Gear Break: Pirelli has just launched the P ZERO Race RS, a high-performance tube-type road cycling tyre designed for racers who demand speed, reliability, and sustainability. Made in Italy using FSC®-certified natural rubber and tested by World Tour teams like Lidl-Trek and Alpecin-Deceuninck, this new clincher option brings elite-level performance to everyday riders. In this roundup, we also take a look at cutting-edge new gravel, road and e-bikes from Wilier, Orbea, Ridley and BMC, and a new saddle pack from Apidura,
Pirelli P Zero Race RS Tyres – The New Tube-Type Option Hits the Market
Pirelli is launching P ZERO Race RS, the tube-type version of its top-performing road racing cycling tyre. Produced in Pirelli’s Milan-Bollate plant, this new tyre uses natural rubber* that is FSC® certified (Forest Stewardship Council®).
Black tyres don’t look too bad
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Is it me, or do all black tyres look heavy? A tan wall looks much lighter. Well as with the Continental and Hutchinson black tyres, the Pirelli P Zero RS black tyres have disproved my weight aversion to black tyres. They are much the same weight as the other top end tyres and the Pirelli’s are available in tan and white side walls.
Slightly lighter than some other tyres
When I saw that Pirelli were releasing an ‘inner-tube specific’ version of their top P Zero Race tyre, I knew I had to get my hand on a pair. Tubeless is fairly pointless where I live, I can’t remember the last time I had a puncture, the roads are smooth and pot-holes don’t really exist. Plus, as GCN recently pointed out, tubeless has a lot of messy preparation and if you don’t need it, why bother? I’m not going down that road.
The Pirelli 28 measures about the same as the Vittoria 26
In my last tyre review, I was comparing tyre widths and how they seem to vary from one manufactured to another. The Pirelli 28’s measure the same as the Hutchinson 28’s and the Vittoria 26’s, but are smaller than the Continental 28’s, which makes the weight comparisons fairly pointless. If you are going to choose between these top tyres: They all weigh about the same, but the widths are different.
The 28’s look a good fit
The Pirelli P Zero were easy to fit, they are made for hooked rims only, so they don’t have to be such a tight fit as a tyre made for a hookless rim, which is good news for your thumbs. I used Pirelli butyl inner-tubes, the Italian company make two butyl tubes; the basic Sportube and the lighter Roadtube, you can save more weight with the TPU Smartube, but, if like me you are still on rim brakes (they will never die), they are not recommended.
Looks good
So how do they ride? I have an undulating circuit near where I live. It’s about 10K, with a 5K ride to and from the circuit. There are two easy/steady climbs each way with a couple of fast roundabouts on smooth roads, so it’s not a bad test. I did check a pressure chart, which suggested 6 atm, which is comfortable and felt fast enough on smooth roads.
The box has all the info you need
The Pirelli P Zero’s handle very well, no drag and sharp on the bends. I threw the bike into the roundabouts and the bike went where I wanted it to and leaning it over, I felt safe and secure. Climbing in and out of the saddle was crisp and they really feel like a race tyre. The P Zero are comparable to the Vittoria Corsa PRO and the Continental Grand Prix 5000, all top end tyres with the best performance. Don’t ask me which I prefer, they are all very good. And no, I don’t know how they perform in the wet.
Comfortable with good road holding
Here is what Pirelli say: Pirelli P Zero Race RS – The New Tube-Type Version Combining Practicality and Lightness with Top Performance Levels Made for Racing. It’s the tube-type option of the top-range P ZERO Race TLR RS, it benefits from the experience of WorldTour teams Lidl-Trek and Alpecin-Deceuninck An FSC® labelled, Italian-made product from the Milan-Bollate plant.
P ZERO Race RS is the latest addition to the P ZERO Race bicycle tyres produced in Pirelli’s Milan-Bollate plant. This new clincher model, like all the tyres made by Pirelli Cycling’s Italian factory starting from June 2024, uses natural rubber* that is FSC® certified (Forest Stewardship Council® – an NGO that is recognised worldwide for its responsible forest management activities).
P ZERO Race RS is Pirelli’s top product in the high-performance road line, in the tube-type segment and, as it is the case with the all-rounder P ZERO Race TLR and its clincher counterpart P ZERO Race, the new tyre now joins the P ZERO Race TLR RS version, Pirelli’s top of the range tubeless ready tyre. Pirelli can thus offer cycling enthusiasts two high-profile tyre options, which is further proof of the company’s commitment to the two most popular technologies today among end consumers.
