Tubeless vs. clincher: Which tyre is better?

Contents of this article:

• Instructions for fitting tubeless tyres
• How TOUR tests road bike tyres
• We have tested these tyres
• Test results of tubeless tyres
• Test results of the clincher tyres
• Test results of the time trial tyres

Anyone who takes the credo "Vorsprung durch Technik" seriously relies on tubeless tyres on their road bike. The rubber sealed with latex milk is considered one of the most important technical evolutions of recent years; even professional cyclists now almost always ride tubeless tyres. They roll a little faster because there is less friction than with an inserted inner tube. A useful side effect: leaks are sealed by the liquid during the ride and minor punctures often go unnoticed. In theory, therefore, there is a lot to be said in favour of tubeless on road bikes.

Fitting tubeless tyres on a road bike: This is how it works

In practice, however, the technology for road bikes has a hard time. The high air pressures of the narrow tyres sometimes make it complicated to seal the system. Because the tubeless tyres have to fit more tightly and are less flexible, fitting and removing them can require an enormous amount of force. This is not an issue for professional cyclists, whose experienced mechanics work with compressors and can have a new wheel ready within seconds in the event of a puncture. For amateur cyclists without a professional workshop, this can be a nerve-wracking problem - especially if you have a puncture on the road that cannot be repaired by the sealant. Many therefore continue to rely on clincher tyres with an inserted inner tube, as they have been established for decades. The system is simply easier to handle.

Tubeless tyres vs clincher tyres: tyres with inner tubes are on the rise again

There is now good news for these tubeless tyre sceptics: In recent years, tyre manufacturers have been pushing new products onto the market that could turn the tide again. Tubes made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) are intended to compensate for the disadvantages of classic folding tyres in terms of rolling resistance and weight. The film-like material is more suitable for real lightweight tyres than butyl.

So which system currently offers the best carefree package? TOUR wanted to find out and carried out the ultimate test: The most important tyre manufacturers each presented their best competition model as a tubeless and clincher version for a comparison. For the first time, we sent the folding tyres into the race with modern TPU tubes - and tested rolling resistance, puncture resistance, handling and grip using elaborate procedures.

Renowned tyre manufacturers with a professional cycling connection

Six of the suppliers provide all the tyres for the World Tour teams: Continental, Michelin, Pirelli, Schwalbe, Specialized and Vittoria. They are joined by Maxxis and Goodyear as challengers. The tyre width is 28 millimetres, today the first choice for professional and amateur riders on the road: it offers the best compromise between rolling resistance and comfort, which more than makes up for the small aerodynamic disadvantage compared to narrower tyres. In addition, we asked manufacturers who have special time trial tyres in this width in their range for their absolute fastest set-up - whether with or without a tube. With one exception (Pirelli), the suppliers use tubeless tyres.

The test tyres are the first to go on the scales, where our suspicions are confirmed: The consistently heavier tubeless models now tend to be at a disadvantage compared to clinchers with TPU tubes. Instead of the usual 100 grams for a butyl tube for this tyre width, only 40 grams have to be calculated for the TPU version. This is about the same weight as the amount of latex milk required for tubeless tyres of this width.

Tubeless vs. clincher: The lightest and fastest tyre

The lightest set-up is the folding tyre from Maxxis, closely followed by the clincher version of the Vittoria Corsa N.Ext. They even outperform the thin time trial tyres; here the Pirelli is the lightest, also a clincher. The lightest tubeless models are the time trial specialists from Conti and Schwalbe as well as the all-rounder from Specialized. The heaviest tyres are provided by Pirelli and Maxxis with their tubeless tyres; the difference on the bike can therefore be almost 200 grams.

We were particularly excited about the rolling resistance, as the tubeless versions were generally measurably ahead in previous tests. However, the picture is more differentiated with the new inner tubes: The gaps are small, with tyres of the same type designation - i.e. presumably with the same rubber compound - the advantages of the tubeless system, if they exist at all, are only marginal. Only the Michelin can utilise its tubeless advantages a little better here; the tubeless version is also the fastest all-rounder in the test. The clinchers from Maxxis and Vittoria in particular run significantly slower; top technology is obviously only used on tubeless tyres. The fastest tyre by far is also tubeless: the time trial tyre from Conti leaves everyone behind, while the Pirelli P Zero Race TT and the Specialized Turbo Cotton can boast of being the fastest clincher tyres. With TPU tubes, clincher tyres are catching up with the supposedly superior tubeless technology in important disciplines. However, this also applies to the price: at just under 30 euros per inner tube, the price advantage of some folding tyres over their more expensive tubeless counterparts is gone.

