Pirelli P Zero Road Tyres — Real-World Riding Impressions
Pirelli has re-established itself as a serious contender in performance cycling tyres. With the P Zero range, they’ve combined their motorsport expertise with modern road-riding demands. I’ve spent time on both the P Zero Race in 28 mm (with tubes) and 30 mm (tubeless), as well as the P Zero Race 4S in 28 mm. Each tyre has its own personality — one built purely for speed, the other for year-round versatility. Riding regularly in Catalunya and Barcelona, I was keen to see how each performed on the tight and twisting roads – climbing and descending. Tubeless is always interesting, out and about too; as I need to know that the tyre is secure for me in all situations. I don’t want to be changing tubes on the road – who does!
P Zero Race — Speed and Precision
30 mm Tubeless
Mounted tubeless on a wide carbon wheelset, the P Zero Race 30 mm transformed the ride. The comfort was immediate — the tyre floated smoothly over broken tarmac and rough rural lanes. Running them at around 65–70 psi gave that perfect blend of suppleness and responsiveness.
The road feel was exceptional: every pedal stroke felt direct, and the tyre carried momentum beautifully. In dry conditions, cornering grip was confident and predictable, even when pushing through fast bends. On light damp roads, the grip stayed reassuring, though clearly tuned for fair weather performance.
Over several long rides, I appreciated how quiet and stable the tyre felt. It encouraged lower pressures and a more relaxed, controlled handling style — fast but composed.
28 mm With Tubes
Switching to the P Zero Race 28 mm with standard tubes gave the bike a more traditional road-race feel. The narrower profile made handling slightly sharper and acceleration more immediate. However, comfort naturally took a small step down compared to the 30 mm tubeless setup.
The 28s felt fast and lively, with great cornering feedback. Over rougher patches, I missed the plushness of the wider tubeless version, but for smooth roads and spirited rides, the 28 mm setup felt superb.
Durability and Puncture Resistance
Across plenty of miles on mixed road surfaces, the P Zero Race impressed me with its resilience. The tread held up well, and I experienced no punctures. Small cosmetic cuts appeared after extended use, but nothing concerning. It’s a tyre that feels refined and robust for something so performance-focused.
The P Zero Race in 30 mm tubeless form delivers one of the most comfortable and composed high-performance rides I’ve had. It’s a tyre for riders who value speed but want real-world comfort and confidence. The 28 mm tube version retains that sharp racing feel and remains a great choice for traditional setups or tighter frame clearances.
P Zero Race 4S — Year-Round Confidence
28 mm With Tubes
I fitted the P Zero Race 4S 28 mm on my Time bike for cooler months and less-than-perfect roads. Straight away, the difference in feel — slightly firmer and more grounded than the Race, but with a reassuring grip that builds trust in wet or cold conditions.
On damp tarmac, the tyres felt composed and sure-footed. Cornering confidence was excellent, even when the road surface was unpredictable or covered in fine debris. The slightly thicker tread and different compound offered a more stable sensation, especially under braking or descending on wet roads.
Durability
After plenty of rides through rain, grit, and occasional poor surfaces, the 4S has proven impressively durable. No punctures, minimal wear, and a consistent feel throughout. It’s a tyre I can trust when conditions are far from ideal.
Verdict
The P Zero Race 4S 28 mm is a true all-rounder. It balances performance with protection and stability, making it perfect for training or long rides in unpredictable weather. It’s the tyre I reach for when conditions call for reliability as much as speed.
Tubeless vs Tubes
Setup Ride Feel Key Benefit Ideal Use
Tubeless (30 mm) Smooth, quiet, and grippy Comfort, fewer punctures, lower pressures Endurance and fast all-day rides.
Tube (28 mm) Firmer, sharper handling Simple setup, precise road feel Racing, fair-weather rides, older rims.
Final Thoughts
Pirelli’s P Zero line strikes a fine balance between racing performance and everyday practicality. The P Zero Race 30 mm tubeless is a standout for comfort and pure speed — a tyre that makes every mile feel faster and smoother. Meanwhile, the P Zero Race 4S 28 mm offers reliable grip and durability when the weather turns or the roads get rough.
Confidence & Control from Pirelli
Let’s be clear; Pirelli make great tyres and their position on the world tour signifies this. However, it’s useful to know how their tyres perform for us mortals – you and me. Riding in the twisting hills above Barcelona and elsewhere, confidence and control is critical.
If you chase performance on sunny days, the Race is your tyre. If you want to keep rolling confidently all year, the Pirelli PZero 4S is the one to trust. However, both deliver that distinctive Pirelli blend of control, feel, and refinement — proof that the brand’s road-tyre pedigree now matches its racing heritage.
