A voluntary recall has been issued due to compatibility issues with some wheel rims
(Image credit: Pirelli)
Pirelli has announced a voluntary recall of its top-end P Zero Race TLR tyres in a 28-622 size (700c). Details of the recall specifics are currently limited but according to an announcement from Pirelli, "the recall refers to certain problems of compatibility of the tyre with some wheel rims."
It appears the recall only affects tyres produced in a certain time frame. Specifically, tyres that were produced between the 10th and the 23rd week of 2023; which equals March 6 to June 5.
Pirelli says it has announced the recall of the tyres to ensure maximum client safety. In the recall notice, the brand also says it is organising the method of recall regarding tyres that have already been distributed and are circulating in existing distribution networks. If you think you own a pair of affected tyres you can look out for an update on specific recall procedures soon at pirellicycling.com.
The Pirelli P Zero TLR is Pirelli's premium performance tubeless road tyre launched in 2021 and updated in March 2023. The 120TPI tyre uses Pirelli Speedcore technology which includes the SmartEvo tyre compound mixed with an aramid strip. Pirelli says this produces a faster and less stiff tyre.
If you think you have a pair of affected tyres, use the attached table below to reference the tyre ID which can be found on the sidewall. Contact your retailer or Pirelli for more recall information.
This table provided by Pirelli shows the exact affected models, with Tire sidewall ID's which can be referenced (Image credit: Pirelli)
What does the recall mean?
At this point, we don't know much other than that the recalled tyre models pose some sort of issue in relation to tyre and rim compatibility. Whether that's an issue regarding tyre fit on certain brands of rims or widths, we can't say yet.
Some of the best tubeless tyre models and tubeless/hookless wheel rims are not compatible with each other. Certain brands even publish a list of compatible tyres for their rims and don't recommend using tyres not on said lists. We covered some changes that the ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) made to its guidance on compatible tyre and rim widths earlier in the year.
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The recall currently applies to the UK and Europe only. Separate guidelines will be issued by the relevant local authorities in Canada and the United States. We will update this story if we hear more on the recall from Pirelli.
Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