Insights at an angle

The reverse tends to be true for puncture protection. The fact that the tubeless versions often perform worse suggests that the manufacturers are taking the self-healing power of the latex into account. This is because puncture protection inserts made of stable fabric are heavy and increase rolling resistance. Continental, Pirelli** and Schwalbe prove that even fast tubeless tyres can offer good puncture protection. Their clinchers are also good; Michelin and Maxxis also use effective protective layers on their folding tyres. The time trial specialists, on the other hand, almost completely dispense with them; "light and fast" is their motto.

Only Conti offers effective protection against punctures, giving the tyre the best overall score in the test field. No wonder that many professional cyclists sponsored by Continental (including Tadej Pogacar) now rely on the TT - the high price and lower durability are not an issue for them.

However, the best properties on test benches are of no use if a tyre is problematic to drive. Particularly when leaning and in the wet, there are major differences that determine whether a tyre feels safe or not. Our test on a watered circular track is probably the most effective and realistic way to track down these differences. Using a racing bike driven by an electric motor, we accelerate in a constant curve radius until the tyre reaches its grip limit or becomes uncontrollable in some other way.

In fact, the test revealed unpleasant riding characteristics with various tyres: On less than perfectly flat roads, the Turbo Rapid Air from Specialized and the Corsa Pro from Vittoria develop a life of their own when cornering at speed, requiring constant corrections on the handlebars. The Maxxis Clincher also shows a similar, but less pronounced phenomenon. Although the Michelin tyres are stable, they slip away at their grip limit without warning and completely abruptly, which inevitably leads to a crash. The models from Conti, Goodyear, Pirelli** and Schwalbe are better: the ride remains stable and predictable, they announce their limits early on by stamping slightly, or they start to slip in such a way that they can be easily controlled and caught again. Our impressions are reflected in the handling grade and any anomalies are noted in the summary. All important measured values and grades are listed below.

How TOUR tests road bike tyres

>>> Riding at the limit of grip: How TOUR tests road bike tyres

WEIGHT

The weights determined by us are stated. The weight score is included in the overall score with ten per cent.

ROLLING WIDER STAND

The rolling resistance test is an in-house development by TOUR. An oscillator (a mechanical system capable of oscillation) is fitted with two wheels and the test tyres already run in and loaded with weights. Part of the weight is mounted eccentrically to the axle and causes the apparatus to roll back and forth like a pendulum after a deflection. The lower the rolling resistance, the longer the machine swings. We measure the coasting distance to a standstill and use this to determine the rolling resistance in watts, converted for a system weight of 85 kilograms and a speed of 35 km/h. Apart from the fact that the system rolls much slower than a racing bike, the measurement is very close to reality. The biggest advantage of the TOUR method is that we can measure on a flat surface and on different, realistic surfaces - in this test we measured on smooth concrete and a rough surface, which is modelled on coarse asphalt. Both values each account for 15 per cent of the overall score.

PANEL PROTECTION

This rating is made up of three laboratory tests: In the so-called puncture test, the inflated tyre is struck with a vibrating blade that works its way into the tread - similar to stones or shards that are picked up by the tyre. The time it takes for the blade to penetrate the tyre is measured. We stop the test after 180 seconds, shorter times lead to a devaluation. The second test determines the puncture force required to penetrate the tyre. The tightly stretched, uninflated casing is pierced with a sharpened screwdriver blade. A third test checks the cut resistance of the sidewall in a similar way. This puncture is not included in the score. However, if tyres are also used on rougher surfaces, where these punctures occur more frequently, the measured value can provide orientation. The other tests are included in equal parts in the grade, which makes up 30 per cent of the overall grade.

WET SAFETY

We compared the tyres' cornering grip on a watered concrete circular track. The TOUR test rider accelerates the bicycle, which is driven by an electric motor, until the grip limit of the tyres is reached. The speed is recorded during the ride. The advantage of this method is that the rider can carefully approach the limit range and move the tyres at the grip limit over a longer period of time. This allows more precise statements to be made about behaviour at the limit.

The Handling note expresses whether a tyre drives predictably and safely at the limit or whether it requires a lot of corrections when leaning. The speed achieved and the handling grade are included in the wet grip, which accounts for 30 per cent of the overall grade.

