Having confirmed its re-entry into the cycling category in 2017 with its PZero Velo tyre, Pirelli has unveiled the PZero 4S, which is billed as ‘the perfect tyre for the changing conditions we are all experiencing during this transitional time of year.’
PZero Velo is the unified brand name for three distinct models aimed at the three different road uses. These are all colour-coded like the Pirelli P Zero used in F1 motor-racing. The blue label PZero Velo 4S is the brand’s showcase all-season tyre offering, positioned as being ideal for autumn and winter. The new product offers high puncture protection and grip in wet conditions in addition to optimal comfort, and durability.
The blue label PZero Velo 4S offers high puncture protection against untimely flats and a wet grip tread that ‘keeps the rubber glued to the pavement’. To fine-tune the tread pattern of the PZero Velo 4S, Pirelli relied on the motorsport-inspired FGD technology (Functional Groove Design).
The tread pattern, which does not have an aesthetic function, takes inspiration from one of Pirelli’s SSP tyres (SuperSport class used in World SuperBike racing competition): Diablo Supercorsa. Tread pattern angles, depths and distances were researched to maximize performance in terms of water outflow, dry and wet grip, mileage, tyre response as well as comfort and handling.
The tread pattern recalls a ‘flash’ and features tight angles down the middle area with a definite lateral opening so as to facilitate water drainage, smoothness, and even the tyre usage. Moreover, the tread pattern has been designed to be progressively deeper to enhance resilience and give the tyre ‘reactiveness and response even on extreme bends’.
Features:
- Pirelli’s SmartNET Silica offers rolling efficiency and wet grip
- Tread design developed with FGD (Functional Groove Design) and ICS (Ideal Contour Shaping) technologies provide handling and water dissipation, even in harsh weather conditions
- Overall increased SmartNET Silica tread pattern thickness in addition to an aramid fibre puncture-resistant belt aims to ensure extensive mileage and reliability in bad weather and cold temperatures
SmartNET
Composed of more than seventeen elements, the Pirelli compound was synthesized at the company’s Milan Bicocca Technology & Innovation Centre. The researchers who worked on this project are the same individuals who worked on the F1 P Zero compound, currently the only tyre used in F1 racing.
SmartNet Silica is a silicate-based molecule with a configuration that differs from traditional silicates: it has no spherical shape but is an elongated stick. Pirelli adds that ‘the molecule demonstrates a natural self-sorting tendency instead of being randomly positioned within the matrix’. The company goes on to claim that such configuration assures numerous benefits in terms of performance: its longitudinal position positively affects the tyre smoothness allowing highly directional performance, thanks also to its high elasticity leading to decreased heat generation and rolling resistance.
A further advantage of SmartNet Silica is its anti-cluster ability; it spreads evenly and fully within the matrix: this property added to the natural chemical affinity with water, results in improved performance in the wet.
‘Further characteristics of SmartNet Silica is its ability to create a genuine particular matrix that binds other compound elements to it. The stability of the molecular weaving is vital for providing reliable performance and contributes to natural puncture protection without adding weight to the tyre structure and prolonging its longevity over time.’
