Pirelli Cycling Introduces the All-New Scorpion Gravity Range: From Trail Riding To Downhill Racing
A completely redesigned line-up covering every gravity discipline, from trail riding to elite downhill racing. A new, simplified naming system helps riders choose the right tire. Three tread patterns: Black Sting, Emperor and Red Claw.
The new range has been developed with direct input from three-time Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel.
Pirelli unveils the new SCORPION™ Gravity range, developed specifically for gravity riding. Covering everything from trail riding to enduro, freeride, and downhill racing, this MTB line-up has been completely redesigned, introducing a new product naming system designed to help every rider identify the best tire setup for their needs. The new range significantly expands the number of combinations available compared with the previous line, allowing every rider to find the ideal solution for their riding style and discipline, thanks to the different casing and compound options available for each model.
The new range architecture introduces three tread pattern names – Black Sting, Emperor and Red Claw – each inspired by a different scorpion species. Each name reflects the characteristics and natural habitat of the scorpion it represents, creating a direct association with the riding conditions and riding style for which the tire was designed. Every scorpion has its own environment, and every Pirelli SCORPION tire has its own natural habitat too.
The new naming structure follows three straightforward steps: first, choosing the tread pattern, identified by three different scorpion species, each representing a distinct terrain and riding style; second, selecting the casing according to the desired level of support and protection; and finally, choosing the compound (Medium, Soft or Supersoft) to achieve the optimum balance of grip, rolling efficiency and durability.
The Tread Patterns: Three Scorpions, Three Distinct Characters
Black Sting is inspired by the scorpions that inhabit deserts and arid environments. Fast-rolling and responsive, this all-new tread pattern was developed for riders seeking speed, precision, and responsiveness.
Its new design combines low rolling resistance with controlled braking performance, making it particularly suited to hardpack and firm, compact terrain, where stability under high loads and at high speed is essential. Its riding character is solid, direct and responsive.
Emperor is the most versatile tread pattern in the range. It builds on the highly regarded tread design of the previous RACE M but has been completely re-engineered. Like the Emperor scorpion, known for thriving across diverse environments, it is the range’s true all-rounder. Designed to perform across mixed terrain and changing trail conditions, it delivers an outstanding balance of traction, control and rolling efficiency.
Its riding character is balanced, predictable and versatile, making it the ideal choice for riders looking for one tire that performs across a broad range of conditions.
Finally, Red Claw is inspired by tropical scorpions that thrive in wet, humid environments, making it the tire of choice for riders seeking maximum traction and control. Based on the previous RACE T tread pattern, it has been further optimized for loose-over-hard conditions, dusty terrain, and off-camber sections.
It delivers a stable, confidence-inspiring ride even when the trail becomes challenging. Its riding character is supportive, controlled and focused on delivering maximum traction, both through corners and under braking.
The Casings: Four Levels Of Protection
The new platform evolves Pirelli’s four casing constructions, all now fully eMTB-ready and suitable for both conventional and electric mountain bikes, whether Light eMTBs or Full Power models.
- ProWALL is the lightest casing in the range to feature sidewall protection, weighing 700 to 900 g. It is designed for riders who want responsiveness and climbing efficiency while maintaining a smooth, precise ride without compromising reliability and confidence on descents.
- HardWALL provides full structural support, plus additional reinforcement that helps reduce the risk of pinch flats from hard rim strikes. Weighing between 900 and 1,100 g, it offers greater stability and impact resistance than ProWALL, while remaining efficient to pedal and responsive even on demanding terrain.
- DualWALL is designed for more aggressive riding, including enduro racing, bike-park riding and freeride, with weights ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 g. Built around a dualply construction, it’s engineered to maximize stability, protection, and durability in the toughest gravity applications.
- DH+ WALL represents the highest level of protection in the range and is the casing of choice for top-level Downhill racing, with weights ranging from 1,300 to over 1,500 g. It also features a dual-ply construction but uses even tougher base fabrics than DualWALL, plus additional sidewall and bead reinforcement, engineered to withstand the biggest hits and highest loads of elite DH racing.
The Compounds: Inspired By Motorsport
Completing the selection process, Pirelli offers three compounds with a naming system that is instantly recognizable and deeply rooted in its motorsport heritage: Medium, Soft and Supersoft, identified by the brand’s iconic color codes – Yellow, Red and Purple, respectively.
- MEDIUM delivers the ideal balance of grip, comfort and durability, making it a strong choice for riders looking for predictable, long-lasting performance.
- SOFT has been developed to provide intuitive handling and consistent grip in both dry and wet conditions, without compromising durability. Designed for aggressive riding, it delivers downhill-ready performance while maintaining excellent control and longevity, even under intensive use.
- SUPERSOFT is engineered for the most demanding conditions, offering the highest levels of grip, along with outstanding vibration damping and impact absorption. It provides intuitive, confidence-inspiring feedback, allowing experienced riders to push right to the limit. It delivers maximum grip in both dry and wet conditions, while also offering the highest level of damping. Although ideally suited to front-wheel use, it is equally effective on the rear for racing applications and on particularly technical and demanding terrain.
A Complete Range
Pirelli’s technicians developed the new range, drawing on years of collaboration with three-time Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel, alongside a group of world-class athletes supported by the Milan-based company across multiple gravity disciplines. Their combined expertise has enabled extensive real-world testing across a wide range of terrains, riding styles and conditions.
Fabien Barel commented: “Having worked closely with Pirelli, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply their expertise runs, from Formula 1 to the Motorcycle World Championship, from motocross to high-performance cars. That same racing DNA is now driving innovation in mountain biking – across compound technology, casing construction, and tread design. What’s particularly interesting is seeing how the company is bringing into cycling that wealth of cross-discipline knowledge built up over years of success at the highest levels of motorsport. What stands out most when riding these new tires is how consistent the grip feels across the entire tread, no matter the terrain, and how stable the casing stays even when conditions get rough – it’s the kind of confidence you notice within the first few turns.”
The renowned French athlete’s experience and technical expertise in on-trail product development were complemented by valuable inputs from leading athletes including Brendan Fairclough, Jack Moir, Thomas Genon, Juan Diego Salido, Fabio Wibmer and Lachlan Blair.
The new Pirelli SCORPION range, featuring BLACK STING, EMPEROR and RED CLAW, is available now online and through selected cycling retailers.