>> Tubeless, clincher & Co.: These tyre types are available

>> Tubeless tyres: How to fit them successfully

In the test: 8 tubeless tyres vs. 8 clincher tyres

We have tested 8 models in our large comparison. Plus: 4 time trial tyres in different designs.

Tubeless tyres in the test

We tested these 8 tubeless tyres:

• Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR
• Goodyear Eagle F1 R Tubeless Complete
• Maxxis Highroad TR
• Michelin Power Cup TLR
• Pirelli P Zero Race TLR
• Schwalbe Pro One TLE
• Specialised Turbo RapidAir
• Vittoria Corsa Pro

Clincher tyres in the test

We tested these 8 clincher tyres:

• Continental Grand Prix 5000
• Goodyear Eagle F1 R Tube Type
• Maxxis Highroad
• Michelin Power Cup
• Pirelli P Zero Race
• Schwalbe Pro One CL2
• Specialised Turbo Cotton
• Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

Time trial tyres on test

We tested these 4 time trial tyres:

• Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT TR
• Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport TL Complete
• Pirelli P Zero Race TT
• Schwalbe Pro One TT

The tubeless tyres tested in detail

Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR

• Model: Grand Prix 5000 S TR
• Price: 88 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 25, 28, 30, 32

Measured values

• Weight / width: 277 grams / 29.5 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 15.8 / 22.3 watts
• Breakdown safety: 180 sec / 543/250 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.0 km/h / 1.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,3
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,5
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 1,2
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,1

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 1,4

Driving impression: Even more cushioned than the clincher with more rubber. Soft when turning in, smooth when leaning

Test summary of the Grand Prix 5000 S TR

Fast and robust, also the best package among the tubeless models

Goodyear Eagle F1 R Tubeless Complete

• Model: Eagle F1 R Tubeless Complete
• Price: 70 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 25, 28, 30, 32, 34

Measured values

• Weight / width: 301 grams / 28.0 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 18.2 / 24.5 watts
• Breakdown safety: 14 sec / 347/231 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 31.4 km/h / 1.5

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 3,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 2,2
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 4,5
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,8

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,8

Driving impression: Hardly any weaknesses, minimal tilting at the limit, but high grip

Test summary of the Eagle F1 R Tubeless Complete

Relatively heavy, no good puncture protection, but lots of rubber. Up to 34 millimetres wide

Maxxis Highroad TR

• Model: Highroad TR
• Price: 70 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 25, 28, 32

Measured values

• Weight / width: 305 grams / 28.0 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 16.8 / 22.8 watts
• Breakdown safety: 27 sec / 379/231 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.0 km/h / 2.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 3,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,7
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 4,2
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,9

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,6

Driving impression: Steers with a little delay, very full ride feel, lots of damping

Test summary of the Highroad TR

Big difference to the clincher: relatively heavy and moderate puncture protection, but quite fast

Michelin Power Cup TLR

• Model: Power Cup TLR
• Price: 75 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 25, 28, 30

Measured values

• Weight / width: 276 grams / 29.4 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 15.3 / 22.2 watts
• Breakdown safety: 52 sec / 445/314 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.0 km/h / 4.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,3
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,5
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 3,2
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 3,5

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,5

Driving impression: Snappy when turning in, but also good-natured when leaning. Folds away immediately at the adhesion limit

Test summary of the Power Cup TLR

Fastest all-rounder in the test, light for a tubeless, but little grip and puncture protection

Pirelli P Zero Race TLR*

*Right at the time of going to press, Pirelli published a voluntary recall for P Zero Race TLR tyres produced in 2023 between calendar weeks 10 and 24. It concerns the compatibility of the tyre with certain rims. More details at www.pirellicycling.com

• Model: P Zero Race TLR
• Price: 85 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 26, 28, 30, 32, 35, 40

Measured values

• Weight / width: 306 grams / 28.4 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 18.0 / 23.6 watts
• Breakdown safety: 180 sec / 455/201 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.0 km/h / 1.5

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 3,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 2,0
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 1,8
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,5

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 1,9

Driving impression: Good-natured and easy to control even at the limit, slightly softer than the clincher

Test summary of the P Zero Race TLR

Good puncture protection for a tubeless tyre. Available in many widths up to 40 millimetres

Schwalbe Pro One TLE

• Model: Pro One TLE
• Price: 75 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 25, 28, 30, 32, 34

