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I recently posted about replacing a worn out Bridgestone DG, after 23,000+ miles. That DG had replaced a worn out Pirelli SC, and is now replaced with another new SC. I then realized this provided a chance to compare the DG and SC back to back, then back again, so started this thread to focus on the rather unusual comparison opportunity. With about 200 miles now on SC #2, I can offer the following: I began with SC #1 last year and wore it out after 10,000 miles, then installed the DG. That provided a comparison of a worn out SC with a new DG. I posted about that comparison back then, and noted very little difference between the two tire's handling.
This time, I replaced the worn out DG with another new SC, so now can compare in reverse. Unlike the first comparison, this time the difference is very significant. The SC seems more like a bicycle tire, and just falls over into curves and turns. In both comparisons, it is noteworthy they are slanted, since each compares a new and a worn out tire. However, that relates to the next comparison, which is tire lifespan changes (progressive wonkiness).
In writing about the first SC, I recall noting that it never lost its personality throughout the 10,000 mile life span (did not become progressively wonky). The DG, however, did begin to become noticeably and progressively wonky during the last 5,000 miles. On the other hand, at the 10,000 mile mark, the DG was just getting worn in, whereas the SC had worn out. So if able to have compared the two tires at the 10,000 mark, there likely woulda been very little difference. The SC could not be compared with the DG at anything above 10,000, because the SC never reached that territory.
So considering the above, which tire is best depends on rider priorities: if looking for the absolute best handling in the twisties, the SC wins, but not by much, especially if only comparing with the DG's first 10,000 miles in service. OTOH, if mileage and handling are both important, the DG is an excellent balance. I am gonna enjoy the heck out of this SC, but not decide on the next tire till it nears wear out. For sure it will be another SC or DG, but not sure which at this time.
This time, I replaced the worn out DG with another new SC, so now can compare in reverse. Unlike the first comparison, this time the difference is very significant. The SC seems more like a bicycle tire, and just falls over into curves and turns. In both comparisons, it is noteworthy they are slanted, since each compares a new and a worn out tire. However, that relates to the next comparison, which is tire lifespan changes (progressive wonkiness).
In writing about the first SC, I recall noting that it never lost its personality throughout the 10,000 mile life span (did not become progressively wonky). The DG, however, did begin to become noticeably and progressively wonky during the last 5,000 miles. On the other hand, at the 10,000 mile mark, the DG was just getting worn in, whereas the SC had worn out. So if able to have compared the two tires at the 10,000 mark, there likely woulda been very little difference. The SC could not be compared with the DG at anything above 10,000, because the SC never reached that territory.
So considering the above, which tire is best depends on rider priorities: if looking for the absolute best handling in the twisties, the SC wins, but not by much, especially if only comparing with the DG's first 10,000 miles in service. OTOH, if mileage and handling are both important, the DG is an excellent balance. I am gonna enjoy the heck out of this SC, but not decide on the next tire till it nears wear out. For sure it will be another SC or DG, but not sure which at this time.
