Pirelli Scorpion e-MTB tires. The first collection for e-bikes

Pirelli today launched its new Scorpion e-MTB range specifically designed for electric bikes, with three user profiles.

News Jun 29, 2020 0 163 Add to Reading List

Pirelli Scorpion e-MTB tires. The first collection for e-bikes

Pirelli continues to develop its range of bicycle tires and today presented its new range of tires specifically for electric bicycles: the Scorpion e-MTB, which is made up of three user profiles for different terrains and uses.

But first you should know the technological basis of these new tires. Their aim is durability, to withstand the greater demands of the e-MTB, and also to be aggressive, which is a common requirement for regular users of electric bikes. This type of bike requires tires that respond better to the stresses of riding, both downhill and uphill. They should also not be too heavy.

To this end, the brand has designed a range focused on trail and enduro, using the concepts introduced in the Scorpion mountain bike range (XC, Trail and Enduro), where the variety of terrain and its consistency, from compact to softer, is a decisive factor when choosing the tread design.

SMARTGRIP

The SmartGRIP compound, the basis of the new tires, is a reformulation of the compound used by the brand in its Scorpion MTB range. It was also developed and produced in Pirelli's competition department, where Formula 1 tires are developed.

The great novelty of this new formula is the addition of lignin to the base compound. Lignin is a natural chemical that is a residual component of the paper production process. It's a low environmental impact additive that improves the tire's properties to allow it to better withstand loads in faster driving and with higher torque, which is typical of a mountain bike.

These improvements do not mean that the characteristics of the original SmartGRIP compound are compromised. The chemical grip remains, for effective rolling, as does the grip on uneven terrain.

HYPERWALL: MORE PROTECTION AND STABILITY

The bead and sidewalls of the new Scorpion E-MTB tires have been reinforced with HyperWALL technology, a technology derived from Pirelli's motorcycle segment. The bead has been redesigned, as has the sidewall, increasing stability and resistance to sidewall flattening.

In this way, the compound developed in the tread, which aims for grip, is supported by the stability and integrity of the bead and sidewall. In addition, the HyperWALL design consolidates the bead and the anti-puncture rubber insert of the sidewalls thanks to a textile layer. This particular construction makes the bead and the inside of the sidewall work as one piece, improving the stability of the bead and resistance to punctures.

GAMA PIRELLI SCORPION MTB

M (Mixed Terrain): for Trail and All Mountain, comfortable on mixed terrain, where changes of direction can be unpredictable or sudden, from hard-pack to loose earth, passing through typical roots. With good grip, but without sacrificing roll.

R (Rear Specific): provides more traction on the rear wheel. Ideally it should be used with the M and its favorite terrain is acceleration and braking, where it is stable and has good grip.

S (Soft Terrain): is the most suitable choice for Enduro. Its ideal habitat is soft terrain that gives way a little. Its aggressive, widely spaced lugs ensure high grip when cornering and braking, which is ideal for aggressive riding in bike parks too.