Measured values

• Weight / width: 274 grams / 30.0 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 17.0 / 24.1 Watt
• Breakdown safety: 180 sec / 530/216 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.5 km/h / 1.5

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,3
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,8
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 1,3
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,5

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 1,6

Driving impression: Predictable and good-natured, soft rolling behaviour, easy to control when cornering

Test summary of the Pro One TLE

No weaknesses, next to Conti the best puncture protection for tubeless tyres. Wide, available up to 34 millimetres

Specialised Turbo RapidAir

• Model: Turbo RapidAir
• Price: 80 Euro
• Widths: 26, 28

Measured values

• Weight / width: 258 grams / 29.2 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 16.5 / 22.8 watts
• Breakdown safety: 176 sec / 455/206 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 28.9 km/h / 4.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,7
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 2,0
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 3,7

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,3

Driving impression: Seems comfortable. Tippy steering behaviour and less and less directional stability with increasing lean angle

Test summary of the Turbo RapidAir

Lightest tubeless all-rounder with good measured values, but difficult to ride

Vittoria Corsa Pro

• Model: Corsa Pro
• Price: 95 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 24, 26, 28, 30, 32

Measured values

• Weight / width: 272 grams / 29.0 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 16.3 / 22.8 watts
• Breakdown safety: 0 sec / 468/211 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.0 km/h / 3.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,3
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,5
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 3,8
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 2,7

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,5

Driving impression: Good straight-line stability, but unstable when leaned over. Difficult to control at the grip limit

Test summary of the Corsa Pro

Professional model with cotton carcass. Good rolling resistance, moderate puncture protection. Tubeless only, expensive

The clincher tyres tested in detail

Continental Grand Prix 5000

• Model: Grand Prix 5000
• Price: 75 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 23, 25, 28, 30, 32

Measured values

• Weight / width: 252 grams / 28.5 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 16.2 / 22.9 watts
• Breakdown safety: 180 sec / 579/167 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.7 km/h / 1.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,5
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 1,0
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,0

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 1,3

Driving impression: Good damping and a very secure ride. Plenty of grip, announces grip limit with soft stamping

Test summary of the Grand Prix 5000

Not lightweight, but still the benchmark when it comes to overall performance. Test victory among the all-rounders

Goodyear Eagle F1 R Tube Type

• Model: Eagle F1 R Tube Type
• Price: 65 Euro
• Widths: 23, 25, 28, 30, 32

Measured values

• Weight / width: 225 grams / 29.0 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 17.9 / 23.7 watts
• Breakdown safety: 1 sec / 471/181 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 31.4 km/h / 1.5

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,5
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 1,0
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,0

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 1,3

Driving impression: Good damping and a very secure ride. Plenty of grip, announces grip limit with soft stamping

Test summary of the Eagle F1 R Tube Type

Not lightweight, but still the benchmark when it comes to overall performance. Test victory among the all-rounders

Maxxis Highroad

• Model: Highroad
• Price: 60 Euro
• Widths: 25, 28, 32

Measured values

• Weight / width: 210 grams / 29.0 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 23.0 / 28.4 watts
• Breakdown safety: 180 sec / 677/152 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.7 km/h / 3.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 1,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 3,0
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 1,0
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 2,6

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 1,9

Driving impression: Nervous when turning in, conveys little confidence. Tilts when leaning

Test summary of the Highroad

Lightest tyre in the test with good puncture protection, relatively inexpensive, but not fast

Michelin Power Cup

• Model: Power Cup
• Price: 75 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 23, 25, 28

Measured values

• Weight / width: 233 grams / 29.4 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 17.8 / 23.0 watts
• Breakdown safety: 180 sec / 491/196 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.0 km/h / 4.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 1,3
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,8
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 1,5
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 3,5

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,0

Driving impression: Predictable steering behaviour, very stable up to the grip limit, but then sudden loss of grip

Test summary of the Power Cup

New model range from the French. Except for the lack of wet grip with good results, easy to fit

Pirelli P Zero Race

• Model: P Zero Race
• Price: 75 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 26, 28, 30

Measured values

• Weight / width: 226 grams / 28.6 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 17.2 / 23.1 watts
• Breakdown safety: 180 sec / 507/172 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.0 km/h / 1.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 1,3
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,8
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 1,5
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,1

