Road Bike Tire Test: Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore 28

Published: by
  • Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore 28
Performance compared to all other road bike tires
(100% is best)
Pro Members get 11-point radar charts



Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore 28 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine

The Pirelli P Zero Race TLR recently received an update and now comes with Pirelli's new SpeedCore construction that they manufacture exclusively in their new factory in Italy. We're excited about this updated version of the P Zero Race TLR as we recently tested the Pirelli P Zero Race 4S (read our review), which is also manufactured in their new factory. We found the P Zero Race 4S a significant upgrade over Pirelli's older tires which were made in France or Thailand.


Ad Buy Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore at Amazon.com


From information we found on Pirelli's website, it's clear that the new P Zero Race TLR differs significantly from the old version. The new factory in Italy probably gave Pirelli a chance to start from scratch with their casing designs. The new P Zero Race TLR now comes with a new (patent pending) tubeless coating on the inside of the tire instead of the old version that had an extra layer of air-sealing fabric that ran from bead to bead and which was applied as an additional layer on the outside of the casing.


We also see a similar change with the extra layer of anti-puncture-resistant material placed under the tread's center. On the old version, the center strip was applied as an extra layer on top of the other casing layers. With the new version of the P Zero Race TLR, we see the center strip is wrapped within the other casing layers. It's now the third layer instead of the first layer (out of 5 layers) when we look through the tire from the outside to the inside.


We believe that the best puncture resistance, with the least amount of material, is achieved when the strongest material is wrapped within the other layers and as close to the inside of the tire as possible. This is because the wrapping makes the material even stronger, and the outer layers take some of the force before arriving at the main anti-puncture layer. When it's the other way around, the object will likely penetrate the weaker layers as well once the strongest layer has been broken.


When looking at the compound, the specifications indicate the compound is unchanged as Pirelli still uses its SmartEvo compound. Based on our test results, we wouldn't be surprised if this compound is slightly different, as Pirelli now has an in-house factory. It allows them to use the latest compound technology and company knowledge from their vast experience with formulating compounds.


What's also surprising is that the new P Zero Race TLR will be available in much bigger sizes than we usually see with road bike tires. Next to the 26-622, 28-622, 30-622, and 32-622 sizes that are available as of right now, Pirelli will also introduce 35-622 and 40-622 sizes of the P Zero Race TLR later this year. We look forward to seeing gravel and touring bikes equipped with 40-622 P Zero Race TLR tires.


We've tested the 28-622 version of the Race TLR, which is likely to become one of the most popular sizes as we see a strong trend towards bigger road bike tires with the increasing popularity of tubeless road bike tires.

Manufacturer Specifications


Manufacturer Specifications
Brand Pirelli
Model P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore
Year 2023
Tire Type Tubeless
Supplied By Bought in store
New or Used New
Mileage 0 km
Price Range Very High
Buy At Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number 4149600
EAN8019227414967
TPI 120
Compound SmartEvo
Bead Folding
ETRTO 28-622
Size Inch 28"
Specified Width (mm) 28
Specified Weight 295 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi) 102
Made In Members Only
Available Sizes 26-622 (700x26c)
28-622 (700x28c)
30-622 (700x30c)
32-622 (700x32c)
35-622 (700x35c)
40-622 (700x40c)

Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore 28 Test Results

Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore 28 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements


Size, Weight and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight 295 grams
Measured Weight 314 grams
System Adjusted Weight
(tire + valve + rim seal)
334 grams
Measured Width 28 mm (un-round)
Measured Height 25 mm (un-round)
Total Tire Thickness Center 3 mm
Total Tire Thickness Sidewall Members Only
Unmounted Casing Width 70 mm
Unmounted Tread Width Members Only
Tread Cover (Tread / Casing Ratio) Members Only
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 None (20 ml sealant)
Measured Width 28 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 bar
Ultra High Air Pressure

(108 psi / 7.4 bar)
10.9 Watts
CRR: 0.00327
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 bar
Extra High Air Pressure

(90 psi / 6.2 bar)
11.8 Watts
CRR: 0.00354
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 bar
High Air Pressure

(72 psi /5.0 bar)
Members Only
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 bar
Medium Air Pressure

(54 psi / 3.7 bar)
Members Only
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

Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore 28 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine
Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread 56 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 3 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle Members Only
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle Members Only
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness Members Only

