Pirelli P-Zero Race TLR Tires: Owner Review

Over the past two years, I have enjoyed exploring Japan’s picturesque mountains on my bike. Throughout my journey, I have tested various tires, and without a shadow of a doubt, the Pirelli P Zero Race TLR has proven to be one of the best.

The performance of these tires is unparalleled, offering a smooth and responsive ride. While some longer and wetter rides can leave me feeling exhausted, these tires provide me with the necessary grip and stability to navigate through any weather condition with ease.

With the recent spate of unpredictable weather events, the Pirelli P Zero Race TLR’s all-weather capabilities have been a godsend. These tires are built to handle any weather condition, making them the ideal choice for anyone riding in any season.

The updated version of the P Zero Race range now features tubeless technology, enhancing the tire’s overall performance and making it more durable and reliable.

Now, as this is an honest review, I will say that I have recently moved away from these tires, but that is due more to the tubeless technology rather than the tire itself, which I found excellent.

All in all, though, the Pirelli P Zero Race TLR is the perfect all-season tire. Let’s dig a bit deeper.

Build Quality, Performance, and Tradition

Pirelli is a renowned Italian company that specializes in producing high-quality bike tires. They have their own factory in Italy where they employ cutting-edge technology and expertise used in car racing to manufacture their tyres. (I have P-Zeros on my Audi S4, too!!)

One of their most popular bike tires is the Pirelli P Zero Race TLR, which is designed for racing purposes. This tire features new technology that makes it easy to handle and provides excellent grip even in wet weather conditions.

The Pirelli P Zero Race TLR  is made with strong and durable materials that offer impressive puncture protection. This means that the tire can withstand rough terrain and challenging conditions without compromising its quality.

I can attest to this, having ridden through some pretty “dodgy” back roads through the Japanese mountains.

It is also available in different sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your bike. With this tire, you can be confident that you’re getting the best in terms of quality, durability, and performance.

Installation

When I installed the Pirelli Race TLR tire, I immediately noticed that the edge of the tire felt thicker than usual. Upon closer examination, I discovered that this was due to a special liner inside the tire that helps it grip the rim better.

As someone who has used Pirelli tires before, I didn’t experience any difficulties setting it up. The tire fit well onto the rim and didn’t cause any problems.

Initially, I do remember noticing that the rear tire was slowly losing air. However, this was easily fixed by adding more sealant.

The tires remained adequately inflated throughout the two years I rode the P-Zeros, considering tubeless tires are known to leak air.

Ride Quality and Overall Performance

This tire boasts a perfect balance between all-weather performance and a fast-rolling feel, making it an ideal choice for riders who want to experience a race-like feel without compromising puncture protection.

As I descend, I can feel the tires gripping the road firmly, which instills confidence in me, especially when I am cornering at high speeds. These tires not only provide excellent grip but are also comfortable, fast, and reliable.

However, I did notice that they are slightly heavier compared to other tires, which may compromise their steering and responsiveness, but overall, I was pleased with their performance.

As I mentioned before, I made the decision to switch to the Continental Grand Prix 5000 (keep an eye out for our upcoming review) traditional model for my bike tires. The reason behind this change was due to my previous negative experiences with tubeless technology.

I had experienced several catastrophic blowouts while using tubeless tires, which not only caused inconvenience but also posed a safety risk. After much consideration, I decided to go back to “clinchers” to avoid any further mishaps and ensure a safer and more reliable cycling experience.

Overall, the Pirelli P Zero Race TLR is a good option if you want a tire that is fast, smooth, and of high quality. While it may not be the best in every category, it’s still a top-tier tire worth considering. Oh, and the traditional side wall model looks awesome, too.

Who Are The Pirelli P-Zero Tires For?

The Pirelli P Zero Race TLR is an excellent tire that performs well in various aspects. It provides a comfortable ride and doesn’t require much effort while pedaling. Additionally, the tire offers excellent traction on the road and is highly durable, making it less likely to puncture.

However, this tire might be slightly smaller than some other tires, which could make it less comfortable for some riders. On the other hand, the smaller size could make it easier to steer and handle for others. Living in the mountains, I chose the 28s for their comfort and control.

Whether you are a pro-rider or a recreational cyclist, the P Zero Race TLR is a great investment. Its exceptional performance, combined with its ability to handle different terrains, makes it an ideal choice for riders who want to experience the best of both worlds.

Brenton Barker

Brenton is an Australian with 20 years of experience working with professional athletes. These athletes have combined to win more than 15 international events. He holds a Degree in Sports Coaching and was the Head Advisor to the Japanese Government Sports Institute and was the former Manager & Head Coach to Australia’s Governing Sporting Body. Brenton currently consults with several professional athletes and clients from varying backgrounds and sports. Check out Brenton’s ride on STRAVA.