Pirelli Scorpion XC S tyre review

Pirelli promotes the historical connection between motocross and supercross, which has filtered down to its very best mountain bike tyres. Within the XC line of Pirelli tyres, the Scorpion XC S has probably the most in common with that connection, featuring an open tread pattern, designed for softer terrain.

Pirelli Scorpion XC S tyres – Technical details

The 2.4in (60-622) version pictured here has an actual weight of 823g, which is almost the same as the claimed 825g figure. The tyre was used on the front wheel and fitted to a set of Reynolds TR309 Carbon with a 28mm ID – they inflated exactly to the stated width.

They were easy to mount and inflate, and the carcass and folding bead had enough flexibility that made fitting Tubolight tyre inserts reasonably pain-free.

The Scorpion XC S features a single compound construction, as opposed to other manufacturers that offer a double or even triple compound. Pirelli claims that a single compound provides the most constant performance throughout the lifecycle, even when the edge knobs begin to wear away. The ProWALL sidewall structure offers sidewall puncture protection and claims to provide enhanced stability at lower tyre pressures.

Pirelli Scorpion XC S tyres – Performance

On solid ground, the noise is apparent right away and there is a distinct drone while rolling yet, while this can sometimes signal a slow tyre, the XC S surprises and rolls without a huge amount of resistance. It isn't as fast as a race tyre, and it's not designed to be, but for general XC use, most riders will be happy with the rolling speed.

Riding off-road and on trails in typical winter conditions, the tyre performed brilliantly with consistent grip on wet trail centre surfaces. They rolled well on both rocky tracks and softer terrain. The taller tread depth and softer compound are noticeable compared to the more race-focused tyres but the tread edge does not compress under load to the point where the tyre feels like it is rolling over the rim.

While the carcass has a 120tpi structure (which is higher than some tyres), it should improve comfort and better conform to the trail surface. The sidewalls are less supple compared to other race-oriented cross-country tyres, which is due, in part, to the sidewall protection. Most riders who are likely to use this as a general all-round tyre, especially in typical British wet conditions, will find the extra puncture protection to be worth the impacted feel.

The added sidewall protection may be helpful and provide some additional support. As a result, I was using lower tyre pressures than usual and the tyres remained stable and supportive on the downhills. The stability is not as high as that of a more enduro or downhill-focused tyre but surpasses other cross-country and trail tyres.

Because of the limited feedback, it may take some time to gain confidence in the level of grip provided but, the more I used these tyres, the more they impressed me, returning superlative grip levels in most conditions.

As the name implies, the XC S is intended for softer surfaces, such as loamy trails. I loved how they held on when riding in muddy ruts and provided more than enough grip to hold a line on steeper terrain, too. The tread design and depth are less extreme than those of a mud-specific tyre but the result is one of the best all-round mountain bike tyres on the market.

Pirelli Scorpion XC S tyres – Verdict

The Pirelli Scorpion XC S proved to be a dependable and capable tyre to use throughout the winter, on trails and conditions ranging from typical trail centre riding to muddy off-piste terrain. For riders looking for a front tyre that has good grip and isn't too heavy for longer rides, this could be a great choice.

At £60, it isn't cheap and, for cross-country riders who would normally spend more on reducing weight or rolling resistance, it may be a hard sell. For reference, the slightly more trail-focused Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9 Soil Searching are only £45.

The price is one of the only drawbacks, as the Scorpion XC S provides excellent all-around performance, with consistent levels of grip and confidence. It's an excellent choice for riders who prefer longer rides or simply want a faster rolling tyre that stands up to a wide range of conditions and surfaces.