Static Grip Test Results

Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore road bike tire on a grip test machine
Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average 75 Points
Wet Grip Center Members Only
Wet Grip Edge Members Only
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100
Road bike grip test rim width = 19.0 mm

Conclusion


  • Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore 28
Performance compared to all other road bike tires
(100% is best)

Pro Members get 11-point radar charts

The made-in-Italy Pirelli P Zero Race TLR with SpeedCore casing is the go-to allround road bike tire as it combines a low rolling resistance with very strong puncture resistance and excellent wet grip. The only flaw we can find is the slightly higher than advertised weight (314 vs 295 grams) of our 28-622 sample of the P Zero Race TLR. We're impressed by Pirelli's ability to find the perfect balance for allround use. It kind of makes 4-season or all-season tires obsolete.


The older version of the Pirelli P Zero Race TLR (read our review) was already a strong performer, but Pirelli's new Italian factory gained them an edge over the competition. We're sure other manufacturers will look closely at this tire, as Pirelli seems serious about their entry into the bicycle tire market. Given the performance of the P Zero Race TLR, we can see it become one of the most popular tubeless road bike tires.


When you buy these tires, make sure it's the SpeedCore version and it's made in Italy as the older versions might still be available for a while.


Rated 5 out of 5, and we're looking forward to seeing more tires come out of Pirelli's Italian factory.

Ad Buy Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SpeedCore at Amazon.com


