The Pirelli P Zero Race TLR is one of those road tires that does not try to blur its positioning: it is a high-end, tubeless ready (TLR) tire designed to go fast, with lots of grip and a real sense of quality on the bike.
The version tested here is 700 x 32 mm, with black sidewalls and white lettering. After more than 2,000 km, it gives a clear idea of what this tire delivers, but also what it asks in return.
Highlights:
- Excellent grip on dry and wet roads
- Very good rolling efficiency, even in 32 mm
- Very good tubeless sealing
- Many widths and finishes available
To improve:
- Difficult installation
- Rear wear fairly fast
A broad range, but a very performance-focused positioning
At Pirelli, the P Zero family covers several road uses: Race, Race TLR, TT, SL-R, RS… Here, we are indeed talking about the P Zero Race TLR, that is the tubeless version of the brand’s high-end all-round road tire.
Pirelli offers it in many finishes: black sidewall, classic brown sidewall, retro beige sidewall, white or black logos depending on the version. It is an aesthetic detail, but it matters: on a modern road bike, the tire really contributes to the overall look of the build. Detail lovers will appreciate having options.
As for widths, the range goes from 26 to 40 mm. The 32 mm tested sits in an interesting zone: still road, but with enough volume to improve comfort, especially on modern wheels.
32 mm claimed, 34.5 mm measured
The first point to note is the actual width. On my Newmen Streem Allround, the P Zero Race TLR in 32 mm measures 34.5 mm.
That is not trivial. In practice, this real width contributes a lot to comfort and grip. It also means checking the clearance available on the frame and fork, especially on some road bikes that officially accept 32 mm but with little margin.
The tested version weighs 375 g. That is in line for a fast tubeless road tire in 32 mm, even if Pirelli indicates variations depending on the finish. A fun detail: at the same section width, the brown and beige sidewall versions (classic and retro) are 30 g lighter.
Tubeless installation: very hard to fit, excellent once in place
This is probably the most divisive point of the P Zero Race TLR: installation is difficult. It is among the most demanding tires to fit of those that have passed through my hands.
You need a clean, proven method: start opposite the valve, keep the beads in the center of the rim well, work the tire on progressively, and sometimes use tire levers to gain purchase. The tire is very tight, with a rubber feel that really grips. If your technique is not spot on, the tire simply will not go on.
My tip: use a cloth between your hands and the tire so you can really pull on the rubber. This improves grip and helps you avoid ending up with blisters on your fingertips. 
Moistening the beads with a water + dish soap mix can also make the job easier.
For those changing their tires for the first time, this is not the most beginner-friendly tire. Before you start, it is better to know how to change tires properly and to have done it several times.
Note that this is specific to the tubeless ready (TLR) version of the P Zero Race. The “standard” version is easier to install.
The trade-off is excellent: once in place, the tire seats perfectly. It can even hold air for several hours without sealant, which is a very good sign in terms of sealing. With tubeless sealant, the setup then becomes perfectly reliable and pressure stays very stable over time.
On the road: lots of grip, with no penalty
Once fitted, the P Zero Race TLR is quickly forgiven. The behavior is very convincing, with a sensation of a tire that is both quick and comfortable.
Grip is one of its big strengths. On dry roads, the tire gives a lot of confidence in corners. On wet roads, it is reassuring, with high grip for such a performance-oriented tire.
What stands out most is the balance. Moving from 30 mm to 32 mm brings a very clear comfort gain, without any noticeable loss in rolling efficiency by feel. The tire keeps that impression of rolling fast, but with more compliance and more margin in hard leans.
I felt this particularly on a descent I ride regularly. Its surface is very damaged and, with narrower tires, I usually get shaken so much that I have to stop pedaling to absorb the hits. With these P Zero Race in 32 mm, the difference is clear: grip is better, and I can keep pressing on the pedals to accelerate where, previously, I simply suffered the state of the pavement.
This is exactly the kind of tire that shows why road widths have evolved. At the right pressure, 32 mm does not feel like it slows the bike down. It rather feels like it makes better use of the road even when the surface is far from perfect.
High comfort, but wear to watch
As with any road tire, choosing the right pressure has a huge influence on behavior. Personally, I prefer to ride with rather low pressures, which bring more comfort and grip without harming rolling efficiency. With the P Zero Race TLR, this is in fact the setup in which I liked it most.
However, one point caught my attention: rear tire wear shows up fairly quickly. After nearly 2,000 km, it is already marking noticeably more than the front tire.
This is not unusual for a performance road tire with such a soft compound, but you need to be aware of it. Swapping front and rear around 2,500 km can help balance wear and avoid ending up with an overly squared-off rear tire.
Durability: not reinforced, but not fragile
The P Zero Race TLR is not a reinforced tire. If the main goal is cut resistance, you should look instead to the Cinturato family.
All the same, the Race TLR is not fragile. After nearly 2,000 km, the only visible marks are partial micro-cuts. Nothing concerning in the context of this test, even with passages through dirty areas or scattered glass.
You simply need to keep its true brief in mind: road performance, grip, rolling efficiency, comfort, but not maximum protection for very abrasive or very aggressive use.
Up against the Continental GP 5000: same playing field
The most obvious comparison is with the Continental GP 5000 S TR. Same universe, same customers, same idea: offer a very high-performance road tire, suitable both for regular sporty riding and for amateur racing.
The Pirelli P Zero Race TLR sits in that category. It is aimed at riders who already have a good level bike or wheels, and who want a set of tires consistent with that equipment.
When buying, it is also often found cheaper than its competitor, depending on the finishes and widths chosen.
It is not the most relevant choice for starting out, nor for seeking the best price to lifespan ratio. It is more a tire for those who want to feel a real level of grip and ride quality.
My verdict on this tire
The P Zero Race TLR makes sense for road cyclists who ride regularly, who want a high-performing tubeless tire and who accept faster wear in exchange for very good rolling efficiency.
It will also suit those who ride fast on varied roads, and who are looking for daily performance, without going to an ultra-fragile pure race tire.
However, it does require a minimum of experience. Installation can be frustrating, and its price places it in the performance tire category.
In the end, the Pirelli P Zero Race TLR in 32 mm leaves a very simple impression: rather hard to install, but very easy to love.
Photos: Juliette Landon
