I'm intrigued as well. I would guess that Pirelli knows how to make a decent tire.

I'm eager to hear what you think!

Bob

 

I'll let you know after this weekend. Tires should be here by the end of the week.

And you know I had to get the all yellow ones too, right?

 

I like your style, man!

Bob

 

I've got about 4 rides on mine and love them. My LBS wanted me to try them to determine if it was worth carrying Pirelli scorpions. My favorite tire is Ikon, never let me down in races and durable for me in rocks. I have a Santa Cruz Blur with SC34 120mm fork and dropper, it is my do everything bike. Mounted Scorpion M lite 2.2 on front and a 2.2 R rear specific on back. They are on reserve 25 wheels. My take is best rear tire I've ever ran. Better traction and braking than Ikon by far. Went with Lite on front because I can't remember last time I had a front flat. The biggest thing that has impressed me about the tires is the fact that they seem to absorb roots and rocks with very little rebound. I've taken them through the rockiest trails at Raccoon Mtn with no issues so far. Time will tell concerning durability. I too searched for information about them and it just isn't out there, which is why I posted this. First post in years. Hope it helps.

 

Great review. Thanks.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the lite version as I wanted the yellow

I didn't get the chance to weigh them before mounting but the package said 735g. This is about 100g heavier than the front tire I was running and about 160g heavier on the rear.

Hopefully they roll good and I don't feel any change.

I'm going to try and get out tomorrow, but just did a long ride today and not sure how I'll feel.

 

Ride Report

Finally got out on the set today. Let me preface this by saying I ride SE Michigan trails with mostly hardpack, some sand, and small gravelly bits (loose over hard), some roots, and hardly any rocks or baby heads.

I'm 165 lbs with gear and ran these at 22 psi front, 23 psi rear.

Overall, I would give these a solid B grade. And here is how they compare.

They roll a bit slower than a Forekaster, but the traction is much better.

The rear bites in good against roots and loose with very little spin out. The set absolutely will rail hardpack.

In the greasy wet spots, they seemed ok, but I did avoid this as much as possible as I wasn't in the mood to loose it today, so I really can't tell you how they perform.

I was pretty confident in the front, however I have more confidence with a Racing Ray.

These tires are very smooth and super quiet. They have a damping effect on the trail that I did enjoy.

I found them hard to spin up, as if I was fighting them the entire ride - 22 miles, 2 hours 11 minutes, 1,300 elevation.

So who are these tires for? Probably a trail rider looking for a confident set that adds a bit more comfort to their ride. In my opinion, they are not racing tires.

That being said, I'm going back to my Racing Ray and Rocket Ron combo.

Anyone interested in this set please let me know. Only 22 miles on them.

 

Follow up.
Just took these off my bike and weighed them.

The package said 735 grams and these weighed in at 738 and 737 - with a bit of dust on them. So they probably weighed in at 735 when new.

One other note - I did not have to use sealant with these tires and they never lost air on a set of Light bicycle wheels.

 

Thanks for the excellent review, Zerort. They look like great all-around tires.

For reference, what are your favorite tires for various tasks? I get the feeling we have similar tastes and being from the same area, I think your opinions are especially valuable.
I just bought 2 Hutchinson Toro (2.25 and 2.1) and a Taipan, so my tire budget is tapped out.

Off topic: COVID, kids home from school, crappy weather and my job (medicine) are keeping me from desperately needed saddle time.

Got my son out to Appleton and had a blast.
I rode the Poto on Saturday, didn't die, and actually cleaned everything. But TONS of hikers.
I'm so out of shape, I replaced the Rocket Ron / Race King (that I was on at the end of last season) with an XR4 front and Fast Trak rear. A bit heavy, but they kept me upright!

Anyway, take care and stay healthy.

Bob

 

Hey Bob,
At least you are getting out and can be thankful for that.

Poto is a tough ride so you can't be too out of shape. Haha.

My go to set for this area is Racing Ray front, Rocket Ron rear. I get the liteskin Ron's and have never had a flat in 4 years of riding them. Knock on wood. The Ray's only come in the Snakeskin version.

I can ride this set all season minus snow and ice when I switch to studs.

I just picked up the Orang bikes line for all of the US, so if you are ever looking for a new bike, let me know.

I hope you stay safe and healthy too.

 

You're right, I sometimes forget to be thankful.

I knew it! You are a speedy, "light," graceful rider. I always suspected this based on your various responses and your whip of a bike.

I've ridden with some bashers (they are pretty amazing, really), but I don't have the strength or skill (or guts) to ride like that.

Bob

 

Anybody ridden the XC RC yet?

 

I'm currently looking at the Scorpion Trail H 2.4 version as a front/rear combo, any experiences with those?

 

I run the RC as a rear in loose over hard. I think youll like the H.