What are we voting on at BRR this month?
I’ve been using Fast/Fast to date. I’m going to run Air/Air for CE given the demands of the event. But if you want a bit more grip in the front I think Fast/Air should work and I personally would use that for something like Sea Otter or High Cascades 100 at this point (I ran both of those on Aspens before). Again, I haven’t tried the Airs yet. Putting them on in a couple weeks, will try to remember to report back.
Thanks for the information! I current have a fast track up front and renegade rear (stock tires for my epic 8). I’m doing the high cascades 100 this summer, so may try the fast/air combo.
I voted Mezcal XC trail. I’ve only done pavement tests on Mezcal XC race and they were right in between peyote and Barzo.
I haven’t run a Mezcal front in the new compounds. I got along great with the Peyote as a front and wouldn’t hesitate to run again.
And? Can you compare them to xc rc?
Pirelli Scorpion XC RH results on BRR. This is looking to be a sensational tyre.
Wow, indeed - this may be my choice for fast and non-tech MTB races this summer. Have you ridden it?
It’s a bummer, but looks like the ProWall version will not make the cut this month. The other 2 MTB tires seem to be somewhat solid in their standing, anything else people are interested to vote up?
My current shopping cart at lord gun! Just nervous of the tariffs ugh
Also not sure about the RH. Albeit is very fast, I assume it handles as bad as a Burt!
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I rode fast/air and air/air for 2000 miles last year. All in Utah mountains and desert. I didn’t have a single issue with those tires and can recommend.
My only complaint is they seemed to wear out faster than other brands. I’m a heavier rider at 93 kg, so consider that. I went through several sets during the season. My wife {50 kg) and daughter (40kg) both ran fast/fast all season (750 miles) and replaced 2 sets each, no flats or issues. My son (70 kg) started the season on fast/air, flatted twice during races, so I switched and ran the Barzo/Mezcal + rear airliner insert for most of the remainder of his season (250 miles) and they still look brand new
.
I’m confident recommending the specialized setup if you are an intentional rider, which my son is not. My only observation is they wear faster than other tires. My local shop usually has the specialized tires for ~$60, plus they offer a NICA discount, so they come in much cheaper than other brands.
If those pirellis came in 2.2 or 2.1 they’d sell out instantly for every grvl bike
Whoa that Pirelli is looking like a game changer, I know this is the XC thread but wonder how this tire would test then:
Scanning their site I am wondering if you will want a Scorpion XC RH for the rear and a Scorpion XC H for the front. Although the XC H has a different rubber compound but more knobs. RR gives the XC RH very good wet grip though so it may be pretty great traction actually - the XC RH has roughly 1mm (roughly same as Rick) shorter side knob than the Racing Ray, The XC RH probably needs lean commitment.
Just had my first day on an air/air combo (coming from fast/fast…. and Assegai’s on my trail bike
) . Really liked them. Was surprised by how will they cornered. Riding PNW trails so pretty slick right now, but they didn’t feel sketchy. Think they are going to be great for Cape Epic!
Glad to hear the initial impression was good. I’d love to hear how your Cape Epic goes. Keep us updated!
Alright… I’ve got a XC/RH, Peyote/Mezcal, and Air Trak/Air Trak setup coming. Currently just yanked off the Dubs and put on the Ricks F/R.
Planning to do a lot of testing at my local trails to get dialed in for the upcoming seasons.
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Keep us posted with your findings.
Hi all, I was looking at the new Pirelli Scorpion XC RH in either the Prowall or Lite casing. My other options where either to run Continental Dubs or try the new Specialized Air Trak/Fast Trak Flex Lite TLR. Bicycle rolling resistance (BRR) where very critical on how slow the specialized tires were so that’s a little concerning and if they’re anything like the previous S-Works casing, very prone to puncture. They are so well priced and light though…I’ never tried the Conti Dubs but they seem to always test well and the new Scorpion XC RH is extremely fast according to BRR so I’m very tempted to try them as well. What should I pick for my all condition race tires?
I’ve heard those pirellis are the hardest tire to get the bead seated and inflated. I’m sure they are fast but think probably better to stick with Ricks, Dubnitals or Peyotes.

