systematic approach tangible, we sent the Cinturato trio through our laboratory and onto our test tracks. The following overview clearly shows how consistently Pirelli tune their models to specific surfaces: while the hardpack specialist is optimised for efficiency, the variants for mixed and soft terrain rely on more aggressive profiles, and a casing construction designed to master the balancing act between agility and grip. Two models in the review are manufactured in Italy, while the Cinturato Gravel S is manufactured in neighbouring France.

Sitting at the top of the efficiency hierarchy within the Pirelli portfolio, the Cinturato Gravel H and the Cinturato Gravel M are practically neck and neck. With resistance values of 13.5 W and 13.4 W respectively, they are within the margin of error, and together set the benchmark for speed in the Pirelli range.

The Gravel H is the specialist for dry, hard-packed trails. It impresses with above-average compliance, giving it a pleasing level of comfort. However, this efficiency comes at the price of clear specialisation: as soon as the ground gets wet or loose, it reaches its limits. Its handling also feels rather sluggish and a bit vague, making it primarily suitable for riders looking for stable and predictable rolling characteristics on firm tracks.

The Cinturato Gravel M shows a significantly more dynamic side, positioning itself as the agile all-rounder for mixed terrain. Despite its much more pronounced tread pattern, it rolls at the same excellent level as the Gravel H. Its true strength lies in its high agility and direct handling, which ensures a fun ride on changing surfaces. It offers high grip levels and solid puncture protection. However, buyers have to make sacrifices in terms of comfort: the Gravel M is the least comfortable tire in the Pirelli range, transmitting impacts more directly to the rider, making it more suitable as a sporty tool for technical courses.

For rough terrain and adverse conditions, the Cinturato Gravel S is the benchmark. Its grip is truly impressive, turning even mud and deep gravel into a controllable playground. While it rolls more slowly than its siblings at 16.3 W – as expected – it compensates with the highest comfort rating of the trio, and extremely playful handling. Surprisingly, despite its burly appearance, our lab testing showed lower-than-expected levels of puncture protection as the casing is more vulnerable to punctures between the tall, widely spaced lugs. Nevertheless, the Gravel S remains the top choice for anyone seeking maximum control far off the beaten track.

Which is the Best Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tire?

The classification of these tires clearly demonstrates how consistently Pirelli has structured its 2026 portfolio according to the “terrain-specific” principle. Ambitious racers hunting for personal bests who primarily ride on paved roads or dry hardpack will love the low rolling resistance of the Cinturato Gravel H. With its high efficiency, it is among the easiest-rolling tires within the Pirelli family, and also offers impressive compliance for long days in the saddle.

The undisputed star for the masses and our top tip for technical courses is the Cinturato Gravel M. As the agile all-rounder, it offers the liveliest handling in the group test. It is the logical choice for anyone seeking direct feedback from the ground and a high level of agility. While you have to sacrifice a bit of compliance here, you are rewarded with a level of grip that ensures full control no matter the conditions.

On the other hand, if you are looking for the ultimate “grip monster” for the most adverse conditions, the Cinturato Gravel S is your best bet. It is the top choice for adventurers and riders who aren’t intimidated by mud, soft forest floors, or coarse gravel. No other Pirelli tire in the test offers as much comfort and confidence at the limit. Even though it loses some ground in the lab for rolling resistance and puncture protection, its playful handling makes it the favourite for anyone who prioritizes riding fun far off the beaten track.

Conclusion on the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tires

The transfer from top-tier motorsport to gravel is clear in Pirelli’s structured, logical range. Leveraging their expertise in rubber compounds and carcass construction, Pirelli have created a broad range that allows riders to match the tire exactly to the terrain conditions and the required level of protection. While the Cinturato Gravel M particularly impressed in our test as a fast and agile all-rounder, the Cinturato Gravel S also stands out for playful handling that is only surpassed by its impressive grip.

Find out more at pirelli.com.

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Words & Photos: Jan Fock