2 Seasons Later: Pirelli Scorpion XC RC 29 X 2.4 Review - Is It Worth It?

[@rianmehling2918]

As always, I appreciate your research and experimentation. Following your lead from the original video, running the exact same setup. Great grip and XC Racing light, two thumbs up!

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks for sharing your experience🤘

[@eddyfusely503]

Great to hear. I still need to install mine but probably won’t until the current tires need to be replaced

[@finroddd]

I am using Scorpion Enduro S - no issues so far, feels very stable.

[@BOys85]

My favorite XC tire! Depends on the course , XCRC F/R or Scorpion M front and xcrc Rear very good combo :)

[@chadbouterse8617]

I switched to these from schwalbe after seeing your first video on them. Loved the performance, but had a large tear (1-2 inches) in the center of the tread on two separate tires. Both resulted in hike-a-biking out of the trail. The first time I thought there must have been a piece of metal in the trail. Ive been riding MTB for 25 years and never seen a tear like that. When it happened again 2 months later, I went back to the racing ralphs…

[@LoveMTB]

Tough exxperience for you I would say. We were on Schwalbe prior to this and for us, never again if these are available.

[@chadbouterse8617]

Forgot to mention I love the channel and the content!

[@LoveMTB]

@@chadbouterse8617 thank you ☺️

[@frankschock9981]

​@LoveMTB Did you try the newest 2.35 Ralph and Ray?

[@LoveMTB]

@@frankschock9981 No and I probably won't I'm done with that Schwalbe rubber/ lack of grip 🙂

[@frankschock9981]

Got 2 recently. 2.4 ProWall. 735 and 740 grams. A little overweight but I guess that adds to durability. Love the gold color labels on these. Other colors available now too

[@LoveMTB]

Yeah they’re the “Color” series

[@Babychickhands]

Got these 2.4in wide for son's bike, he will do a xc race without them this weekend due to delivery delay, keen to see how these will improve lap times when he races again in 1-2months, stock tires are 350-400g heavier but similar width.

[@LoveMTB]

@@Babychickhands what kind of pressure do you plan to use? Tubeless? Look for Silca tire pressure calculator as a guide

[@Babychickhands]

@@LoveMTB planning on 12.5f/14r or just over, current tires re 2.3in bt measure exactly like 2.5in maxxis ones(62mm) so they will be similar to the pirelli 2.4in except they are 70tpi(yes 70) and my maxxis 2.5in are 60, so on the 120tpi pirrelli I might go 14/16 but will see, I am just going by feel and son is 40~41kg. Will research further, cheers.

[@Babychickhands]

So he came 3rd out of 4 people but put a much better effort this time in a strong field with more consistent laps except 3rd lap where he crashed and lost some time, this was with the stock tires, if the xc rc arrived before the race they might have avoided the crash for him, maybe. I put 12.5/13.5 psi. We'll see if xc rc do some improvements against the field next race.

[@Babychickhands]

One measured 670g and the other 701g in 2.4in, interestingly stock 2.3in measured 950g and 910g. Xc rc are big volume tires so the tread measure 1 or 2mm less than sidewall, 490g weight reduction is great for $140 australian dollars. They feel great and similar to stoc ones but thinner tread, 120tpi doesn't feel too bad and will probably run these at 13/15 psi(my 11year old son averages 15kph at best) will increase a bit as he gets older-bigger-faster.

[@LoveMTB]

@@Babychickhands he’ll do great with the new tires I have 3 sets in use in our house all the time!

[@benmillns8976]

I'm very tempted by these but I think I'd want something a little more aggressive on the front. I'm currently using the Michelin XC2 tyres - 2.35 Wild measures 2.44 up front and 2.25 force measures 2.35 on the rear.

[@LoveMTB]

Take a look at these other Pirellis - kzbin.info/www/bejne/boiopYaVfcysnrc

[@donnovicki9771]

No experience with Pirelli, however they do make a heck of a calendar......cheers

[@LoveMTB]

Haha yeah, Italian love 😎

[@hardmtnbiker]

Obviously the wear and tear is subjective to the trails you frequently ride and your riding style. That XC type of tire would probably get chewed up pretty quickly on my local trails. The closest type of tire I used was the Schwalbe Racing Ralph XC tires, this was before I started using CushCore inserts and those were clapped out after a couple of weeks. BTW, I love the Berd Spoke wheels. I just ordered another set. They’re amazing!

[@LoveMTB]

Oh yeah trails one rides would make a huge difference in tire selection. As for the BERD wheels...they are the real deal aren't they?? 😎

[@MTB_CRZY]

I loved my Hutchinson tires from the French! I use the Kraken up front and the skeleton in the rear. They have a nice layered sidewall for protection, very decent tread pattern for traction in most conditions (not super great in very wet conditions) and they are pretty light weight. The only bad part about them is that they dont sell them anywhere here in the US so youd have to buy them over seas and have them shipped to the US/Canada. Thought about getting some XC RC tires but now im really excited about the new Bontrager tires coming out with 220tpi casings! Id love to have you review them when you get a chance to snag some :)

[@LoveMTB]

I hear you, I know a thing or two about availability of parts on this side of the pond. As for the 220 tpi….i know people that used the 170 Aspens and declared that they are race only, not worth it. Back to 120 and 60 tpi. Let me know if you try them I’m curious about the new Bontis also

[@1986mancini]

I'm about to test the new Hutchinson python race , weight on my scale was 605g

[@LoveMTB]

@@1986mancini that’s great weight what casing ?

[@davidv6803]

BicycleRollingResistance does not recommend these based on high rolling resistance but I'm glad you're happy with them in real-world conditions.

[@LoveMTB]

You know how it is with lab tests...they are the starting point for more tests :)

[@fra93ilgrande]

And that’s exactly what I love about them, their grip is AMAZING even in the wet

[@dominicbritt]

It’s a MTB tyre… rolling resistance is way down the priority list…

[@steveschurr5967]

Next to the tire manufacturers testing equipment Bicycle Rolling Resistance isn't very credible. Manufacturers all say the same thing. You can't test rolling resistance on a steel drum and that is extra true for off pavement tires. If the testing was a reliable indicator of rolling resistance, the highest rated tires' manufacturers would all be advertising on the site, or using BRR's conclusion in their own marketing. Watch a you tube tour of one of the major tire companies facilities. They do much more extensive testing in much more controlled environments. They also ride them in real life conditions for the particular type of tire being tested using consistant power outputs. You can also get a good idea by watching what tires the pros actually use. Even if those riders are sponsored, you can still see which tire they use from their particular sponsor"s tire line up. BRR is great for getting an idea about certain tires, and at times they do offer a good and insightful point in their narrative about a particular tire, but, take it with a grain of salt.They test only a limited number of tires with testing equipment they created, It isn't really science.

[@SixGunTodd]

​@@dominicbrittfor some perhaps....but ever ride ultra endurance ? 60-100 miles on a slow tire will absolutely kill stamina.

[@rodrigofuentes6324]

they are highly recommending kenda and specialized tires, any thoughts or future reviews ?

[@LoveMTB]

I’ll see what I can do 😉

[@Timtheranger]

They look good, i was looking at the hutchinsons too, they seem good also, the big players don't always make good tyres in the mtb market, i wish IRC tyres were still easily availiable like back in the old days, great tyres

[@LoveMTB]

Good enough that the TREK world cup teams use these as oposed to their own Bontrager. Wonder if they will switch back with the launch of their redesigned/ rebranded line of tires?

[@U_C_Slotcars]

Me and my son always use schwalbe Racing ralph and Racing ray and thunder Burt in the warmer season, but we'll be giving these a go shortly

[@LoveMTB]

We used to use those same tires....curios what you think after trying these!

[@BikeMageSuspensionUpgrades]

Great vid! Might be my next set!

[@LoveMTB]

Good choice! And we can talk about it if you're on the fence😏

[@ЛёхаБукреев]

I put them on my XC bike this spring. One XCM and two XCO were already done with them and i am super happy how they perform! Highly recomended tyre

[@LoveMTB]

Yup, pretty much our experience!

[@ilidiofaria]

I’m using Pirelli Scorpion for the last month and I’m very happy overall.

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks for sharing!

[@frankschock9981]

Did you have a chance to weigh them?

[@LoveMTB]

@@frankschock9981 used? I have weighted them in the initial video

[@frankschock9981]

Your Pirellis came at an accurate weight but I'm curious about others. My XC-M's came at 863 and 853 grams well over the 820 gram claimed weight. Disappointing weight for an XC tire. They seem durable atleast. I ordered a couple 2.4 ProWall XC RC's hoping they are close to the 700 claimed weight.