Designed and developed specifically for the many fans who constantly seek the high performance levels, practicality and lightness provided by clincher tyres, this new version also benefits from the positive feedback of some of today’s top cyclists. Riders from the Alpecin Deceuninck and Lidl-Trek World Tour teams, have had the chance to test them during training camps or to compete with them on some Alpine stages of the past season’s great Tours.
Pirelli has developed the new P ZERO Race RS specifically to be used with its light, high performing SmarTUBE inner tube, aiming to provide cyclists with a setup that offers a significant weight advantage. Thanks to this combination, it is possible to save nearly 50g per wheel without compromising rolling efficiency. In fact, rolling resistance preserves absolute values that are very similar to those of Pirelli’s latest generation of TLR tyres, ensuring responsiveness and a fast, efficient riding experience.
New-Generation Smartevo Compound
P ZERO Race RS uses the SmartEVO2 compound with its original formula, which is further developed when it comes to its chemistry and process. Produced in the same Pirelli plants that create the motorsport compounds, SmartEVO2is the result of a “smart” polymer compound – i.e. chemically treated to enhance the functions of the various polymeric chains – created to simultaneously offer adherence and speed to the tyre, which now have been further improved.
P ZERO Race RS, Pirelli’s most advanced version of tube-type road tyre, is already available for purchase at the best cycling shops and online. It comes in sizes 26-622, 28-622 and 30- 622, while its sides come in three colours: Standard, Classic and Retrò. The tyre in size 28- 622 weighs 230 grams.
(*the percentage of natural rubber out of the total weight of the tyre is equal to about 14% and is the product’s most important component – FSC® N003618 license).
- More info at: www.pirelli.com.
Willier Trestina Rave SLR ID2 Beyond reality. Faster.
This completely new, fast, versatile and fun bike draws inspiration from the previous model, but is designed with pure off-road racing in mind.
Who is the Rave SLR ID2 for?
For gravel cyclists – Those seeking speed and competition in UCI Gravel Series races. For gravel adventurers – Those who seek a versatile, high-performing bicycle with which to explore and travel without sacrificing performance. For those who love to stand out – A bold design and a unique philosophy for those seeking a truly exclusive product.
A history of wins, a future just waiting to be written
The racing pedigree of the Rave SLR has been clearly demonstrated in competition since its debut, showcasing top-tier ride quality and reliability:
- Serenissima Gravel / 2021 – The first-ever professional gravel event, won solo by Alexey Lutsenko.
- The Traka 200 / 2022 – Europe’s premier gravel race, held in Girona: Ivar Slik claimed victory after an all-out attacking ride.
- Unbound Gravel / 2022 – The queen of global gravel races, held in the U.S.: Ivar Slik brought Wilier to victory, becoming the first non-American athlete—and Wilier the first non-American brand—to win the most iconic race in the discipline.
Developed in collaboration with professional gravel athletes like Ivar Slik, it has been tested in the sport’s most demanding races, The insights gathered directly from the field have fueled the work of our Innovation Lab, helping to refine performance, speed, and versatility.
Technical Features
Advanced aerodynamics – Months of work in the wind tunnel and simulator to devise conceptually new tubes that reduce air resistance and improve off-road efficiency at higher speeds. At 35 km/h, these refinements yield a savings of 5.3 watts — or over 50 seconds over 70 km for a fast gravel racer.
SLR carbon frame – Optimised structure offering the optimal rigidity-to-weight ratio, ensuring responsiveness and control on all terrains.
Clearance of up to 52 mm – Extra space for wider tyres, increasing comfort and grip also on technical terrain.
Gravel racing geometry – Compact wheelbase and short rear triangle for fast acceleration; balanced angles for precise, safe handling, especially off-road.
Total cable integration – A clean, minimalist design to reduce wind turbulence and improve aesthetics, in pure Wilier style.
Compatible with 1x groupsets and the UDH® dropout – Future-proof compatibility, in line with the latest trends from transmission manufacturers.
Design and Style
The 1990s touch Rave SLR ID2 is not just a high-performance bike—it is a visual statement inspired by the energy of underground culture and the digital icons of the 1990s. Its aesthetics combine pixelated elements with bold colours to create a unique identity:
Pixel Green – The colour of pure energy, Pixel Green stands for speed, visibility and boldness. Perfect for those seeking to dominate gravel routes with a distinctive and modern style.
