Road Bike Tire Test: Pirelli P Zero Race RS 30
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 15.1 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 57 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 82 Points
- Conclusion: 4.5 / 5 Highly Recommended
- Comments
- Pirelli P Zero Race RS 30
(100% is best)
We recently tested the 28 mm version of Pirelli's tube-type P Zero Race RS, and this time we'll examine the performance of the 30 mm version. If you've read our review of the 28 mm version, you know that the P Zero Race RS is currently one of the best choices if you prefer using inner tubes. It is slightly slower than Continental's Grand Prix 5000 but offers more grip and better puncture resistance.
We found significant differences between the RS and non-RS TLR versions of the P Zero Race. Interestingly, the tube-type P Zero Race RS version is closer to the non-RS P Zero Race TLR than the similarly named P Zero Race TLR RS. This is because Pirelli has chosen to provide the tube-type RS version with more puncture protection than the TLR version, which is often necessary since there is no anti-flat liquid to seal punctures.
The tube-type RS version does utilize the upgraded SmartEvo2 compound, while the non-RS versions still use the original SmartEvo compound. So there are similarities, but there are indeed differences between the TLR and tube-type RS versions of the P Zero Race.
Let's see if the 30 mm version can confirm the results of the 28 mm P Zero Race RS. Below you will find our test results and a comparison with a range of comparable racing bike tires.
Manufacturer Specifications
| Manufacturer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pirelli |
| Model | P Zero Race RS |
| Year | 2025 |
| Tire Type | Tubetype (clincher) |
| Supplied By | Bought in store |
| New or Used | New |
| Mileage | 0 km |
| Price Range | High |
| Buy At | |
| Manufacturer part number | 4678100 |
| EAN | 8019227467819 |
| TPI | 120 |
| Compound | SmartEvo2 |
| Bead | Folding |
| ETRTO | 30-622 |
| Size Inch | 28" |
| Specified Width (mm) | 30 |
| Specified Weight | 245 grams |
| Max Air Pressure (psi) | 104 |
| Made In | Pro Data |
| Available Sizes |
26-622 (700x26c) 28-622 (700x28c) 30-622 (700x30c) |
Pirelli P Zero Race RS 30 Test Results
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
| Size, Weight and Thickness Measurements | |
|---|---|
| Specified Weight | 245 grams |
| Measured Weight | 238 grams |
| System Adjusted Weight (tire + inner tube (100 gr) |
338 grams |
| Measured Width | 30 mm (un-round) |
| Measured Height | 27 mm (un-round) |
| Total Tire Thickness Center | 2.7 mm |
| Total Tire Thickness Sidewall | Pro Data |
| Unmounted Casing Width | 74 mm |
| Unmounted Tread Width | Pro Data |
| Tread Cover (Tread / Casing Ratio) | Pro Data |
| All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 100 psi / 6.9 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim. | |
Rolling Resistance Test Results
| Rolling Resistance Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Inner Tube | Conti Race28 Wide (125 gr butyl) |
| Measured Width | 30 mm (un-round) |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 132 psi/9.1 bar 25-27 = 120 psi/8.3 bar 28-29 = 108 psi/7.4 barUltra High Air Pressure (108 psi / 7.4 bar) |
Pro Data |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 110 psi/7.6bar 25-27 = 100 psi/6.9 bar 28-29 = 90 psi/6.2 barExtra High Air Pressure (90 psi / 6.2 bar) |
Pro Data |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 88 psi/6.1 bar 25-27 = 80 psi/5.5 bar 28-29 = 72 psi/5.0 barHigh Air Pressure (72 psi /5.0 bar) |
15.1 Watts CRR: 0.00453 |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 25-27 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 28-29 = 54 psi/3.7 barMedium Air Pressure (54 psi / 3.7 bar) |
Pro Data |
| The Road Bike 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 | 57 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 | 2.7 mm |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Pro Data |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Pro Data |
| Sidewall Total Tire Thickness | Pro Data |
Static Grip Test Results
| Static Grip Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Wet Grip Average | 82 Points |
| Wet Grip Center | Pro Data |
| Wet Grip Edge | Pro Data |
| Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 Road bike grip test rim width = 19.0 mm |
|
Conclusion
- Pirelli P Zero Race RS 30
(100% is best)
The 30 mm version of the tube-type Pirelli P Zero Race RS performs almost identically to the previously tested 28 mm version (read our review). We do see some subtle differences, and it is noteworthy that the rolling resistance of the 30 mm version is slightly higher than that of the 28 mm version, while the puncture resistance of both the tread and sidewalls, as well as the wet performance, comes out slightly better.
With these test results in hand, we consider Pirelli's P Zero Race RS to be one of the best tube-type tires you can buy at the moment. When we compare it to the gold standard Continental Grand Prix 5000, we see that you give up some rolling resistance but gain significantly in puncture resistance and especially wet grip. If you are looking for a tube-type tire with maximum wet grip, then the Pirelli P Zero Race RS is what you want.
Compare the Pirelli P Zero Race RS and Continental Grand Prix 5000 on our comparison section.
RATING:
4.5
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended