One of the new Specialized Cotton TLR construction tyres is said to weigh 320 grams, our scales show 699.6 grams for two tyres including packaging. Of course, weighing the tyres with packaging is nonsense. A 32-millimetre tyre weighs 323 grams without packaging; three grams more than the manufacturer's specification. This small deviation of less than one per cent is within the range of manufacturing tolerances. We have not yet ridden the tyre, nor have we fitted it.
The carcass of the Cotton TLR consists of a hybrid material. A polyester core is intended to provide elasticity, strength and tear resistance, while the cotton casing is responsible for a supple ride and flexibility. According to the press release, this construction enables the tyre to adapt to the ground with microscopic precision.
Two different Gripton compounds, i.e. rubber mixtures, are used in the tread. The road bike tyre is tubeless-ready and should be ridden tubeless to eliminate friction losses between the tyre and tube.
- T2 compound in the centre is designed to reduce rolling resistance
- T5 compound should provide grip in bends
Easy assembly
According to Specialized, the Cotton TLR can usually be mounted without a tyre lever. However, a lever, i.e. a tyre lever, is required to remove the tyre from the rim. The tyre meets the ISO standards for tubeless mounting and is compatible with hookless rims within current standards. The design is aimed at secure bead anchoring under racing loads.
Development since 2012
Tony Martin won the time trial world championship in 2012 with a Specialized cotton tyre. This was a clincher tyre with a latex-impregnated cotton carcass and manually glued tread. This victory marked the first world championship title with a clincher tyre at this level.
Back then, production was done by hand. Now, machine precision is used for tubeless compatibility. The bonding between carcass and tread is said to be more durable thanks to improved bonding processes. According to the manufacturer, burst pressure and tread consistency have been increased.
Field of application
This tyre is designed for racing and is aimed at road cyclists who value speed, feel and grip. The Cotton TLR dampens vibrations on rough tarmac while offering control at racing speed.
However, if you are looking for a tyre for daily use with a mileage of over 5000 kilometres, you are better off with a different model. The same applies to durability in terms of puncture resistance and for people who prefer to ride with a tube rather than tubeless.
| Width | 28 mm | 30 mm | 32 mm |
| Weight per tyre | 280 g | 290 g | 320 g |
| Price per tyre | 99 Euro | 99 Euro | 99 Euro |
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
