Pirelli Cinturato - Road Tyre Alternatives

[Spinnaroonie]

I've been running the Pirelli Cinturato Velo TLR since they first launched a few years ago and they've honestly been phenomenal tyres for me.

My first set cost around R850 each, then the second/third sets went up to around R1200 per tyre. 

I think I'm still on my third set and they've recently started puncturing, which is actually very unusual for these tyres. I tried patching them internally but the patches aren't bonding that well even after cleaning off the old sealant. To be fair, these tyres also spent a long period sitting unused at one point, so I suspect age and dried sealant may finally be catching up with them.

At this point I'm taking it as a sign to replace them.

Problem is, they're now around R1500 per tyre locally. I know everything costs double what it did a few years ago, but that still feels pretty steep for my training wheelset. 

Has anyone moved away from the Cinturato Velo TLR to something a bit more affordable (closer to the R1k mark) without sacrificing too much puncture protection and durability?

Would be interested to hear real-world experiences before I bite the bullet for the 4th or 5th time. 

TL;DR - has anyone moved to a more affordable alternative (around the R1k mark) without giving up too much puncture resistance and durability?

Thanks 

 

Edited 8 hours ago by Spinnaroonie

[Meezo]

i'm on my last set (±12000km) of gatorskins from the CWC ask what you want on sale at R299each, so following with interest

[cadenceblur]

I’ve had good results with Goodyear Vector Sport, I removed them for summer , but will pop them on again now . 

https://goodyearbike.com/products/vector-sport?variant=53080918196590

 

only thing is they appear to run on the narrow side when compared to my Conti GP 5000’s

[HdB]

I have a set on my training wheels as well, but didn't feel like spending the cost of the wheelset on tyres.
Unfortunately I don't think there are many tires that compare with the Cinturato's puncture resistance, at any price. Gatorskins are hardy as well, but I don't think their grip is even close.

I have not used them yet, but got myself a set of Continental Grandprix TRs in the classifieds a while ago, for barely more than one Cinturato.
Not nearly as puncture resistant, per bicyclerollingresistance.com

[Jono]

53 minutes ago, Spinnaroonie said:

I've been running the Pirelli Cinturato Velo TLR since they first launched a few years ago and they've honestly been phenomenal tyres for me.

My first set cost around R850 each, then the second/third sets went up to around R1200 per tyre. 

I think I'm still on my third set and they've recently started puncturing, which is actually very unusual for these tyres. I tried patching them internally but the patches aren't bonding that well even after cleaning off the old sealant. To be fair, these tyres also spent a long period sitting unused at one point, so I suspect age and dried sealant may finally be catching up with them.

At this point I'm taking it as a sign to replace them.

Problem is, they're now around R1500 per tyre locally. I know everything costs double what it did a few years ago, but that still feels pretty steep for my training wheelset. 

Has anyone moved away from the Cinturato Velo TLR to something a bit more affordable (closer to the R1k mark) without sacrificing too much puncture protection and durability?

Would be interested to hear real-world experiences before I bite the bullet for the 4th or 5th time. 

TL;DR - has anyone moved to a more affordable alternative (around the R1k mark) without giving up too much puncture resistance and durability?

Thanks 

 

I run Schwalbe One tubeless tyres (not the pro’s) and haven’t had a ride stopping puncture since 2021 when I first started using them. 

[Spinnaroonie]

29 minutes ago, Meezo said:

i'm on my last set (±12000km) of gatorskins from the CWC ask what you want on sale at R299each, so following with interest

Love it when the consumer scores like this. Great price and insane mileage. Sounds like a 'good ol days' story already because wow, the prices are eye-watering. 

 

12 minutes ago, cadenceblur said:

I’ve had good results with Goodyear Vector Sport, I removed them for summer , but will pop them on again now . 

https://goodyearbike.com/products/vector-sport?variant=53080918196590

 

only thing is they appear to run on the narrow side when compared to my Conti GP 5000’s

Appreciate this response; they weren't on my radar. No stock in CPT currently, as far as I can see, but will keep an eye out. Interesting re the narrower width. That might work well for me as I'm currently running 28c that blows up to 31mm on my rims. I still have some clearance left, so a narrow 30c might be the ticket. 

[Spinnaroonie]

9 minutes ago, HdB said:

I have a set on my training wheels as well, but didn't feel like spending the cost of the wheelset on tyres.
Unfortunately I don't think there are many tires that compare with the Cinturato's puncture resistance, at any price. Gatorskins are hardy as well, but I don't think their grip is even close.

I have not used them yet, but got myself a set of Continental Grandprix TRs in the classifieds a while ago, for barely more than one Cinturato.
Not nearly as puncture resistant, per bicyclerollingresistance.com

Spot on and therein probably lies the justification of the price. They are likely the most durable tyres money can buy. Thanks - at least I'm not the only one who thinks the price is a tough one. 

[Spinnaroonie]

22 minutes ago, Jono said:

I run Schwalbe One tubeless tyres (not the pro’s) and haven’t had a ride stopping puncture since 2021 when I first started using them. 

Thanks! I was hoping someone had tried these. 

[cadenceblur]

43 minutes ago, Spinnaroonie said:

Love it when the consumer scores like this. Great price and insane mileage. Sounds like a 'good ol days' story already because wow, the prices are eye-watering. 

 

Appreciate this response; they weren't on my radar. No stock in CPT currently, as far as I can see, but will keep an eye out. Interesting re the narrower width. That might work well for me as I'm currently running 28c that blows up to 31mm on my rims. I still have some clearance left, so a narrow 30c might be the ticket. 

Try concept bicycles in Gauteng 

they ship as well, I got mine from them

or get a few mates together and try for a group buy from Bike Inn or Merlin, might land here for cheaper than off shelf locally. 

[NC_lurker]

I've been very happy with Specialized Roubaix (30/32) tubeless tyres. They've replaced them with a new tyre called the Mondo. Reviews are very positive.

Someone's flogging a set at your price point 

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bike-tyres/908841/specialized-mondo-tlr-new-set