Which rear tyre does Pirelli pair with the Scorpion XC M or Trail M?

Pirelli calls the Scorpion XC R the optimal rear tyre with a Scorpion XC M at the front, and the Scorpion Trail R the perfect rear with a Scorpion Trail M. Both R models are rear-specific, with a motocross-derived central tread for traction and braking grip.

Scorpion XC H, XC M or XC RC?

Pirelli designs the XC H for hard-packed XC and marathon courses where speed is key, with low, densely packed knobs; the XC M as its most versatile XC tyre, with a medium-profile tread for varied terrain; and the XC RC for the most demanding race courses, from hardpack to loose, with low central knobs and taller side knobs designed with World Cup athletes. The XC R is a rear-specific tyre for the same terrain as the XC M.

Is this the current Scorpion XC?

No — it is the SmartGRIP generation. Pirelli’s current (2025) Scorpion XC range uses its Race Compound and Sport Compound under new product codes, and the SmartGRIP versions no longer appear in its catalogue. Pirelli says the single SmartGRIP compound keeps grip consistent in wet and dry conditions even as the knobs wear; our units use the 120 TPI ProWALL casing.

PIRELLI SCORPION XC R TLR FOLDABLE PROWALL SMARTGRIP MTB Tyre

BLACK

€69,90

~~€69,90~~ €69,90

Tax Included
EU Destination Selected (Spain)

+3 units in stock

The essentials

Best for

Cross-country (rear)
Training

PIRELLI SCORPION XC R TLR FOLDABLE PROWALL SMARTGRIP MTB Tyre - BLACK

Technologies

Specifications

Compound	SmartGRIP
Casing	ProWALL
TPI	120
Position	rear
Pirelli category	MTB cross-country
Generation	previous (no longer in Pirelli’s catalogue)
Weight 29x2.2 (claimed)	730 g

SmartGRIP compound

Pirelli’s single-compound Scorpion MTB rubber, developed from its motocross and rally experience. Pirelli says it combines tear resistance, for mechanical grip and puncture resistance, with chemical grip on wet ground, and keeps performance consistent as the knobs wear.

ProWALL casing

A casing with a reinforced sidewall: an extra nylon layer that Pirelli says increases resistance to cuts and penetration and stabilises the tyre at low pressure. Pirelli pairs it with 120 and 60 TPI constructions for XC racing, trail and enduro.

PIRELLI SCORPION XC R TLR FOLDABLE PROWALL SMARTGRIP MTB Tyre - BLACK

Compare with

	PIRELLI SCORPION XC R TLR FOLDABLE PROWALL SMARTGRIP MTB Tyre - BLACKThe Scorpion XC R is Pirelli’s rear-specific cross-country tyre, with a motocross-derived central tread for traction and braking grip over the same wide range of terrain as the XC M.	PIRELLI SCORPION XC M TLR FOLDABLE PROWALL SMARTGRIP MTB TYRE - BLACK Choose it for the front: the XC M is Pirelli’s partner for the XC R.	PIRELLI SCORPION TRAIL R FOLDABLE PROWALL SMARTGRIP MTB Tyre - BLACK Choose it for trail riding: rear-specific tread on a 60 TPI ProWALL casing.
Regular price	€69,90	€51,99	€52,19
Safety rating	—	—	—
Compound	SmartGRIP	SmartGRIP	SmartGRIP
Casing	ProWALL	ProWALL	ProWALL
TPI	120	120	60
Position	rear	—	rear
Pirelli category	MTB cross-country	MTB cross-country	MTB trail
Generation	previous (no longer in Pirelli’s catalogue)	previous (no longer in Pirelli’s catalogue)	previous (no longer in Pirelli’s catalogue)
Weight 29x2.2 (claimed)	730 g	720 g	—
Weight 29x2.4 (claimed)	—	825 g	930 g

Size 29x2.2

Description

The Scorpion XC R is Pirelli’s rear-specific cross-country tyre, with a motocross-derived central tread for traction and braking grip over the same wide range of terrain as the XC M. Pirelli calls it the ideal rear tyre for everyday training and the optimal partner for a Scorpion XC M up front. This is the SmartGRIP version on the 120 TPI ProWALL casing, from the generation before Pirelli’s 2025 range.