[@fra93ilgrande]

It’s been almost a year since I got them, still perfect 😎 almost no signs of wear yet

[@LoveMTB]

Happy trails!

[@manseliasson]

You have to try the new aspen and aspen st with 170tpi. Love your videos :)

[@LoveMTB]

I e seen the new Aspens and talked to people that replaced them rather quickly. And I have the old Aspens. So nah😊

[@ВалерийПапруга-т2щ]

I am faced with a choice: 1. Pirelli skorpion xcrc 2. Schwalbe Racing Ralph/Ray What would you advise?

[@LoveMTB]

@@ВалерийПапруга-т2щ Pirelli every time 😇

[@ВалерийПапруга-т2щ]

@LoveMTB Is this tire suitable for both wheels? Or do you need different tires for the front and rear (like the example of Schwalbe Racing Ralph /Ray)?

[@LoveMTB]

@ we run the same F/R

[@andrewsiasparks]

I don't race but I run Goodyear Newton and escape on my trail bike and Schwelbe Big Ben on my jump/ street MTB bikes

[@AndreLaurentMTB]

Good they worked for you for so long. I have bailed on both pro walk xc within a year of starting use. They kept working but after 3 or 4 months of my heavy use they noticeably lose grip in hard cornering under loose dry or dusty conditions and do NOT work well in the colder wet conditions of late fall or early spring... IMHO not worth the money for the duration of use & can't trust the grip as they wear.. I have retired both tires with 50% or more tread left...

[@LoveMTB]

Late fall and early spring we use different tires, these are what they’re meant to be for dry but have predictable grip in wet-ish conditions. What are you using instead?

[@AndreLaurentMTB]

@@LoveMTB my normal tires are Maxxis Forekaster front and specialized ground control T5 rear. However, I'm testing Michelin Enduro wild front magi-x2 & gum-x rear for gravely, dry, dusty conditions. We'll see how they handle this season...

[@LoveMTB]

@@AndreLaurentMTB got it, good choices. But those tires, all of them are in a different league vs XC RC that were launched for XC races at the Olympic Games in Tokyo

[@AndreLaurentMTB]

@@LoveMTB that's always the issue. What are your riding conditions. Trying to find an all round tire is difficult and swapping tires is asking for trouble and hard work. Too many people ride southern Ontario 90% XC type trails work DH rated, heavy as hell tires or super light XC racing tires that get shredded on the first rock garden they encounter.... Taking the time to review your tires and where/when they are appropriate is appreciated...

[@LoveMTB]

@@AndreLaurentMTB 💯 agree way way too many DHR/DHF for the terrain we ride. We are fortunate to have different wheels/ bikes for trail riding and fun so we can park the XC racing bikes

[@jespersrensen2919]

run Maxis Minion DHF front, and Goodyear JET XC rear... had Maxxis Aggressor rear but they were hard to get up to speed (very grippy) JET XC is fast and durable, but not the most puncture resistant (trade off??!)

[@ardent5153]

My favorite tyres for XC a Vittoria Mezcal and Vittoria Barzo.

[@LoveMTB]

Yeah have an older review of that combo!

[@1986mancini]

I like mezcal as a front tire but it does plug with mud

[@LoveMTB]

@@1986mancini I liked the Barzo/ Mescal combo, Barzo is much better in clearing mud

[@bertusbob]

Pirelli Scorpion, for me the best..

[@aus10mag]

Would you use the tubolite liner again? Did it wear out? (Just bought it for my new sl rear wheel w/ prowall)

[@LoveMTB]

@@aus10mag I didn’t use it either pro wall only w Lite. Tubolite held up ok a few bruises but otherwise survived the season ok

[@aeroplan6664]

Im interesting how its looks like with comparison to raceking black chili?

[@LoveMTB]

Unfortunately don’t have any in hand but this will corner way better in all kind of conditions due to that pronounced cornering knobs

[@bartoszgaudyn6801]

Hi! I ride on paved forest paths with an electric bike. Currently on the front I have: Maxxis Minion DHF, 3C, Maxterra, EXO+, TR, 29" x 2.5" WT and Maxxis Minion DHR II, 3C, Maxterra, EXO+, TR, 29" x 2.4" WT. I think this tire is too aggressive for my routes. I'm thinking about changing to Vittoria Mezcal 2.35 or PIRELLI SCORPION 2.4. Do you think these tires will be suitable for eMTB on forest paths?

