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Pirelli has introduced the Scorpion XC RC and M – the first 100% Made in Italy mountain bike tyres with FSC-certified natural rubber.
Natural rubber is, we’re told, the product’s most important component, with the FSC logo guaranteeing that the natural rubber used by Pirelli comes from responsibly managed forests, protecting the environment, biodiversity, workers’ rights and local communities. This is FSC licence N003618 certified.
The amount of natural rubber, as a percentage of the total weight of the tyre, is equal to approximately 17% for the Lite version of the tyre and 20% for the ProWALL version. These products are made at Pirelli’s Milan-Bollate plant, which only uses natural rubber that is Forest Stewardship Council certified.
Performance in focus
Developed in collaboration with the athletes of its partner teams, the Scorpion XC RC, a World Cup race-winning tyre, is said to be more rolling efficient and features a new profile.
The Scorpion XC M has been completely redesigned, delivering 9% lower rolling resistance and 12% less weight compared to its predecessor**
Made for Cross Country races, from the Short-Tracks to Olympic races, and to the Marathons, the tyres have “been designed specifically for the toughest competitions” but can also be used for “a wide range of other cross-country applications, up to a light Trail riding”.
Race Compound
The Scorpion XC RC and M use a new compound formula called Race Compound, developed by the Pirelli technicians of the Motorsport Compound division – representing the pinnacle of Pirelli’s off-road performance, in the XC discipline.
Currently the best performing compound of Pirelli’s MTB XC range, it is designed to “combine top chemical grip also on wet surfaces, high tear resistance and greater rolling efficiency”.
The ability to meet opposite needs with a single compound allows the tyre to deliver consistent performance throughout every moment of the race and across all types of terrain, as well as throughout the tire’s lifespan – even when it’s worn out.
Evolution in design
The new RC preserves and enhances the previous tread design, already successful and widely appreciated at all levels of use, and stands at the top of Pirelli’s Cross-Country range as the best all-rounder, offering the perfect balance between speed and grip.
In Pirelli’s internal testing, it reduced rolling resistance by 7% compared to the previous model by the same name**.
The new design with a more squared profile on the shoulder knobs and a 29×2.4 true size volume (optimised for wide 30c rims) provides greater control and stability in corners thanks to the greater footprint area that results from the new profile.
The less round profile compared to the previous model reportedly “improves the grip of the side tread blocks when leaning into corners and also provides a more immediate and responsive feeling in cornering as well as when hitting the brakes or spinning out of the pedals with a greater rear traction”.
The new design aims to deliver excellent performance levels whilst featuring “the ideal tread for rocky terrains and dirt tracks, as well as compact to mid-loose, dry and wet surfaces.”
Marathon matters
The M model has been completely redesigned for today’s dynamic Marathon courses and is, the brand points out, also suitable for light trail riding – providing “the perfect balance between low rolling resistance and good grip on the most slippery terrains and less compact surfaces.”
Pirelli’s internal testing showed that the new tyre is 9% more rolling efficient than the previous model and 12% lighter**.
Less weight but greater volume: the Scorpion XC M is produced in the true size 29×2.4 volume on 30c rims.
Optimised for performance on all loose terrains, ranging from dry loose to light mud, this is said to be the result of more open tread knobs and the advanced RACE Compound. Mounted on the front wheel, it adapts to an even wider range of surfaces.
The tread design is more spaced out and distributed, but its central blocks are more compact and denser, thus optimising acceleration and rolling speed without sacrificing control.
Lite casing and new ProWALL
The Scorpion XC RC and M are available with two high-performing casings: the ProWALL and the Lite.
Pirelli points out that the Lite preserves “the characteristics of lightness and responsiveness”, whilst the new ProWALL has been redesigned compared to the previous version – featuring a new fabric distribution, whilst retaining its 120 TPI Nylon, as well as reinforced sides. As a result ProWALL is said to offer “even higher levels of protection and stability, especially with low inflation pressure levels”.
The Scorpion XC RC and M tyres are already available in the 29×2.4 size with two new Silver and Team Edition graphics. In the UK, Pirelli cycling tyres are distributed by Extra UK.
** Percentages verified through Pirelli internal testing.