Glitch Black – The black that breaks the code: A sophisticated jet black, with exposed carbon fibres and chrome graphic details evocative of digital glitches. Glitch Black is the perfect choice for those seeking a pure, timeless racing look.
Neon Purple – A nod to electronic nights, Neon Purple defies convention, celebrating freedom and creativity. It is designed for cyclists who wish to stand out with a distinctive, unconventional colour.
Byte Cream – High-definition vintage: A modern retro style, with cream and deep red accents inspired by the early computers and consoles of the 1980s and ’90s. Refined yet impactful, this is a tribute to the timeless vintage aesthetic that characterised an era.
Orbea steps up its performance with new Orca updates. 
The new integrated OC handlebar and OQUO wheels are joined by fresh colors and graphics, amplifying Orca’s competitive character.
Orbea takes another leap forward in the evolution of its road lineup with major updates to its lightest model, the Orca, strengthening its position as the ultimate climber within Orbea’s polarized Road range.
New Integrated Cockpit Solution
A major highlight is the new OC SH RA10 integrated cockpit. Available in 11 sizes, this handlebar and stem combo delivers a fully integrated solution with a clean aesthetic, GPS mount compatibility, and UCI compliance. Its design optimizes rider position and enhances aerodynamics, weighing in at just 313 g in the 100/380 size.
Advanced Wheel Technology
Adding to the performance gains are the new OQUO RP35 LTD, RP50 LTD, and RA57 LTD wheels, each equipped with OQUO’s newly developed Q10 hub. The RP50 LTD strikes a perfect balance of weight, aerodynamics, power transfer, and impact absorption, while the RA57 LTD prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency and power transfer.
The new Q10 hub combines high-end materials, precision machining, and innovative technical solutions to deliver exceptional performance. Weighing just 104 g (front) and 175 g (rear), it is also one of the lightest hubs on the market.
New Color Options
The update is rounded out with new colors and graphics for the OMX and OMR carbon frames.
Orca OMX now comes in three exclusive finishes:
- Spark Silver – Titan Grey Fade
- Diamond Carbon View – Sunset Fade
- Escape Carbon – Holographic Dynalines
Orca OMR expands its palette with four new options:
- Iris White – Lilac
- Diamond C.View – Titan Grey
- Cobalt Blue – Carbon Raw
- Escape Green Carbon View Matt
Purpose-Driven Design
The new Orca stays true to its essence: a bike built to maximize climbing performance while delivering a reactive, efficient, and lightweight ride. With minimal carbon frames (OMX 745 g / OMR 1030 g) and a total weight of just 6.7 kg, it offers a finely tuned experience for riders chasing peak performance on every ascent.
Availability
All updates are available now through official retailers and at orbea.com.
- More info at: https://www.orbea.com/us-en/bicicletas/carretera/orca
Ridley E-ASTR sets new standard in electric gravel performance.
Ridley is expanding the acclaimed ASTR family with an electric variant: the E-ASTR. This marks Ridley’s second e-bike and offers riders the chance to experience the ASTR’s signature ride feel with an added boost.
The ASTR RS, made a powerful entrance into the gravel scene, responding to increasingly aggressive routes. The positive reception motivated Ridley to push its vision into an electric future. The E-ASTR maintains the sporty, natural ride character of its predecessor — with that little bit extra, all without compromising smoothness or control.
The E-ASTR is equipped with the brand-new TQ HPR40 drive unit, with the highest torque-to- weight ratio in its class, near-silent operation and incredibly responsive behavior. Visually, the integration is seamless: the motor is subtly hidden behind the chainrings, while the battery is elegantly integrated into the downtube.
In keeping with Ridley’s clean design philosophy, no display is built into the top tube. Instead, discreet LED indicators in the handlebar cap show the selected support level. Meanwhile, the motor is invisible: only those who look closely, or actually ride the bike, will notice the extra support.
Gravel Geometry, Preserved
The E-ASTR shares the exact same geometry as the ASTR and ASTR RS, giving it sharp, responsive steering and optimal power transfer. A bottom bracket drop of 75 mm contributes to high-speed stability, while short 425 mm chainstays provide a nimble, playful ride feel.
The ASTR RS’ generous tire clearance of up to 52 mm — both in the frame and fork — is retained in the E-ASTR. This not only supports the use of wider tires for increased comfort and grip but also helps offset the added weight of the motor and battery, improving overall balance and control.
