Pirelli
So far, no issues with grip, tires were easy to mount, etc. While I only have 60 or so miles on them, I have noticed that they lose air a lot quicker than previous tires I have had using the same setup (Goodyear Eagle F1 and a 28C size of the 2022 version of the Pirelli P Zero TLR). Previously, my tires would be about the same PSI a week after inflation, with the 2023 version of the P Zero, I seem to lose 5 - 10 PSI a day and since I am using the 30C with low pressure (55 PSI) it doesn't take long for that amount of air loss to become notable. Not sure if it is something to do with the tire, my setup or using the larger volume with less PSI (in the past, I always ran 28's at 65 PSI). Guess only time will tell, but yeah, a little bit of a bummer that I have to air these up before every ride.
This review is for the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 700c x 40mm. Rolls well on and off pavement. Has lots of grip, both straight line and corners, inspiring confidence. Cushions reasonably well. Long lasting. They mounted with just a track pump!!! The best all around tire I've tried and currently my favorite.
The jury is still out on flat protection. I had a flat (Muc-Off) on my very first ride which took 2 side-by-side Dynaplugs to seal. Months later it is still sealed, but takes a while for a tire to gain my trust. No more flats since then so let's call that a fluke. It did let me fully test the Dynaplug Racer Pro though.
Other tires I've used:
Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mm - I like these tires and have them mounted on a 2nd set of wheels. Quieter on the pavement, better flat protection, more traction on pavement, but much less traction on gravel. Bicycle Rolling Resistance says the Pathfinders and Gravel M's have about the same rolling resistance, so most the time I've been picking the Gravel M. I do use the Pathfinders on routes with more than 50% pavement or crushed stone greenways where I'm not worried about traction. I've never gotten a puncture on the Pathfinders and they've lasted a long time.
Continental Terra Trail 40mm - best grip I've had with really nice cushion, but noisy on the pavement and wear out quickly. If money was no issue, I'd buy lots of these, but the Gravel M's are lasting longer with almost as much grip. In the North Carolina or Virginia mountain gravel roads, I've only used the Terra Trails, because steep descents are scary. But I could see using the Gravel M instead if I didn't want to take the time to re-mount the Terra Trails.
Continental Terra Speed 35mm - fast on smooth dirt paths, but not so good on loose stuff. Wear out fast. Great tires for the right conditions and feel great too. They were perfect for the 335 mile Pittsburgh to Washington DC greenway (GAP and C&O) last year, so I'll use them on the Katy Trail this year. Much faster than the Gravel M, Pathfinders, or Terra Trails.
Vittoria Terreno Mix G2.0 40mm - plush ride but noticeably sluggish on pavement. Nice grip new but the fish scales wear down quickly. I wouldn't pick them again.
Michelin Power Gravel 35mm - these had adequate grip, but always felt stiff. Better value than the Pirelli. All I ever buy for my car is Michelin, but I haven't fallen in love with Michelin bike tires.
WTB Riddler TCS 37mm - These tires looked interesting, but I never could get them inflated on my rims. And I tried everything.
Got these in 700x45 for my Bombtrack Hook to be more road worthy but still maintain off road beast mode. Having removed too large Vittoria Barzo's in 29 x 2.1, these skinny tires have a lot to live up to. While I did not traverse deep mud well, they sleighed gravel, dirt, and tall grass, while being among the stickiest on blacktop/pavement that I have ever ridden. By far these were the easiest tubeless set up I have every attempted. Seated immediately to Shimano GRX wheels, got bathed in Stans by shaking tires, then aired up (higher pressure at first to allow better seating and coverage - pro tip from a mech) to prefect alignment on rim. I hope they will get wider someday, but if not, the bike handles so much better with the more narrow width. The dark brown looks exceptional in person, but not all bikes will be as handsome or match. Will update once I have more miles and can speak to durability. Both tires had seams visible on the sidewall through the casing but hoping that's how they're supposed to look. UPDATE JUNE 27 (250 miles) -- am in love with this tire and count it among the very best I have ridden on any surface. these are up there with my love for IRC Mythos and Panaracer Dart/Smoke for MTB Racing in my 20's. they are just a capable, predictable, and solid performer. can be a bit slippery in rain and muddy puddles, but this tire clings to chunky mud very well, and has not washed out in sand, even at high pressure.
Been riding this H on my flat bar steel gravel rig/commuter bike over a year now. They're installed on Hunt carbon aero wheels and could not be a smoother set up together. Am quite enamored with them. But, they have let go on barely wet cement/black top where I didn't think they should have. Also don't provide that much traction on loose deep dirt or wet patches off road. Am planning to try Pirelli's S and RC versions to see how they compare, but don't like the idea of reseating them after another person commented. But it makes sense b/c since install, they have really been very stuck to the rim for me, in the best way. So I imagine when I go to remove, this may need the professionals to assist. Lol. I like them better than Gravel Kings though b/c the side wall is stiffer, they overall have better predictable traction and handling, and were cake to mount the first time (where GKs require LBS inflator to seat). Not my favorite, as that would be the Cinturato Ms, but in the top 3, with Vittoria Terreno as my #2, tied with Kenda Small Block 8 and Surly Knards - for their respective bikes.
