Gravel racing is becoming increasingly fast and demanding. Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli clearly has this on its radar. The Milan-based brand is synonymous with Formula 1 Tires for many people, and now claims to have transferred its high-performance expertise even more rigorously to the dirt. The brand new Cinturato RM and RH tires are designed to give their gravel portfolio a radical racing upgrade.
Our big 2026 gravel tire group test already fielded a top-class lineup, but the new Pirelli race tires were a notable absence, unavailable when testing took place. As a reminder, we rated the classic Cinturato Gravel H a fast hardpack specialist with clear racing credentials, though it noticeably lacked grip on loose surfaces. The more agile Cinturato Gravel M, an able all-rounder off-road, skimped a little on comfort and puncture protection.
These race-focused versions are Pirelli’s attempt to finally plug the gap in their range, using a dedicated race construction to engineer out the previous shortcomings. The review sample was the High-Performance model, which set the bar high before we had even ridden it. Can Pirelli make weak traction and a shortage of cornering grip a thing of the past?
Pirelli Cinturato RM and Cinturato RH in Detail: Formula 1 Tech on Dirt?
Pirelli heavily promote their new gravel Tires using their motorsport expertise. But what does that actually mean out on the trails once you strip away the marketing jargon? For our review, we received the High-Performance model, which pairs the newly tuned SmartEVO-GR compound with a finer 120 TPI casing and ProWALL puncture protection. To allow racers to fine-tune their setup to the course and their preferred level of comfort, Pirelli offer both models in widths ranging from 40 to 55 mm. Look past the internal construction, though, because the redesigned tread patterns reveal how Pirelli intend to address the familiar weaknesses of earlier Cinturato models.
Pirelli Cinturato RH in Detail
Country of origin Italy | Size (ETRTO) 45-622 | Width in mm¹ 44.98 | Weight 590 g | Price € 81.90
¹ Measured dimensions at 3.0 bar
One look at the tread pattern of the Cinturato RH tells you exactly what it was built for: fast times on compact surfaces. The central tread runs as a continuous slick, with no grooves or knobs at all, which means minimal rolling resistance and strong forward drive on tarmac and hardpack. To make up for the cornering traction the standard Cinturato H gave away, the RH turns to a far more aggressive tread on the shoulders. Moving outward from the smooth centre, you find a row of prominent, angular side knobs. This is where Pirelli make their boldest claim: the Tire should run fast and free on the straights, the hand over to the shoulder knobs the moment you lean into a corner, biting securely into the dirt. Paired with the SmartEVO-GR compound from the HP line we tested, the aim is cornering that feels sporty yet stays predictable. At 590 g, however, the weight is a little on the heavy side for a dedicated racing tire.
Pirelli Cinturato RM in Detail
Country of origin Italy | Size (ETRTO) 45-622 | Width in mm¹ 44.87 | Weight 608 g | Price € 81.90
¹ Measured dimensions at 3.0 bar
If you’re a racer fighting for every second on highly variable, technical or loose terrain, the Cinturato RM is aimed right at you. A quick look at the tread pattern shows that the Pirelli are clearly taking their cues from cross-country tire designs. Unlike the RH, the central tread isn’t completely smooth. Instead, it features tightly packed, arrow-shaped knobs. This layout gives you continuous traction on rocky and unstable ground while keeping rolling resistance to an absolute minimum thanks to the tight spacing.
Moving towards the edges, the tread opens up and the side knobs grow chunkier. This design is intended to maximise traction when cornering on deep gravel. Pirelli promise that the RM delivers the ideal balance between aggressive traction and high racing efficiency. Thanks to the 120 TPI casing from the HP line, you will find that the Tire absorbs impacts with much more sensitivity and provides a significant boost in comfort. Just like its sibling, however, the tire tips the scales at 608 g, which places it on the heavier side of the spectrum.
Pirelli Cinturato RM and Cinturato RH in Review: More Grip, More Speed?
The theory certainly sounds promising, but the real answer only comes out on the test track. Over a period of several weeks, we put both new Pirelli race tires through their paces across a wide variety of rides and surfaces. Mounted on our 25 mm carbon rims, both tires plump out to almost exactly their promised 45 mm width and take on a smooth, round profile. The only slight catch is that mounting them takes a bit of muscle and skill: the tires tend to slip off the bead at first and can prove quite stubborn. Once you get them seated, however, the tubeless setup seals immediately and securely.
At 590 g for the RH and 608 g for the RM, these new Pirellis give up a little explosive snap when you stamp on the pedals out of the saddle. Once you get them up to speed, however, they hold momentum well, winning you over with incredibly balanced and smooth handling. Thanks to the smooth central tread, the Cinturato RH delivers massive forward drive on tarmac and hardpack gravel. It slips a touch sooner on loose ground, as you would expect, but the square shoulder knobs catch you safely and predictably. It’s only when the ground turns deep and muddy that the slick centre reaches its limits, as it lacks self-cleaning capabilities and clogs up very quickly.
This is where the Cinturato RM comes into its own. Its cross-country tread gives up a fraction of straight-line speed, but pays you back with a marked gain in traction off-road and in the wet. What surprised us most was its compliance. That makes it more comfortable than the Cinturato RH and, with the extra grip, considerably more versatile. We do not have lab figures for rolling resistance or puncture protection, but neither model punctured on us despite sharp rocks and hard race conditions.
Who Are the New Pirelli Cinturato RM and Cinturato RH Gravel the Right Tires For?
The new Pirelli Tires are clearly aimed at ambitious gravel riders who refuse to compromise on their kit and put performance above everything else. Whether you’re lining up on the start grid or simply love blasting along your local trails at race pace, you’ll find two extremely potent gravel tires here. As a racer, you’ll have to accept the slightly higher weight, but out on the trails, you are rewarded with exceptional reliability, puncture protection and predictable handling.
Conclusions
With the RM and RH, Pirelli have given the proven Cinturato family the race update it needed. The sporty construction earns its keep on the dirt. The Cinturato RH pairs real straight-line speed with confident cornering grip, which makes it a sharp choice for hardpack. The Cinturato RM rounds out the pair as a high-traction, surprisingly comfortable all-rounder for rougher terrain. Across tough race conditions and fast gravel days alike, both tires mark a clear step forward, and only the modest weight penalty holds them back from a clean sweep.
Tops
- Successful optimization of cornering grip
- Smooth rolling characteristics of the Cinturato RH
- High level of comfort on the Cinturato RM
Flops
- Slightly heavy
For more information, head over to pirelli.com
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Words: Jan Fock Photos: Calvin Zajac, Jan Fock
About the Author
Jan Fock
Jan Fock combines sporting ambition with a deep understanding of cycling culture at 41 Publishing. As a social scientist, he brings a well-founded sense for trends and dynamics to the editorial team of GRAN FONDO magazine. His focus is on testing high-end road and gravel bikes, with a particular passion for bikepacking and punchy after work-rides. Jan combines his organizational talent with meticulous analysis, providing precise orientation in his profound buyer’s guides for all those who enjoy riding pushing themselves in the saddle.
