Pirelli x Cast Protagonist DH/Enduro Tyre

Pirelli x Cast Protagonist DH/Enduro Tyre

The Pirelli x Cast Protagonist is a DH and enduro tyre engineered around one core objective: maximum grip and cornering confidence. Built for riders who want to find and push the limits on technical descents, the Protagonist combines a unique V-design tread pattern with Pirelli's most advanced gravity compound and a robust DualWall carcass. Whether you are racing enduro stages in the Victorian Alps, sending it on the downhill tracks at Mount Buller, or tackling the technical trail networks of the Otway Ranges, the Protagonist is built to inspire confidence and reward commitment through every corner.

• V-design tread pattern provides progressive cornering support through lean angles, giving riders an informative, confidence-inspiring feel as grip levels build through directional changes
• Ramped side knob pockets preserve structural strength on the outer gripping edge, maximising side knob grip and support on off-camber and steep cornering terrain
• SmartEVO DH compound is Pirelli's most advanced gravity formulation, developed with motorsport expertise to maximise grip, damping and predictability in mixed conditions
• DualWall Enduro/DH carcass combines a 2-ply 120 TPI construction with rubber sidewall inserts for protection and support, tubeless ready with a folding bead

V-Design Tread Pattern

The Protagonist's V-design tread layout is the defining feature of this tyre, purpose-built to create smooth, progressive directional changes through corners. The knob arrangement delivers a varying level of cornering support as lean angle increases, providing riders with clear, informative feedback about available grip at every point through a turn. Generous spacing between knobs improves mechanical grip on loose and mixed terrain while efficiently clearing mud, keeping the tyre performing consistently in the wet conditions regularly encountered on Australian trail networks. It is a tread pattern designed to reward feel-oriented riders who want to understand and exploit their tyre's limits.

Side Knob Grip and Stability

Ramped pockets on the outer knobs preserve strength along the gripping edge of each side knob, maintaining maximum support and grip when the tyre is loaded hard through corners. This detail keeps the side knobs from folding or deforming under aggressive cornering forces, delivering consistent feedback and support right to the edge of the contact patch. Combined with the V-design layout, this gives the Protagonist a stable, planted character through lean that inspires confidence on steep, technical terrain.

SmartEVO DH Compound

The SmartEVO DH compound is Pirelli's most advanced formulation for gravity disciplines, developed using motorsport-derived materials and expertise. It is engineered to maximise grip, damping and predictability across mixed terrain and weather conditions, making it equally effective on dry hardpack, loose-over-hard surfaces and wet trails. For Australian enduro and DH riders dealing with variable trail conditions, the SmartEVO DH compound provides the grip and consistency needed to ride with commitment in all scenarios.

DualWall Enduro/DH Carcass

The DualWall carcass is built specifically for the demands of enduro and downhill riding. A 2-ply 120 TPI nylon base construction delivers rolling efficiency and a supple, connected ride feel, while rubber inserts bonded to the sidewall provide added protection against cuts, impacts and pinch flats on rocky and aggressive terrain. The Protagonist is tubeless ready with a folding bead, and has been developed under ETRTO guidelines for modern wide rims. Check your rim width prior to fitting. At 1300g, it is a carcass built for durability and protection where gravity riding demands it most.