Has anyone seen any data or reviews on the Pirelli P Zero Race RS in 28mm, specifically the non-tubeless (clincher) version?
I’ve found some info on the TLR version, but nothing on the standard one.
I’m wondering how the puncture protection compares to the TLR, and whether the performance is similar overall.
Is the lower claimed weight (230g) just due to the lack of tubeless compatibility, or are there other differences in construction or rolling resistance?
I’m thinking of pairing it with TPU tubes (Aerothan), which I’ve used for years. This would be for La Marmotte and L’Étape du Tour, so I’m looking for a fast, lightweight setup that can still handle rough descents and long days in the mountains.
Its listed as “coming soon” on Bicycle Rolling Resistance. No idea if it will be soon enough for your events, but you could try contacting Jarno at Contact Us | Bicycle Rolling Resistance
I’m waiting for the same results.
David
Thanks, David — I hadn’t noticed it was listed as “coming soon” on BRR, that’s promising! Let’s hope it is tested before July. Appreciate the heads-up!
GCN just did a video on it, promoting the benefits of the Non tubeless P Zero and TPU tubes. Only to finish saying that for the Fred Whitton he stayed tubeless, a p’ture would cost him a lot of time, the better rolling of tubeless would save him minutes whereas the lighter set up would only save him 12s.
He also writes in the comments that he runs tubeless for 90% of his riding. So in typical GCN fashion, this is just an add trying to seem less like an add by trying to be funny.
I used tubeless for 5–6 years, but after a bad experience, I’m done with the hassle — I won’t consider that option anymore. That said, I actually agree with everything GCN mentioned in the video.
TPU tubes are light and reliable, and for the kind of events I do — like La Marmotte and L’Étape du Tour — it’s more about weight savings. Or at least, in my head, weight feels like the key factor.
I had a very bad experience switching to these Pirelli tubeless tyres. Massive front sidewall blowout hit the deck on a slight downhill, 12mm gash. Broken clavicle, 9 ribs, suspected back. Couldn’t see how or why this happened. Really affected my confidence as never had a puncture on clinchers do that to me.
Got back riding, and it happened again on another front tyre ! Thankfully didn’t crash. Plugged and got home, then saw a pea shaped bulge on the tyre near the puncture, so basically both tyres had defects. Not good enough Pirelli.
Then theres the god forsaken job of putting tyres on and off, it’s nearly impossible on Rovals and wouldn’t even try side of the road. Tried inserts but found it even harder to deal with
I think I had 2 front punctures on clinchers in 10 years .. had 2 on tubeless in 5 months so far.
On the upside they are very smooth and comfortable so I stick with it - be keen to hear how the clinchers perform,.
No choice when I done the Marmotte (tubeless wasn’t invented) but I think @Torneng is right and its typical GCN and an ad based story for likes. IME with tubeless I’ve found some sealants are terrible and make it a nightmare (not really messy like GCN make out, just un reliable). The worst I’ve tried was FinishLine ‘never dry out’ (or whatever it was called), but it doesn’t dry out to seal tiny holes either. I’d get slows with that then hit something like a cat eye that unseated the tyre, I almost gave up on tubeless until I realised it was the problem. I think if I was somehow younger and doing the Marmotte again, knowing what I know now (about sealants) and my experience of tubeless generally over 8 years, I’d do it with tubeless.