RATING: 5.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended


Comments



Road Bike Rolling Resistance Reviews
Excludes previous models/discontinued tires
Visit the road bike overview to view all
Brand Model Watts
VittoriaCorsa Pro Speed TLR 285.6 W
VeloflexRecord TLR 256.3 W
VittoriaCorsa Speed G+ 2.0 (TLR) 257.0 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 TT TR 287.1 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 TT TR (TdF) 257.2 W
SchwalbePro One TT TLE Addix 257.5 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 S TR 258.4 W
MichelinPower Cup TLR 288.5 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 S TR 288.5 W
GoodyearEagle F1 SuperSport R TLC 288.5 W
MichelinPower Time Trial 258.6 W
VeloflexRecord (silica compound) 238.7 W
VittoriaCorsa Speed (tubular) 238.9 W
MichelinPower Cup TLR 258.9 W
VittoriaCorsa Pro TLR 289.3 W
ChallengeCriterium RS 259.4 W
VittoriaCorsa Pro TLR 269.6 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 S TR (tanwall) 259.6 W
ZippTangente Speed Tubeless 259.6 W
TufoComtura Prima TR 289.7 W
SpecializedS-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 269.8 W
ContinentalGrand Prix TT 259.9 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 2510.0 W
MichelinPower Road TLR 2510.1 W
SpecializedTurbo Cotton 2410.1 W
PirelliP Zero Velo TT 2310.2 W
ContinentalGrand Prix SuperSonic 2310.2 W
SchwalbePro One TLE Addix 2510.2 W
PirelliP Zero Velo Race TLR SL 2610.3 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 All Season TR 2810.4 W
SchwalbePro One Aero TLE (Front) 2810.5 W
VeloflexCorsa Race TLR 2510.6 W
MichelinPower Cup 2510.6 W
SpecializedTurbo Cotton Hell of the North 2810.6 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 All Season TR 2510.9 W
PirelliP Zero Race TLR SpeedCore 2810.9 W
MichelinPower Competition 2510.9 W
ContinentalGrand Prix Force II 2411.0 W
PanaracerAgilest TLR 2811.3 W
PirelliP Zero Race TLR SL (TechWall) 2811.3 W
ContinentalGrand Prix Attack II 2211.4 W
EnveSES Road Tire Tubeless 2511.4 W
BontragerR4 320 2511.5 W
SchwalbePro One Aero TLE (Rear) 2811.5 W
PirelliP Zero Race 4S 2611.6 W
SpecializedS-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 2811.6 W
ZippTangente Speed 2511.6 W
MavicYksion Pro UST Tubeless 2511.7 W
PirelliP Zero Velo Race TLR 2611.7 W
GoodyearEagle F1 R TLC 2811.7 W
ChallengeStrada Pro HTLR 2511.8 W
VeloflexCorsa Evo TLR 2511.9 W
HutchinsonFusion 5 Galactik TLR 11Storm 2512.0 W
VittoriaCorsa N.EXT TLR 2812.1 W
WolfpackRoad Race 2612.1 W
VittoriaCorsa G+ 2.0 TLR 2512.2 W
VittoriaCorsa G+ (tubular) 2512.3 W
VeloflexCorsa Race (clincher) 2512.3 W
VittoriaCorsa N.EXT TLR 2612.3 W
MichelinPower Road 2512.4 W
PirelliP Zero Velo 2512.5 W
VittoriaCorsa Pro Control TLR 2812.5 W
VittoriaCorsa Control G+ 2.0 TLR 2512.6 W
PirelliP Zero Race 2612.6 W
PirelliP Zero Race TLR 4S SpeedCore 2812.8 W
SchwalbePro One (tubetype) Addix 2512.8 W
SpecializedS-Works Mondo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 2812.8 W
VittoriaCorsa Elite (tubular) 2512.9 W
TufoComtura 4 TR 2812.9 W
CadexRace Tubeless 2513.0 W
VittoriaCorsa G+ 2.0 (open) 2513.0 W
MaxxisPadrone Tubeless Ready 2513.1 W
MaxxisHigh Road 2513.2 W
ChallengeStrada Pro 2513.4 W
SpecializedS-Works Turbo 2413.4 W
BontragerR3 Hard-Case Lite TLR 2513.6 W
PirelliP Zero Road 2613.7 W
Rene HerseChinook Pass Extralight 2813.8 W
SpecializedS-Works Turbo T2/T5 2613.8 W
PanaracerRace L Evo 3 2513.9 W
GoodyearEagle F1 TLC 2513.9 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 2514.0 W
VittoriaCorsa N.EXT 2614.0 W
ContinentalUltra Sport III 2514.1 W
VittoriaCorsa Control G+ 2.0 (open) 2514.1 W
ContinentalCompetition (tubular) 2514.2 W
MichelinPro 4 Endurance v2 2514.5 W
MichelinPower Endurance 2514.5 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 4 Season 2514.6 W
PirelliP Zero Velo 4S 2514.7 W
IRCFormula Pro Tubeless RBCC 2514.8 W
MavicYksion Elite 2515.0 W
