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Has anyone had an experience of the new(ish) Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres? I've seen a good deal for some of the 29 x 2.4in [S] models and they are actually in stock! I've been running the new Nobby Nic Super Ground for the last year, they've been great, but are pretty worn out now and looking for something suitable for winter rides, mostly on the South Downs, QE Park etc. I like fast rolling tyres with some reasonable grip and decent puncture protection but under the 1kg mark - these seem to fit the bill at about 950g.
TBH a lot will depend on set up and ride style so good for one will be crap for someone else. I’ve got minions on one bike and superb. Same tyres on another and utter disaster.
At the moment I think “in stock” counts for loads so possibly answered your own dilemma? if a good deal Might be worth a punt.
BUT, i do hope they’re better than their car tyres. Had Scorpions on my XC60. Grip was shat and they didnt last!
Not cheap but the new Conti Kaiser / Der Baron are hands down the best tyres I’ve used in winter slop. Got em direct off Bird. Cried at the price but after a couple of rides and clearing stuff I’d normally slip and slide and riding past everyone slipping and falling off the crying turned to quiet smile.
Mate just bought one to replace his two month old Dissector - waiting to hear his review as they're pretty pricey here.
Thanks @silasgreenback the fact they are still in stock and discounted in the current market is interesting, but I figured it's more because they are still new and haven't become a popular option yet against the likes of Maxxis, Schwalbe etc. Thanks for the shout about the Conti's, hadn't really considered them, will take a look.
@sotonkona no experience of the Pirellis however I did consider them myself and on paper they look good. As an alternative, I'm VERY happy with these as per an earlier thread:
They are/were a good price too.
I’m fairly sure MBR did a review of them and have something floating round my head that they weren’t astounding tyres.
There’s good and bad in all brands. Depending on the site, i had an interesting chat with Bird and also Leisure lakes about procurement practices of that big orange brand that owns the big blue brand and which market products are intended for. so go with eyes open. Specifically they were actually talking about tyres and little things like the med market tyres will have slightly different compounds to the same tyre intended for our british climes. No idea how true but neither spoke overly highly of said retailer. OEM taken off bikes & sold as new and so on.
No means intended to be a rant or thread hijack but as you say, there’s usually a reason for unusual things 🙂
I like to speak to someone so have gone back to supporting my LBS or smaller companies I can still get on the phone to.
@silasgreenback like you I really like to speak to someone and support a LBS, trouble is there is no longer a decent LBS near me anymore with out at least a 30/45 min drive, other than the guys that specialise just in repairs and servicing around the corner, who are brilliant. I saw the Pirelli tyres on ProBikeKit, who are owned by THG and the slightly dubious billionaire Matt Moulding. I have reluctantly bought from them once before (again stock availability and price) and the service was excellent, even though they use Hermes, the parts we're definitely not OEM.
Yeah, that review isn't glowing is it, but it suggests they perform pretty well, but don't marry up to the manufacturers description, hence the score. What they excel in, suggests they might be OK for me, but interested to hear how other have got on and going to take a look at the other options suggested above.