Pirelli Scorpion XC RH: Fastest Made-in-Italy XC Race Tyre
Pirelli Scorpion XC RH: The Fastest Made-in-Italy Cross-Country Tyre Yet
Pirelli has unveiled the Scorpion XC RH, a brand-new Cross-Country mountain bike tyre designed for maximum speed and control on hardpack terrain. Made entirely in Italy and produced with FSC™-certified natural rubber, the XC RH completes Pirelli’s high-performance XC lineup.
Designed for Modern XC Racing
The Pirelli Scorpion XC RH (Racing Hardpack) is purpose-built for today’s fast and technical Cross-Country racing. With compact courses demanding low rolling resistance and precision cornering, the RH delivers a balance of speed, control, and vibration absorption.
A low-profile tread pattern maximises rolling efficiency, while aggressive side knobs – borrowed from the Scorpion XC RC – enhance grip in fast corners. The tyre’s multi-zone tread transitions smoothly from centre to shoulder, maintaining confidence even in mixed terrain conditions.
The New RACE XC Compound
At the heart of the Scorpion XC RH is the all-new RACE XC compound, Pirelli’s fastest and most efficient MTB racing compound to date. Developed by engineers with motorsport experience, this formulation reduces rolling resistance while maintaining chemical grip; critical for maintaining traction on compact and mixed terrain. According to Pirelli’s internal testing, the Scorpion XC RH is more than 40% faster than the previous XC RC model, making it the brand’s quickest tyre ever produced at the Bollate facility.
Tread Design and Handling
The tyre’s dense central band of small, low-profile knobs ensures efficient rolling and shock absorption. Transition zones link seamlessly to pronounced shoulder knobs, which deliver the bite needed for fast cornering. This design gives the RH the feel of a semi-slick in straight-line sections and the control of a full-profile race tyre through turns.
Lightweight and Durable Casings
The Scorpion XC RH is available in two high-performance casings:
- LITE: Lightweight, speed-focused design for race-day efficiency.
- ProWALL: Reinforced 120 TPI Nylon structure with a redesigned sidewall fabric layout, increasing puncture protection and lateral stability.
Both options are available in 29×2.4 size, with Standard and Team Edition graphics.
Proven at the 2025 Marathon World Championship
At the 2025 Marathon World Championships in Valais, Italian rider Samuele Porro (Klimatiza Orbea) raced the new tyre front and rear, finishing second overall and earning the silver medal — proof of the tyre’s performance at world-class level.
Sustainable, Certified, and 100% Made in Italy
The Pirelli Scorpion XC RH is manufactured at Pirelli’s Milan-Bollate plant, using FSC™-certified natural rubber to ensure responsible sourcing. This commitment to sustainability underscores the tyre’s premium positioning and aligns with the brand’s broader Made in Italy ethos.
Availability
The Pirelli Scorpion XC RH is available now at leading cycling retailers and online stores, in 29×2.4 sizing with both Standard and Team Edition options.
For more details, visit Pirelli Cycling’s official page.
Key Specs
- Category: Cross-Country / Racing Hardpack
- Compound: RACE XC
- Casing: LITE / ProWALL (120 TPI Nylon)
- Size: 29×2.4
- Made in: Italy (Milan-Bollate plant)
- Material: FSC™-certified natural rubber