TufoComtura Duo 2815.1 W
VittoriaZaffiro Pro G+ 2.0 2515.2 W
VittoriaRubino Pro G+ 2.0 2515.2 W
ZippTangente Course 2515.3 W
MichelinKrylion 2 Endurance 2515.4 W
MichelinPro 4 Service Course 2515.4 W
SchwalbeOne Performance Addix 2515.4 W
SchwalbeOne TLE Performance Addix 2515.8 W
MichelinLithion 2 2515.9 W
PirelliCinturato Velo TLR 2616.0 W
SchwalbePro One HT (tubular) 2516.1 W
PanaracerRace A Evo 3 2516.4 W
SchwalbeDurano Plus Addix 2516.4 W
ClementStrada LGG 2516.9 W
MichelinDynamic Sport 2517.3 W
PanaracerRace D Evo 3 2517.4 W
SchwalbeDurano 2518.0 W
SchwalbeLugano II 2518.0 W
VredesteinFortezza Senso All Weather 2518.0 W
ContinentalGatorskin 2519.3 W
ContinentalGator Hardshell 2519.5 W
SchwalbeDurano DD Addix 2519.5 W
MichelinPower All Season 2521.3 W
MaxxisRe-Fuse 2522.6 W
View All
CX/Gravel Rolling Resistance Reviews
Brand Model Watts
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 S TR 3212.8 W
Rene HerseSnoqualmie Pass TC Extralight 4413.5 W
ChallengeStrada Bianca Pro HTLR 4014.8 W
UltradynamicoCava Race 3314.9 W
SchwalbePro One TLE Addix 3415.5 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 All Season TR 3515.6 W
SchwalbeG-One RS Super Race 3515.7 W
ChallengeStrada Bianca Pro HTLR 3615.7 W
SchwalbePro One TLE Addix 3215.8 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 TL 3216.0 W
SchwalbeG-One RS Super Race 4016.2 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 All Season TR 3216.3 W
ContinentalTerra Speed TR (tanwall) 4516.4 W
PanaracerGravelKing TLC 3516.6 W
VittoriaCorsa N.EXT TLR 3216.7 W
PanaracerGravelKing TLC 4017.0 W
ContinentalTerra Speed TR 3517.0 W
VittoriaCorsa N.EXT TLR 3417.2 W
ChallengeGetaway Pro HTLR 4017.4 W
Rene HerseSnoqualmie Pass TC 4417.4 W
TufoGravel Thundero 4017.4 W
TufoGravel Speedero 4017.5 W
SchwalbeG-One RS Super Race 4517.6 W
ContinentalTerra Speed TR 4017.8 W
TufoGravel Thundero 4418.1 W
TufoGravel Speedero 3618.2 W
ContinentalTerra Hardpack TR 5018.6 W
UltradynamicoCava Race 4218.9 W
PanaracerGravelKing TLC 3219.0 W
TufoGravel Thundero HD 4019.2 W
PanaracerGravelKing SS TLC 4019.2 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel H 4019.5 W
Rene HerseSnoqualmie Pass TC Endurance 4419.6 W
SpecializedRoubaix Pro 2Bliss Ready 3219.7 W
SchwalbeG-One Overland Super Ground SpeedGrip 5020.0 W
TufoGravel Swampero 4020.1 W
SpecializedS-Works Pathfinder 2Bliss Ready 4220.2 W
SpecializedS-Works Mondo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 3520.2 W
MichelinPower Gravel 3520.3 W
SpecializedPathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready 4220.3 W
Rene HerseBarlow Pass TC 3820.4 W
PanaracerGravelKing SK TLC 4020.9 W
ChallengeStrada Bianca Race TLR 3621.2 W
ChallengeGetaway XP Pro HTLR 4021.3 W
PirelliCinturato Cross H 3321.4 W
ContinentalSpeed King CX RaceSport 3221.4 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel M 4521.7 W
VittoriaMezcal III TNT G+ 2.0 4421.9 W
MichelinPower Gravel (v2) 4021.9 W
ContinentalTerra Trail TR 4022.2 W
HutchinsonOveride 3522.2 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel M 4022.7 W
WTBRiddler TCS Light 3722.8 W
MichelinPower Adventure TLR 4822.9 W
SpecializedPathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready 3823.0 W
Rene HerseSteilacoom TC 3823.1 W
PanaracerGravelKing Plus TLC 3523.1 W
VittoriaTerreno Dry TNT G+ 2.0 3323.2 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel RC 4023.2 W
ZippG40 XPLR 4023.3 W
VittoriaTerreno Zero TNT G+ 2.0 3723.4 W
Rene HerseHurricane Ridge TC Extralight 4223.8 W
PirelliCinturato Velo 3523.8 W
TeravailCannonball Light & Supple 4223.9 W
SchwalbeG-One R Super Race 4024.2 W
MaxxisReaver EXO/TR 4024.2 W
WolfpackGravel SuperSpeed TLR 4024.2 W
Rene HerseSnoqualmie Pass TC Endurance Plus 4424.3 W
Rene HerseHurricane Ridge TC 4224.4 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel RC-X 4024.7 W
VredesteinAventura 3824.7 W