[@LoveMTB]

If it is just a forest path why not go Dissector front and REKON rear? Just a thought.

[@stoneysanders628]

I find it "funny" that you use the lighter tire on the rear. Most would recommend running the heavier, reinforced tire on the rear.

[@LoveMTB]

There is a logic to it😊 Lighter sidewalks provide better rolling resistance but they are not as stiff and can fold. So that’s when the insert comes in, stabilizes the sidewalk and protects the rim. Higher pressure on rear vs front also so front with ProWall is stable enough without the insert. There you have it

[@1986mancini]

Pirelli Scorpion m lite casing still my all time favourite front tire but to slow as a rear

[@LoveMTB]

Interesting, what do you use in the back with this front?

[@trentvlak]

What was the casing width and what rim width are you using? I'm tired of trying to ride 2.4 tires only to find they're under 2.3.

[@LoveMTB]

Check the description for the full initial review w weights and dimensions. They are big

[@adriancabrera3014]

It’s just me or why my Pirelli Scorpions are 57-2.25” wide instead the 2.4 on the label ? 😅 btw I’ve installed tyres on a mavic 30 mm internal wide rim. Hookless

[@LoveMTB]

Two ways to express same thing. 57 is the width of the tire in mm.

[@adriancabrera3014]

@ I mean I bought 2.4” tyres but if we take the measure with a vernier/caliper the real size is 2.25 😅 anyway my bike looks awesome with Pirelli tyres

[@LoveMTB]

@ not the Pirellis …they are what they promise

[@adriancabrera3014]

@@LoveMTB maybe are the hookless rims, rim bed is very peculiar and hard to install any tyre. I’ll check it out then ! Thanks !

[@amaridev]

Can't decide between racing ralph / racing ray and those xc rcs. Do they feel still fast when you ride parts of pavement in between or to/from trails?

[@1986mancini]

Schwables are faster on pavement. Schwables very good for rear tire, pirelli much better as front tire.

[@laurikuris7721]

how to you compare it to wolfpack tires?

[@LoveMTB]

@@laurikuris7721 unfortunately no experience with those

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

My own research has proven many times that running low psi in low traction tires doesn't have any benefit, I'd say it's a recipe for slowness and lack of confidence in rocky parts. That's just an opinion 😊

[@sergioq.4005]

Por el precio que pagamos deberían durar mucho más

[@LoveMTB]

Ellos duran mucho más que Schwalbe, lo sé mucho!

[@sergioq.4005]

A​@@LoveMTBAún así nos cobran demasiado.

[@mtbboy1993]

They seem a bit too fragile for my liking. But I'm looking for fast tyres for a XC hardtail build I'm want to build. So I want fast and light tyres but more robust. These are quite expensive. Not sure why. even pricier than enduro tyres. But maybe it's good enough. as I would not ride it as hard and in no rock gardens. But I don't even have a bike for it yet.

[@LoveMTB]

Not really fragile definitely compared to the Contis you’re considering 😉

[@mtbboy1993]

@@LoveMTB I've not looked at Continental recently. So I'm not sure which Conti tyres you are referring to. Race king? Probably did a long time ago. But I'm not sure which tyres to get, so many choices. Maybe I sohuld get what ever is cheapest.

[@nicholkid]

I'm sold on trying these but they are hard to find for sale without ordering from weird sites. Also when I do see them in Canada they are $120 😮. I'll probably stick with specialized tires for almost half.

[@LoveMTB]

I know what you mean hard to find around here or always expensive 😩

[@nicholkid]

For the record, I found them on bikeinn for $170 cad for 2, all in cost. Apparently the prices are legit on that site. Crazy shipping price, but the total is still cheaper than most other tire options.

[@LoveMTB]

@@nicholkid pretty much what I got them for from BI as well as

[@thomassrensen2141]

I do not understand why they put yellow text on the side wall of the tires. Not everyone wants to have big bright advertising on their bikes

[@LoveMTB]

They have the silver version of most tires also 😉

[@ArdianSutarjan]

Pirelli tires are already famous for being used in Formula 1 races, so more people like the big bright advertising Companies prioritize the majority of people

[@silver_c1oud]

i still love Continental Race king i wish they had atleast 2.25

[@LoveMTB]

@@silver_c1oud Olympic Games won on that tire. Both!