A Conscious Shift Towards E-Bikes
Ridley sees growing e-bike interest from a broad audience, including performance-focused riders, in electric versions of their favorite bikes.
For the growing group of cyclists looking for something more agile, lighter and closer to the feel of a traditional bike than today’s long-travel e-mountain bikes, an e-gravel bike like the E-ASTR offers the ideal solution: lightweight support that enhances the ride instead of replacing it. After the successful launch of the allroad E-GRIFN, Ridley now brings that same electric philosophy to the pure gravel category. The demand is clear and Ridley is ready to meet it head-on.
Price Overview
The E-ASTR is available from €7,199, fully equipped with SRAM Apex XPLR AXS 1×12-speed. Upgrading to SRAM Rival XPLR brings the starting price to €8,199. The version with Shimano GRX800 DI2 2x is priced at €8,899.
- More info at: https://www.ridley-bikes.com/en_US
BMC Teammachine SLR 01 Gen 5: Meet the bike that Redefines Gravity
Who is this bike for?
The Teammachine SLR 01 is built for the pure climber—for those who crave the silence of the ascent, the thrill of the descent, and the perfect balance between man, machine, and
mountain.
Built to Rise – Where Every Gram Counts
When it comes to conquering mountain stages, two factors matter most: weight and stiffness. The latest Teammachine SLR 01 tackles both head-on with a redesigned platform that sheds 222g while maintaining the same overall stiffness as the previous generation — stiffness that matters for pedalling efficiency and handling.
Aerodynamic performance plays an equally vital role, even at altitude. Drawing from the aero-optimized Teammachine R 01, this Teammachine SLR 01 features a reduced frontal area, optimized tube profiles, re-engineered fork, and evolved seatpost — all contributing to enhanced efficiency without compromising compliance.
With clearance that allows for 32mm measured tires, the Teammachine SLR 01 is built for versatility within modern racing standards and UCI regulations. This is BMC’s most complete mountain machine to date: lightweight, aerodynamic, and relentlessly performance-driven.
Sculpted by speed – Integration meets Intelligence
The latest Teammachine SLR 01 embodies BMC’s relentless pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency and intelligent engineering. The ICS cockpit systems and full internal cable routing elevate both form and function — delivering a sleek, high-performance system. At the heart of it is BMC’s continuous investment in innovation, relentless efforts in conquering air flow through Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations, wind tunnel hours, velodrome testing and multiple collaborations between the engineers of their Impec Lab and specialists of the field of aerodynamics.
Precision in Motion – where Control meets Comfort
The latest generation of Teammachine SLR 01 offers razor-sharp handling and intuitive responsiveness across all sizes — from 47 to 61. It’s designed to feel like a true extension of the rider, providing confidence in every descent and responsiveness in every turn. At the same time, BMC’s Tuned Compliance Concept (TCC) ensures that comfort is never sacrificed. Through a precisely engineered carbon layup and a new compliant Aero Shape seat post, road vibrations are dampened without dulling ride feedback — helping riders stay fresher, longer.
- More info at: https://us.bmc-switzerland.com/
Apidura Expedition Tool Pack Helps You Fix Faster and Ride Further
Every rider needs a way to carry their essentials, but not every ride calls for full bikepacking gear. The Expedition Tool Pack (1L) expands on the trusted design of the Apidura Tool Pack (0.4L) to create a pack that speaks to going farther and enjoying a true adventure — even if that happens on a simple weekend ride.
Upping the capacity to 1L and taking influence from existing Expedition Saddle Packs, the new Tool Pack is a full redesign, taking cues from all that Apidura has learned over a decade of creating welded, waterproof packs, and keeping riders’ gear safe and secure.
The magnetic buckle closure allows for quick, one-handed access, even with gloves. The welded waterproof construction means spares won’t go rusty, even in the depths of winter.
Technical Features
- 1L capacity
- Welded Waterproof construction
- Roll top design
- Magnetic seal and buckle closure
- Weight: 95g
- More information at https://www.apidura.com/
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PezCycling News and the author ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper/safe use, handling, maintenance, and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.
The post Gear Break: Pirelli P Zero Tyres, Wilier Trestina Rave, Orbea Orca, Ridley E-ASTR Electric Gravel Bike, BMC Teammachine & Apidura Expedition Tool Pack appeared first on PezCycling News.