SchwalbeG-One Bite Super Ground SpeedGrip 4024.8 W
WTBResolute TCS Light 4224.8 W
SchwalbeG-One Speed Super Ground V-Guard SpeedGrip 4024.8 W
MaxxisRambler EXO/TR 120 TPI 4025.0 W
PanaracerGravelKing SS Plus TLC 4025.5 W
VittoriaTerreno Mix TNT G+ 2.0 3325.6 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel S 4025.6 W
ChallengeGrifo Pro 3325.7 W
WTBNano TCS Light 4025.8 W
PirelliCinturato Cross M 3325.9 W
SchwalbeG-One Ultrabite TLE SpeedGrip 4026.0 W
SchwalbeG-One Allround Super Ground SpeedGrip 4026.0 W
IRCBoken Doublecross 4226.3 W
WTBByway TCS Light SG2 4026.6 W
VittoriaTerreno Dry TLR G+ 2.0 4026.6 W
VittoriaTerreno Zero Gravel Lite 4027.8 W
VittoriaTerreno Wet TNT G+ 2.0 3328.4 W
ChallengeGravel Grinder 3328.7 W
HutchinsonTouareg Hardskin TLR 4029.0 W
PirelliCinturato All Road 4029.7 W
MaxxisRe-Fuse Gravel 4030.1 W
BontragerGR1 Team Issue 4030.4 W
GoodyearConnector Ultimate 3531.4 W
View All
Mountain Bike Rolling Resistance Reviews
Excludes previous models/discontinued tires
Visit the MTB overview to view all
Brand Model Watts
SchwalbeThunder Burt Super Ground Addix Speed15.7 W
SchwalbeRocket Ron LiteSkin Addix Speed18.1 W
ContinentalRace King Protection (E-25)18.2 W
SchwalbeRacing Ralph Super Ground Addix Speed19.0 W
ContinentalSpeed King II RaceSport19.1 W
SchwalbeRacing Ralph LiteSkin Addix Speed20.5 W
SchwalbeRacing Ralph Super Race Addix Speed21.5 W
SchwalbeRocket Ron TL-E Addix Speed22.2 W
ContinentalRace King RaceSport22.4 W
SchwalbeRacing Ralph 2019 TLE Addix Speed22.5 W
SchwalbeRocket Ron TL-E Addix SpeedGrip22.7 W
VittoriaMezcal TNT G+ 2.023.5 W
SchwalbeRacing Ray TLE Addix SpeedGrip23.8 W
SchwalbeRacing Ralph TL-E Addix SpeedGrip24.2 W
VittoriaMezcal XC Race TLR G+ 2.024.4 W
ContinentalCross King Protection 29x2.224.5 W
ContinentalRace King Performance ShieldWall24.9 W
VittoriaBarzo TNT G+ 2.025.5 W
SpecializedS-Works Renegade 2BR T5/T725.9 W
SpecializedS-Works Fast Trak 2BR T5/T726.0 W
MaxxisAspen EXO TR26.1 W
IRCMythos XC26.3 W
ContinentalRace King Performance26.3 W
MaxxisRekon Race EXO TR26.6 W
MaxxisRekon Race MaxxSpeed EXO/TR26.8 W
SpecializedS-Works Ground Control 2BR26.8 W
MaxxisIkon 3C MaxxSpeed TLR27.0 W
ContinentalRace King Sport27.0 W
ContinentalCross King Protection 29x2.328.4 W
MaxxisAspen MaxxSpeed EXO/TR28.5 W
MichelinJet XCR28.7 W
PirelliScorpion XC RC Lite Team Edition28.8 W
MaxxisArdent Race 3C EXO TR30.6 W
MichelinForce XC30.8 W
ContinentalMountain King II RaceSport31.5 W
MichelinForce AM32.9 W
KendaSmall Block Eight35.6 W
MaxxisIkon eXCeption Silkworm38.2 W
TufoXC11 TR38.6 W
VittoriaAKA40.7 W
View All
Touring Bike Rolling Resistance Reviews
Brand Model Watts
CompassBon Jon Pass15.6 W
ContinentalGrand Prix Urban16.9 W
SchwalbeMarathon Almotion (OneStar)17.1 W
VittoriaVoyager Hyper17.7 W
ContinentalContact Urban18.4 W
SchwalbeMarathon Efficiency18.5 W
SchwalbeMarathon Supreme19.1 W
SchwalbeMarathon Almotion Addix19.4 W
SchwalbeMarathon Almotion TLE Addix19.7 W
PanaracerPasela PT (ProTite)20.6 W
ContinentalSport Contact II20.6 W
SchwalbeMarathon (GreenGuard)21.3 W
SchwalbeEnergizer Plus21.5 W
CSTE-Series Reach21.9 W
SchwalbeGreen Marathon22.4 W
ContinentalTop Contact II24.2 W
ContinentalUrban Taraxagum24.2 W
ContinentalContact II24.3 W
SchwalbeMarathon Racer24.6 W
SchwalbeKojak24.8 W
ContinentalCity Ride II25.1 W
SchwalbeMarathon Plus25.5 W
SchwalbeMarathon Mondial Evo26.7 W
VredesteinPerfect-E27.3 W
SchwalbeMarathon E-Plus27.4 W
ContinentalTop Contact Winter II28.5 W
VittoriaRandonneur32.4 W
ContinentalE.Contact33.4 W
View All
Fat Bike Rolling Resistance Reviews
Brand Model Watts
SchwalbeJumbo Jim LiteSkin PaceStar29.4 W
SchwalbeJumbo Jim SnakeSkin31.1 W
SpecializedFast Trak Fat35.9 W
VeeRubber Vee 838.3 W
SurlyLarry40.9 W
45NRTHVan Helga43.5 W
45NRTHHusker Du44.2 W
SurlyLarry 27 TPI45.5 W
VittoriaBomboloni TNT46.4 W
MaxxisMammoth47.2 W
PanaracerFat B Nimble47.9 W
KendaJuggernaut Pro51.7 W
View All