CX/Gravel Tire Test: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H SmartEvo GR 40

We tested the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H back in 2021 (read our review), but it has recently faded from view amid rising competition in the gravel tire segment. The updated version of the Gravel H aims to turn the tide with an all-new casing and compound, a deeper tread pattern, and, importantly for its performance, production at Pirelli's own factory in Italy.

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Essentially, what we have here is a completely new tire that retains only its predecessor's visual identity. The ProWall casing now features a TPI of 120, a decrease from the 127 TPI of the old TechWall casing. This change indicates a complete shift in the casing fabric, aligning more closely with Pirelli's well-regarded road bike tires, known for their strong performance.

The old SpeedGRIP compound has been upgraded to the SmartEvo GR (gravel) compound, an off-road derivative of the SmartEvo 2 compound, which is also utilized in Pirelli's latest road bike tires and exclusively produced in Pirelli's own facility. While we often mention manufacturing, the significance of having an in-house production facility that leverages the latest research cannot be underestimated; our experience shows that you can't simply order "the best tire" from somewhere.

The new Cinturato Gravel H is available in sizes 40-622, 45-622, and 50-622, with each size offered in three distinct sidewall colors: Standard (full black), Retro (light sidewall), and Classic (brown sidewalls). We tested the full black version in size 40-622, and in this review, we will compare it against the previous Cinturato Gravel H (read our review), the P Zero Race TLR 40 (surprise) (read our review), and a selection of similar tires from competing brands.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Pirelli
Model	Cinturato Gravel H SmartEvo GR
Year	2026
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At	Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number	4708300
EAN	8019227470833
TPI	120
Compound	SmartEvo GR
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	40-622
Specified Weight	500 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	51
Made In	Pro Data
Available Sizes	40-622 (700x40c) 45-622 (700x45c) 50-622 (700x50c)

Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H SmartEvo GR 40 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	500 grams
Measured Weight	522 grams
Measured Width Casing	39 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	41 mm
Measured Height	Pro Data
Tire Circumference	Pro Data
Measured Knob Height Center	0.9 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.2 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	2.50 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Pro Data
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	39 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 (50 psi / 3.4 bar)	Pro Data
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 (42 psi / 2.9 bar)	Pro Data
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 (33 psi / 2.3 bar)	17.9 Watts CRR: 0.00537
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 (25 psi / 1.7 bar)	Pro Data
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	46 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Tread Total Tire Thickness	2.50 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Pro Data

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	81 Points
Wet Grip Center	Pro Data
Wet Grip Edge	Pro Data
Measured Knob Height Center	0.9 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.2 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

Our tests clearly demonstrate that the new Cinturato Gravel H SmartEvo GR is a significant upgrade over the old Gravel H with SpeedGrip compound. While it may not be the fastest-rolling tire available, it excels as a balanced option with improved puncture resistance of both the tread and sidewalls, as well as outstanding grip in wet conditions on hard surfaces.

When we compare the Gravel H SmartEvo GR to the well-regarded Pirelli P Zero Race TLR in the 40 mm size, we see rolling resistance isn't even that far off from a full-slick tire. If you're doing a lot of on-road riding, the new Gravel H looks like a good alternative to the full-slick Pirelli with some off-road capability on top.

When we compare the Gravel H SmartEvo GR to other competitors in its category, including the Hutchinson Caracal Race, Schwalbe G-One R and RS, Tufo Gravel Thundero, and Continental Competition Race Rapid. The tire you ultimately choose from this lineup will depend on your personal preferences, but we believe the Gravel H presents a compelling option for many riders.

Compare the old Cinturato Gravel H and new Cinturato Gravel H SmartEvo GR on our comparison section.

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RATING: 5.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Highly Recommended

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