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Billed as the successor to the Pirelli P Zero, the P Zero TLR RS was designed in collaboration with the Lidl-Trek team to deliver optimized performance, particularly in time trial and race conditions. We’ve logged about 3,500 km on this model, and here are our impressions of this new addition to the Pirelli lineup.
Text and photos: David Polveroni
Priced at €89.90, the P Zero RS TLR stands out thanks to a number of innovations compared to its predecessor, the P Zero. As its name suggests, it is a tubeless-ready tire designed for pure performance, intended for riders seeking, above all, gains in efficiency and speed. For this test, I used the 28 mm version on rims with an internal width of 21 mm. This combination proved ideal for road performance, with the tire actually measuring 29 mm wide when mounted on RAR Exalt rims.
=> Buy the Pirelli P Zero TLR RS tire starting at €54.99 instead of €89.90
First Impressions
From the very first few kilometers, I could tell that the P Zero TLR RS offered some improvements over the Hutchinson Black Bird and the Continental, my two most recent points of reference and comparison. In terms of rolling resistance, it falls halfway between the BlackBird and the Continental GP 5000 S TR, offering an excellent balance between speed and comfort. According to the independent measurement site bicyclerollingresistance.com, there’s a savings of about 1.5 watts per tire at 30 km/h and 6 bar compared to the P Zero. Thanks to a new tread design and improved rubber compound, this tire glides more smoothly over the road, with immediate responsiveness during changes in pace. The efficiency gain is noticeable, especially at high speeds, while maintaining optimal grip in both dry and wet conditions.
Compared to the Competition
When pitted against major competitors like the Continental GP 5000 S TR, the P Zero TLR RS stands out for its light weight and cornering grip. While the Continental has a slight edge in terms of pure efficiency, the P Zero TLR RS shines with its dynamic handling and ease of tubeless installation. In terms of comfort, it’s comparable to the Vittoria Corsa Pro or a Black Bird, while offering better durability (3,500 km before the first signs of wear).
Easy tubeless installation
Let’s move on to installation: the tubeless setup for this tire is really simple. Weighing 300 g, the P Zero TLR RS certainly isn’t the lightest in its category (a Continental can go as low as 250 g), but it’s about average, comparable to a Hutchinson. Interestingly, at the end of the test, the tire weighed 280 g on the scale—a slight decrease that remains to be explained. I also noticed better pressure retention compared to its predecessor, which reduces the need for frequent adjustments.
Installation on RAR Exalt or Black Inc 28/33 rims was effortless, and the tire maintained stable pressure for 48 hours without the use of sealant. This is a significant advantage for those who hesitate to use tubeless tires because of how messy the process can sometimes be. However, since tubeless systems can sometimes be unpredictable, adding sealant is still recommended to ensure optimal airtightness or to seal a potential puncture. I used their yellow sealant (Scorpion), which is known to seal punctures faster than Notube or Hutchinson. I rode at a pressure of 4 to 4.5 bar, finding a good balance between comfort and performance.
Grip and Handling on the Road
One of this tire’s greatest strengths is its grip on both dry and wet surfaces. During my tests in rainy conditions, I found that the P Zero TLR RS gripped the road well in corners, even on wet pavement, providing a noticeable sense of confidence. Compared to the previous P Zero, the new SmartEVO compound provides a much stronger sense of security, without compromising speed. The grip on the center tread is less pronounced than on the sidewalls, but the transition between the two is smooth, allowing for excellent handling.
A tire for races and long rides
Despite its performance-oriented design, the P Zero TLR RS pleasantly surprised me with its overall durability. Unlike other competition-oriented tires that wear out quickly, this one lasted 3,500 km without showing any signs of premature wear. Admittedly, this is a tire best reserved for competitions or special events rather than everyday use—which is exactly what I did (!)—but it’s not as fragile as other competition-oriented models.
Compromises to Consider
However, not everything is perfect. As with most performance-oriented tires, the P Zero TLR RS has a few weaknesses, particularly when it comes to puncture resistance. Although the likelihood of a puncture can be unpredictable, I had two punctures within seven days. Was this just bad luck, or is the protection insufficient? It’s important to remember that these tires are designed primarily for competition, where speed and grip take priority over durability.
Verdict: An investment in pure performance
The Pirelli P Zero TLR RS stands out as an excellent choice for cyclists seeking ultimate performance. At €89.90, it’s certainly not cheap, but the gains in terms of efficiency and grip are real. Compared to its predecessor, the P Zero, it offers significant improvements in rolling efficiency, grip, and durability.
In conclusion, the P Zero TLR RS is a tire designed for purists—those who leave nothing to chance when it comes to maximizing their speed and efficiency on the road. Ideal for time trials, triathlons, or mountain sportives—where every watt counts—it offers excellent grip without sacrificing puncture resistance, a crucial balance for demanding cyclists. Personally, I really liked this tire!
The PIRELLI P ZERO RS TLR tire at a glance… Pros: lightweight, grip on dry and wet surfaces, performance, easy tubeless installation. Casing: SpeedCore – Compound: SmartEvo 2 – Compatibility: tubeless-ready and hookless rims in 28 and 30 mm – Sizes: 700×26, 28, 30, 32 mm – Weight: 280 g (28 mm after use) – Price: €89.90 Contact: |
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