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 1,5

Driving impression: Balanced, gives a lot of confidence in fast bends. Good controllable sliding at the limit

Test summary of the P Zero Race

Good performance in all disciplines, very easy installation

Schwalbe Pro One

• Model: Pro One
• Price: 60 Euro
• Widths: 23, 25, 28, 30, 32

Measured values

• Weight / width: 250 grams / 29.9 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 17.6 / 25.2 watts
• Breakdown safety: 133 sec / 461/201 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.5 km/h / 1.5

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,8
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 2,3
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,5

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 1,9

Driving impression: Steers smoothly, very good-natured even at maximum lean angles, high grip level

Test summary of the Pro One

Good performance in all disciplines, very easy to fit. Good performance in all disciplines, safe riding behaviour. Very easy to fit, wide

Specialised Turbo Cotton

• Model: Turbo Cotton
• Price: 80 Euro
• Widths: 26, 28

Measured values

• Weight / width: 268 grams / 29.3 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 16.0 / 20.6 watts
• Breakdown safety: 0 sec / 409/280 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.0 km/h / 1.5

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,3
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,3
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 4,3
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,5

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,4

Driving impression: Soft rolling behaviour, smooth cornering, well controllable stamping at the grip limit

Test summary of the Turbo Cotton

Cotton carcass with bonded tread. Fast on rough surfaces, but little puncture protection

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

• Model: Corsa N.Ext
• Price: 57 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34

Measured values

• Weight / width: 213 grams / 27.6 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 22.1 / 28.7 watts
• Breakdown safety: 9 sec / 510/162 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.0 km/h / 2.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 1,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 2,8
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 3,3
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,9

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,5

Driving impression: Smooth steering behaviour, more stable and good-natured than the Corsa Pro tubeless tyre when cornering

Test summary of the Corsa N.Ext

Very light, rolling resistance and puncture protection only average. Easy to fit, very narrow

The time trial tyres tested in detail

Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT TR

• Model: Grand Prix 5000 TT TR
• Price: 109 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 25, 28

Measured values

• Weight / width: 253 grams / 30.2 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 14.1 / 19.5 watts
• Breakdown safety: 180 sec / 523/206 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.6 km/h / 1.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,0
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 1,3
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,0

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 1,2

Driving impression: Slightly harder and rougher than the Allrounder, but lots of grip

Test summary of the Grand Prix 5000 TT TR

Extremely fast and best puncture protection on the TT models, but less durable. Very expensive

Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport TL Complete

• Model: Eagle F1 Supersport TL Complete
• Price: 70 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 25, 28, 30

Measured values

• Weight / width: 270 grams / 29.7 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 15.2 / 21.3 watts
• Breakdown safety: 0 sec / 284/172 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.1 km/h / 2.0

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,3
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,3
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 5,0
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,8

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,6

Driving impression: Pleasant turn-in behaviour, quiet when leaning. Lubricates easily and controllably at the limit

Test summary of the Eagle F1 Supersport TL Complete

Very thin, no puncture protection layer. Difficult to fit, also available as clincher

Pirelli P Zero Race TT

• Model: P Zero Race TT
• Price: 75 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 26, 28

Measured values

• Weight / width: 224 grams / 29.7 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 15.8 / 21.2 watts
• Breakdown safety: 47 sec / 445/181 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.0 km/h / 1.5

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 1,3
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,3
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 3,2
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,5

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,0

Driving impression: Riding behaviour very close to the standard model, good-natured and safe. High grip level

Test summary of the P Zero Race TT

The only clincher among the TT models, not available as tubeless. At least light puncture protection

Schwalbe Pro One TT

• Model: Pro One TT
• Price: 75 Euro >> available here
• Widths: 25, 28

Measured values

• Weight / width: 258 grams / 29.4 millimetres
• Rolling resistance smooth / rough: 15.2 / 21.3 watts
• Breakdown safety: 7 sec / 307/226 Newton
• Adhesion limit / handling: 30.3 km/h / 1.5

Rating:

• Weight 10 % Grade 2,0
• Rolling resistance 30 % Grade 1,3
• Puncture protection 30 % Grade 4,8
• Wet grip 30 % Grade 1,5

Overall grade 100 % - Grade 2,5

Driving impression: Much more direct and harder than the Allrounder. Feels more slippery, stronger but still good-natured stamping

Test summary of the Pro One TT

Little rubber and no puncture protection. Easy to fit for a tubeless tyre, not a clincher version