CX/Gravel Tire Test: Pirelli P Zero Race TLR 4S SpeedCore 32

The Pirelli P Zero Race TLR 4S SpeedCore is manufactured in Pirelli's recently established Italian factory. The 4S (4-Season) variant of the P Zero Race TLR shares the same casing construction as the standard Race TLR SpeedCore. It features improved puncture resistance and utilizes a distinct compound that Pirelli claims to be their best for wet and chemical grip.

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In terms of specifications, the main differences between these tires are the compound, increased weight, and a unique tread pattern on the 4S model. The specified weight of the 32 mm 4S version is 60 grams heavier (395 grams) than the regular Race TLR, which suggests that the 4S not only provides better grip but also offers enhanced protection and durability.

Fortunately, we recently tested the 32 mm version of the standard P Zero Race TLR (read our review), allowing for a comprehensive comparison between the two. Having also tested both the Race TLR and Race TLR 4S in the 28 mm sizes , we are in a position to provide an interesting perspective on the comparison of the 28 and 32 mm sizes.

While the regular Race TLR is available in a wide range of sizes from 26 mm to 40 mm, the 4S is limited to just three sizes (28, 30, 32 mm). This time, we've examined the 32 mm version and will compare it with the standard 32 mm Race TLR SpeedCore, the older 35 mm Pirelli Cinturato Velo TLR, and several tires from competing brands.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Pirelli
Model	P Zero Race TLR 4S SpeedCore
Year	2024
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	Very High
Buy At	Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number	4203700
EAN	8019227420371
TPI	120
Compound	Smartnet Silica
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	32-622
Specified Weight	395 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	80
Made In	Members Only
Available Sizes	28-622 (700x28c) 30-622 (700x30c) 32-622 (700x32c)

Pirelli P Zero Race TLR 4S SpeedCore 32 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	395 grams
Measured Weight	421 grams
Measured Width Casing	31 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	30 mm
Measured Height	29 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	0.0 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	0.0 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	4.30 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Members Only
All size measurements are taken at low air pressure on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results

Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube	None (30 ml sealant)
Measured Width	31 mm
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 33-35 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 36-38 = 54 psi/3.7 bar 39-42 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 43-46 = 46 psi/3.2 bar 47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 barHigh Air Pressure (66 psi / 4.6 bar)	Members Only
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 55 psi/3.8 bar 33-35 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 36-38 = 45 psi/3.1 bar 39-42 = 42 psi/2.9 bar 43-46 = 38 psi/2.6 bar 47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 barMedium Air Pressure (55 psi / 3.8 bar)	Members Only
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 44 psi/3.0 bar 33-35 = 40 psi/2.8 bar 36-38 = 36 psi/2.6 bar 39-42 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 43-46 = 31 psi/2.1 bar 47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 barLow Air Pressure (44 psi / 3.0 bar)	23.3 Watts CRR: 0.00698
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 33-35 = 30 psi/2.1 bar 36-38 = 27 psi/1.9 bar 39-42 = 25 psi/1.7 bar 43-46 = 23 psi/1.6 bar 47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 barExtra Low Air Pressure (33 psi / 2.3 bar)	28.1 Watts CRR: 0.00842
The CX/Gravel section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread	88 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Members Only
Tread Total Tire Thickness	4.30 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Members Only
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Members Only
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Members Only

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	77 Points
Wet Grip Center	Members Only
Wet Grip Edge	Members Only
Measured Knob Height Center	0.0 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	0.0 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 CX/Gravel grip test rim width = 23.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion

We've been comparing the Pirelli P Zero Race TLR 4S in the 28 mm and 32 mm sizes, and the difference is quite significant. The 32 mm version offers even more protection than the 28 mm version and has seen an increase in tread thickness from 3.1 mm to 4.3 mm, marking a 39% increase. Additionally, the tread puncture resistance has increased from 64 to 88 points.

Although the wet grip levels in our tests are still good, they're slightly lower than the regular P Zero Race TLR. This decrease in grip is likely due to the increased thickness of the 4S, making the tire less flexible and reducing overall grip. While the P Zero Race TLR 4S in the 32 mm size performs well, it seems to be more of a "Protection" tire than a "4-Season" tire, with a focus on puncture resistance.

The significant increase in tread thickness has left us a bit puzzled. The 32 mm size now performs similarly to the old Pirelli Cinturato Velo in the 35 mm size. This thickness brings it closer to touring bike tire standards, which is not a direction we expected based on our experience with the 28 mm version.

Overall, while the Pirelli P Zero Race TLR 4S in the 32 mm size performs well in our tests, the substantial increase in tread thickness raises questions about its intended use and market positioning.

Compare the 32 mm Pirelli P Zero Race TLR and 32 mm P Zero Race 4S TLR on our comparison section

Pro Members can compare the 28, and 32 mm versions of the P Zero Race and P Zero Race 4S with Pro View

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RATING: 4.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Recommended

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