There are plenty of gravel tires for mixed terrain, but few feature a tread as aggressive as the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M. So, who actually needs this kind of mixed-condition tire? Could it be the ideal choice for riders who use their gravel bike in all weathers, across constantly changing surfaces, from tarmac and gravel tracks to proper trails? Gravel riding is always evolving, and that is exactly where the Cinturato Gravel M aims to shine as a true all-rounder.
When it comes to tread design, Pirelli go all in on chunky, pronounced knobs. A central tread made up of tall, closely spaced lugs is designed to deliver an efficient ride, while the grippy shoulder knobs are more widely spaced to maximise traction in corners. The goal is clear: to combine efficiency and grip in a single gravel tire.
Aggressively Average: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test
So how does this tire perform in direct comparison to our test field? At 604 g, it is slightly heavier than the 570 g average. Given the significantly more aggressive tread, that is perfectly acceptable, as long as it delivers on efficiency and puncture protection. When it comes to rolling resistance, that seems to be exactly the case. At 13.4 W, the Cinturato Gravel M performs very well – in fact, it’s actually 0.1 W faster than the low-profile Cinturato Gravel H, which is designed specifically for hardpack. The concept of a fast-rolling central tread clearly works, especially considering the tire is less than 3 W behind the fastest gravel tire on test, the Schwalbe G-One RS Pro.
Grip is equally convincing across the board. It is not quite as extreme as the Cinturato Gravel S, but for an all-rounder built for mixed terrain, it is an impressive result. The tread and rubber compound handle almost any surface with confidence, only struggling slightly at the extremes. Deep mud and pure tarmac are not where this tire truly shines. At the same time, the Gravel M benefits from its wide casing. At 47.5 mm, it measures significantly wider than stated. The handling mirrors the agile and highly engaging ride feel known from the Cinturato Gravel S, allowing for quick and direct reactions at all times. However, the relatively narrow central tread means the tire can feel a little prone to tipping between the centre tread and the side knobs when cornering, without always delivering a fully linear ride feel.
Compliance is the weak point in the Gravel M’s otherwise strong characteristics. The tire is one of the firmer options in the test field, offering less cushioning than the other Pirelli models on test. Running slightly lower pressures is advisable to achieve a more comfortable ride. Puncture protection is a step up from the Cinturato Gravel S, particularly in terms of puncture resistance, where it shows a noticeable improvement. That said, it still does not quite match the significantly stronger performance of the Cinturato Gravel H here.
Conclusion on the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M
Overall, the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M is an outstanding gravel tire that truly delivers as an all-rounder for mixed terrain. It combines very good efficiency with plenty of grip and agile handling that makes every ride engaging. The only trade-offs come in puncture protection and compliance. If you are looking for a versatile gravel tire for changing conditions, and can live with a bit less comfort, the Cinturato Gravel M is a strong choice.
Tops
- High Efficiency
- Plenty of Grip
- Agile Handling
Flops
- Low Comfort
- Slightly Reduced Puncture Protection
Made in Italy | Size (ETRO) 45-622 | Width in mm¹ 47,4
Height in mm¹ 41,28 | Weight 603.5 g | Price € 79.90
¹measured dimensions at 1.75 – 3.0 Bar, depending on tire width
More information at pirelli.com.
The Testfield
This tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 – an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.
Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XP
Continental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra Speed
Goodyear: Connector Inter | Connector Speed
Hutchinson: Caracal Race
MAXXIS: Rambler | Reaver
Michelin: Power Adventure | Power Gravel
Pirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel S
Rene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-Slick
Schwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland Pro
Specialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLR
Vittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60
WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | Resolute
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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Fock