Versatile Performance Review of Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tyre and Mavic All Road Wheel Set for Gravel Biking
- Coach Craig BSc
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Choosing the right wheels and tyres for a gravel bike can transform your riding experience, especially when you want a setup that handles multiple surfaces and conditions. For riders like me who use a gravel bike year-round, having a secondary wheelset optimised for winter road riding, commuting, and bikepacking makes a big difference. Recently, I added the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tyre paired with the Mavic All Road Wheel Set as my additional setup. This review covers why this combination works well as a versatile option for various riding styles and surfaces, especially when my wider 55mm tyres are too much for certain conditions.
Why Choose a Secondary Wheelset for Gravel Bikes?
Gravel bikes are designed to handle a wide range of surfaces, but no single tyre and wheel combo can be perfect for every condition. My primary setup uses wide 55mm tyres that excel on rough gravel and soft trails. However, these tyres can feel sluggish on paved roads and are less practical for winter riding when road conditions demand more grip and efficiency.
Adding a secondary wheelset tailored for different conditions offers several benefits:
Improved efficiency on paved roads
Better traction and control on wet or icy surfaces
Reduced wear on primary tyres
Flexibility for commuting and mixed-surface rides
Optimised setup for bike-packing where tyre width matters
The Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tyre and Mavic All Road Wheel Set fit these needs perfectly.
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tyre: Balanced Grip and Speed
The Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Tyre is designed to balance grip, durability, and rolling efficiency. It features a tread pattern that performs well on both loose gravel and paved surfaces, making it ideal for riders who want one tyre to handle multiple terrains.
Key Features
Tread Design
The tyre has a centre tread optimized for low rolling resistance on roads, with side knobs that provide grip on loose surfaces. This design allows smooth transitions between pavement and gravel without compromising control.
Width and Size Options
Available in sizes around 40-45mm, the Cinturato fits well on the Mavic All Road wheels, offering a narrower profile than my 55mm tyres. This narrower width improves aerodynamics and reduces weight, which helps on longer road rides and commutes.
Durability and Puncture Protection
Pirelli uses a reinforced casing and a puncture-resistant belt, which is crucial for winter riding when debris and sharp objects are more common on roads.
Wet Weather Performance
The rubber compound and tread pattern provide confident traction on wet pavement and muddy gravel, which is essential for unpredictable winter conditions.
Riding Experience
On paved roads, the Cinturato rolls smoothly and feels responsive. The tyre’s grip on wet surfaces gave me confidence during rainy commutes. On gravel, it handles loose sections without feeling sluggish, though it’s not as aggressive as my wider tyres for deep mud or very rough trails. This makes it a great all-rounder for mixed-surface rides.
Mavic All Road Wheel Set: Lightweight and Durable
The Mavic All Road Wheel Set complements the Pirelli tyres perfectly. These wheels are designed for versatility, combining strength with a lightweight build that suits both gravel and road riding.
Key Features
Rim Width and Compatibility
The rims have an internal width around 21-23mm, ideal for supporting 40-45mm tyres like the Cinturato. This width improves tyre profile and stability, enhancing grip and comfort.
Durability
Mavic wheels are known for their robust build quality. The All Road set uses strong spokes and hubs designed to withstand rough terrain and winter conditions without frequent maintenance.
Tubeless Ready
These wheels are tubeless compatible, allowing for lower tyre pressures and better puncture resistance. I run my Cinturato tyres tubeless, which improves ride quality and reduces flats.
Weight
The wheelset is relatively light for gravel wheels, which helps when climbing or accelerating on roads.
Riding Experience
The wheels feel stiff and responsive, translating power efficiently on both pavement and gravel. They handle potholes and rough patches without harshness, thanks to the tyre and rim combination. The tubeless setup adds comfort and confidence, especially on longer rides or commutes where flats can be a hassle.
Why This Setup Works for Winter Road Riding
Winter riding demands tyres and wheels that can handle wet, cold, and sometimes icy conditions. My wider 55mm tyres are great for soft trails but are too slow and heavy for winter roads. The Pirelli Cinturato and Mavic All Road wheels offer:
Better rolling efficiency on hard surfaces
Improved traction on wet and slippery roads
Durability against winter road debris
Tubeless setup for lower pressures and fewer flats
This combination makes winter commuting safer and more enjoyable, reducing fatigue and increasing confidence.
Commuting and Multipurpose Surface Riding
For daily commuting and rides that mix pavement, gravel paths, and light trails, this wheel and tyre combo shines. The narrower tyre profile fits well in urban environments, allowing for quicker acceleration and easier handling in traffic. The tread pattern balances grip and speed, so you can tackle potholes, wet leaves, or gravel patches without worry.
The Mavic wheels’ durability means less downtime for repairs, which is important for daily riders. Plus, the tubeless setup reduces the risk of flats from glass or thorns commonly found on city routes.
Road Option for Bikepacking When 55mm Tyres Are Too Wide
Bike-packing often requires a balance between comfort, speed, and tyre clearance. My 55mm tyres are great for rough terrain but can be too wide for some bikepacking routes that include long stretches of pavement or narrow clearances.
The Pirelli Cinturato on Mavic All Road wheels offers a narrower, faster option that still provides enough grip and comfort for mixed surfaces. This setup reduces rolling resistance on roads, making long-distance rides more efficient. It also fits better in tight spaces on racks or in bike-packing bags.
Practical Tips for Using This Setup
Switching Wheelsets
Keep your secondary wheels ready with tyres inflated and tubeless sealant topped up. This makes swapping quick when seasons change or when you plan a specific ride.
Tyre Pressure
Adjust pressure based on conditions: lower for gravel and rough roads, higher for smooth pavement. The tubeless setup allows flexibility without risking pinch flats.
Maintenance
Regularly check spoke tension and rim condition, especially after rough rides. Clean tyres and rims to maintain tubeless seal and performance.
Compatibility Check
Ensure your bike frame and brakes can accommodate the narrower tyre and wheel size. Most gravel bikes handle this range easily, but it’s worth confirming.
Summary of Benefits
| Feature | Benefit for Gravel Riders
|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------
| Pirelli Cinturato Tread | Balanced grip on gravel and pavement
| Tyre Width (40-45mm) | Faster rolling, better aerodynamics
| Puncture Protection | Fewer flats on winter roads and commutes
| Mavic A/R Wheel Width | Supports tyre profile for stability and comfort
| Tubeless Ready | Lower pressure, better ride quality, fewer flats
| Durable Build | Reliable for daily use and rough conditions
This setup is a smart investment for riders who want a multipurpose wheel and tyre combo that adapts to different surfaces and seasons without compromising performance.
Please see my latest blog with this set up
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