Conclusion on the 32 Continental Aero 111
Wider tyres are all the rage – even on road bikes. Continental is responding to this trend with a 32-millimetre version of the Aero 111, thereby shifting the scope of its Aero specialist slightly towards long-distance riding.
The basic concept remains unchanged: the Aero 111 features 48 indentations on the tread, which act as vortex generators to control the airflow around the front wheel. In collaboration with Swiss Side and DT Swiss, Continental developed the tread pattern specifically to ensure the most efficient aerodynamics possible at different angles of attack.
The new width provides greater volume and, as a result, potentially greater comfort. At the same time, the tyre remains tubeless-ready and utilises the BlackChili compound, familiar from the world of motor racing, as well as the Vectran Breaker.
Key facts about the Continental Aero 111
- Sizes: 26-622, 29-622 and now 32-622
- Weight: 310 grams in the new size 32-622
- Use: Aero road bikes
- Special feature: specially designed for the front wheel
- Profile: 48 vortex generators
- Rubber compound: BlackChili
- Puncture protection: Vectran Breaker
- Tubeless Ready
- Made in Germany
- RRP: 128.95 euros
Continental is making the Aero 111 wider
The Aero 111 is one of the most ingenious road bike tyres on the market. Its tread features 48 precisely moulded grooves. Continental uses these as so-called vortex generators. They influence the airflow around the front wheel and are designed to reduce drag.
The company developed the concept in collaboration with Swiss Side and DT Swiss. The design is intended to work efficiently in a variety of airflow directions whilst also enhancing the front wheel’s aerodynamic effect.
With the new 32-millimetre version, Continental is taking this concept into a significantly broader dimension for the first time.
More capacity for poor roads
At 32 millimetres, the tyres offer greater volume than previous versions. This provides additional comfort, particularly on rough tarmac. Drivers can also ride with lower tyre pressure.
Continental is therefore not positioning the Aero 111 as a leisurely touring tyre. The tyre remains a performance product for fast, experienced road cyclists. This is also reflected in its high price. The extra width is designed to combine high speed with enhanced comfort and control on poor road surfaces.
BlackChili and Vectran Breaker
When it comes to the rubber compound, Continental has opted for the BlackChili compound. It is designed to strike the best possible balance between low rolling resistance and grip in both dry and wet conditions.
Puncture protection is provided by the so-called Vectran Breaker. Continental also uses this technology in tyres from the Grand Prix 5000 range. This is intended to ensure that, despite its clear focus on performance, the Aero 111 remains suitable for touring and long-distance riding to a certain extent.
Three sizes – a clear positioning
With the 26-622, 29-622 and now the 32-622, Continental covers three widths. The new 32 version weighs 310 grams. As expected, this means the weight is higher than that of the narrower versions.
Editorial commentary
This new dimension is in line with the current trend in road bikes. More and more modern road bikes are designed to accommodate 30, 32 or even wider tyres.
This is exactly where Continental comes in. The Aero 111 now has a larger volume without compromising on its core aerodynamic design. However, only a test will reveal whether the 32-millimetre version has retained its aerodynamic advantage despite the increased tyre volume.
Advantages and disadvantages
Plus
- Aerodynamically optimised front wheel profile
- Now also available in 32 millimetres
- More volume for comfort
- BlackChili rubber compound
- Vectran Breaker for puncture protection
- Tubeless Ready
- Made in Germany
Minus
- Specialised design for the front wheel only
- High price of 128.95 euros
Max Fuchs
Editor