Astute gravel racers may have noticed a gap in Pirelli’s new Cinturato Gravel range. Its fall 2025 debut of five tread offerings was notably missing the RH and RM race models from the top-end High Performance Line. After some necessary extra development time, elite off-road athletes can rest assured: the Italian manufacturing masters at the Bollate plant, just outside Milan, have now completed the top of the gravel line.
The extra wait time has resulted in performance gains for the RH and RM, especially reduced rolling resistance, thanks to SmartEVO_GR rubber. This rubber compound ensures efficiency across terrain types with outstanding wet/dry grip. It’s complemented by the ProWALL Gravel technology (featured across the HP line), adding reinforced sidewalls in an MTB-inspired tubeless-ready casing that doesn’t sacrifice ride feel and control.
Besides upping the speed for expert racers, the full Cintruato Gravel range now provides riders of all types with easier selection across its four Made-in-Italy models. The spectrum varies according to tread pattern: from hardpack specialty on one end (the RH model) to muddier mixed terrain on the other (the M Model). Within that range, each model has two tiers: for racers (High Performance Line) or regular riders (Performance Line). From there, you can drill down on the exact weights, sizes (now available up to 55mm width), and pressures to customize tires to personal needs and preferences, including the following colors: Standard (with silver label), Retro (light brown), Classic (brown), and Team Edition (yellow).
Want to better understand the riding impact of these peak performers? Take it from Payson McElveen, the endurance adventure rider and two-time USA Cycling marathon MTB national champion-turned-gravel race podium fixture. The third-place overall finisher at Lifetime Grand Prix (and repeat winner of Mid-South Gravel) has converted to Pirelli’s faster-than-ever tires, in particular the RH, which stands out as the industry’s speediest tire with real-race reliability against punctures.
BikeRumor: What are the main tire problems you experience during challenging gravel races?
PAYSON MCELVEEN: Most gravel race courses feature a wide variety of terrain and surface types, which makes tire selection both challenging and very important. For example, there could be technical sections where a more aggressive tire would be nice, but often the final kilometers of races, where the results are decided, are much smoother or even paved. It’s all about finding the balance between speed, control, and durability. Knowing which tire is the best choice for you comes with experience, but is made much easier when multiple tread patterns, width, and compound are available.
What was your first impression of the Cinturato Gravel High Performance Line?
The rolling speed really caught me by surprise. I knew the lab testing numbers were excellent, but wasn’t sure how noticeable that would be riding outside day-to-day. The RH pattern in particular has just been insane. It has road-tire-like speed in a straight line, but all of the width options combined with the shoulder and cornering knobs has made it an amazingly versatile choice. I’ll be reaching for this tire in different width options for a lot of races this season.
With prolonged use, what performance improvements stood out?
On longer rides and even races, having reliable grip and control adds up over time. It’s not just a matter of hitting a single corner well or carrying speed and efficiency through a key section; it also allows you to be more relaxed and save energy. When you trust your tires, you can focus more on your effort, or just enjoying the ride.
Who would you recommend the Cinturato tires to?
There’s really something for everyone. The tread patterns cover the spectrum, from fast slick-style, to super capable with the M. The key to really opening up the range is all of the new width options. With 55mm, you can do just about anything: Charge through the most demanding race terrain at Unbound, or go on a long multi-day adventure with friends. The narrower 45mm and 40mm options are great for smoother courses that may have a lot of pavement or champagne gravel. I really feel this line offers something for everyone, regardless of where they live or plan to ride.
Are there any other features in the Cinturato line that you enjoy?
The sidewall color options are great! I can’t wait to install some with the light brown “retro” sidewalls.
Cinturato Gravel RM
Developed to deliver maximum performance on mixed courses (from asphalt to soft dirt sections) and across the most terrain types, the RM tread’s dedicated knobs ensure off-road grip and control, without compromising smoothness and rolling efficiency on faster sections. Designed for riders seeking all-round speed—not just in straight lines—plus the versatility and reliability to compete at a high level while maintaining stability and safety.
Cinturato Gravel RH
Developed for the fastest gravel races on mixed courses with asphalt and hardpack sections. The slick central band ensures efficiency on compact terrain, while the pronounced side knobs provide mechanical grip on off-road sections, particularly in cornering. Thanks to its squarer profile compared to the H and M models, this tire is designed to maximize rolling efficiency in straight lines while still guaranteeing strong cornering grip—perfect for a more aggressive riding style.
This article is sponsored by Pirelli.