In addition to the Rapidair TLR, Specialized is also presenting the S-Works Turbo TLR, Mondo TLR and Mondo Folding for road use. For off-road use, the Tracer TLR and Terra TLR complete the revamped portfolio. The total of seven new models (see overview below) should offer improvements in rolling resistance, weight and puncture protection, as the US brand announces.
The Rapidair TLR takes its place as the fastest (competition) tyre. Specialized promises a reduction in rolling resistance of three watts compared to the old S-Works Turbo Rapidair. In addition, the air resistance is said to be two watts lower. This means that the new top model is 33 seconds faster over 40 kilometres. The Californians did not provide any concrete figures on the test setup. Instead, Specialized points out that the tyre only shows its full potential with Roval brand wheels. The Rapidair TLR is available in widths of 26 or 28 millimetres. The narrower version is said to weigh 220 grams.
The S-Works Turbo TLR is designed as an all-round tyre for racing and training. It is said to have ten per cent less rolling resistance than its predecessor (S-Works Turbo 2BR) and is 20 grams lighter. Specialized claims a weight of 265 grams for the lightest model with 28 millimetres and "natural sidewall". The additional weight compared to the Rapidair TLR results from additional puncture protection, among other things. The S-Works Turbo TLR is also available as a 30-millimetre version.
The Mondo TLR and the Mondo Folding round off the new road collection. The Mondo TLR benefits from the same rubber compound as the two top models, but is said to be significantly more durable and more resistant to punctures thanks to a special fabric. Like the competition tyres, the long-distance tyre is also tubeless-compatible. With widths of 28, 32 and 35 millimetres, the rubber is predestined for marathon bikes and all-road bikes. The lightest version is said to weigh 310 grams.
Off-road, the Pathfinder TLR is the top model with the lowest rolling resistance and weight. Compared to its predecessor, Specialized has reduced the rolling resistance by almost 20 per cent, while at the same time increasing puncture protection. The lightest model with 35 millimetres weighs 380 grams. The knobbly tyre is also available in 40 and 45 millimetres. The Tracer TLR is designed for mixed terrain, while the Terra TLR is designed for particularly rough terrain.
The models at a glance
Rapidair TLR
- Intended use: Competition
- Tyre widths: 26 and 28 millimetres
- Rubber compound: Gripton T2/T5
- Carcass: 120 TPI
- Tubeless compatible: Yes
- Weight: 220/230 grams (26/28 mm)
- Price: 90 Euro
S-Works Turbo TLR
- Intended use: Competition/Training
- Tyre widths: 28 and 30 millimetres
- Rubber compound: Gripton T2/T5
- Carcass: 120 TPI
- Tubeless-compatible: ja
- Weight: 265 grams (28 mm/tanwall) to 285 grams (30 mm/black)
- Price: 75 Euro
Mondo TLR
- Intended use: Marathon/Endurance/Allroad
- Tyre widths: 28, 32 and 35 millimetres
- Rubber compound: Gripton T2/T5
- Carcass: 120 TPI
- Tubeless-compatible: ja
- Weight: 310/330/360 grams (28/32/35 mm)
- Price: 70 Euro
Mondo Folding
- Intended use: Marathon/Endurance
- Tyre widths: 26, 28 and 32 millimetres
- Rubber compound: Gripton T5
- Carcass: 120 TPI
- Tubeless compatible: no
- Weight: 260/290/340 grams (26/28/32 mm)
- Price: 45 Euro
Pathfinder TLR
- Intended use: Competition/Allround
- Tyre widths: 35, 40 and 45 millimetres
- Rubber compound: Gripton T2/T5
- Carcass: 60 TPI
- Tubeless compatible: Yes
- Weight: 380/470/520 grams (35/40/45 mm)
- Price: 50 Euro
Tracer TLR
- Intended use: All-round/bikepacking
- Tyre widths: 40, 45 and 50 millimetres
- Rubber compound: Gripton T5
- Carcass: 60 TPI
- Tubeless compatible: Yes
- Weight: 460/530/550 grams (40/45/50 mm)
- Price: 50 Euro
Terra TLR
- Intended use: All-round/bikepacking
- Tyre widths: 45 and 50 millimetres
- Rubber compound: Gripton T5
- Carcass: 60 TPI
- Tubeless compatible: Yes
- Weight: 500/560 grams (45/50 mm)
- Price: 50 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
