Blog Layout

Racing tyre rolling resistance

20 May 2020
In previous tests we have shown the importance of rolling resistance on cycling performance. A tyre with a high rolling resistance will require more power to travel at the same speed, whilst a low rolling resistance tyre requires less power.

The data below is a continually updated list of currently available racing tyres, in both tubeless and clincher format. Please do check back for updates!

The goal of this test was to evaluate the rolling resistance performance of tyres typically used in time trials.


WHICH IS FASTER - TUBELESS OR CLINCHER?

Tubeless tyres use sealant to create an airtight seal and allow inflation, whereas clincher tyres use inner tubes. The speed of a tyre depends on its construction, not just on whether it is tubeless or clincher. This means that a slow tubeless tyre will have a higher rolling resistance than a fast clincher tyre, so each must be taken on their own merit. There is also overall no difference in rolling resistance between the same tyre set up tubeless, and using a latex tube.

CLINCHER ONLY

Michelin Power Cup 23mm

Michelin Power Cup 25mm

Michelin Power TT 23mm

Michelin Power TT 25mm

Michelin Power Road 23mm

Pirelli P Zero 23mm

Specialized Turbo Cotton 24mm

Continental GP5000 23mm

Continental GP5000 25mm

Continental GP4000 23mm

Continental GPTT 23mm

Continental Supersonic 23mm

Continental GP Attack 3 23mm

Wolfpack Race Cotton 24mm

Veloflex Record 23mm 2022

Veloflex Record 25mm

Veloflex Master 23mm

Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport 25mm

Panaracer Race A Evo 4 25mm

Tufo Calibra Light 23mm

Tufo Calibra Plus 23mm

Maxxis High Road SL 25mm


TUBELESS COMPATIBLE

Vittoria Corsa Speed 23mm

Vittoria Corsa Speed 25mm

Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed 24mm

Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed 26mm

Michelin Power Cup 25mm

Vittoria Corsa G+ 2.0 25mm

Vittoria Corsa NEXT 24mm

Vittoria Corsa Pro 24mm

Vittoria Corsa Pro 26mm

Schwalbe Pro One TT TLE 25mm

Continental GP5000 TT 25mm

Continental GP5000 TL 25mm

Continental GP5000S TR 25mm

Specialized S Works Turbo Rapidair 26mm

Zipp Tangente Speed TL 25mm

Veloflex Corsa Race TLR 25mm

Veloflex Corsa EVO TLR 25mm

Veloflex Record 25mm

Schwalbe Pro One TLE 25mm

Pirelli P Zero Velo SL TLR 26mm

Pirelli P Zero Race SL TLR 26mm

Pirelli P Zero Race TLR 26mm

ENVE SES TLR 25mm

Hutchinson Fusion 5 Performance 11 Storm 25mm

Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport 25mm

Cadex Race Tubeless 23mm

Maxxis High Road TR 25mm

In order to test rolling resistance, we swapped between the tyres as a rider rode a bike on rollers, measuring power output and speed, as well as atmospheric conditions and bike/rider weight, repeated over a number of days testing. This allows us to calculate what is known as the Coefficient of Rolling Resistance (or "Crr"), which can be used to model the power output required to travel on a normal road. A lower Crr is better - in that it requires less power to travel at the same speed.


All tyres were fitted to a tubeless compatible aluminium rim (external width 24.7mm, internal width 19.6mm) and clincher tyres were all tested with latex inner tubes. The pressure was standardised at 90psi for all tyres to allow for a comparison between them, however we recommend different pressures outside depending on your bike setup: head to the Learn page for our tyre pressure calculator to help your decisions.

The Veloflex Record (which comes in different versions, inner tube or tubeless compatible) in 25mm was the fastest clincher only and tubeless tyre on test. A close second is the Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed TLR in 26mm then 24mm, followed by a Veloflex Record clincher in 23mm (when paired with a latex tube).


The limited edition Continental GP5000 TT tyre is just behind the Corsa Speed, which makes it another good option for racing and/or training. 


For better puncture protection on rougher roads however, thicker tyres such as the Specialized Turbo Cotton (clincher only) or the various Continental GP5000 tyres (clincher and tubeless compatible) may be a better choice.

In this test we found that the Veloflex Record  25mm tyre was the fastest clincher when paired with a latex tube, followed by the Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed TLR tyres. The Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed is clincher as well as being tubeless compatible. The Michelin Power TT tyre was close to the previous (older) Vittorias - the Corsa Speed - and is clincher only. The next fastest tubeless tyre was the Continental GP5000 TT (2.3w penalty for a pair of wheels at 45kph over Veloflex Record 25mm TLR).


It should be noted that the very fastest tyres (Veloflex, Vittoria and Michelin) are extremely thin and lightweight and more suited for better road surfaces and conditions. The Continental GP5000 TT is also thinner than a standard GP 5000S TR, although not as thin as a Veloflex Record.

Rolling resistance data CRR for road cycling or triathlon tyres tires
Size / Model / Compatibility Crr W/45kph
25mm Veloflex Record C 0.001926 20.1
26mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed TLR 0.001964 20.5
24mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed TLR 0.001974 20.6
25mm Veloflex Record TLR 0.001984 20.8
23mm Veloflex Record C 2022 0.002039 21.3
25mm Vittoria Corsa Speed TLR 0.002042 21.3
23mm Vittoria Corsa Speed TLR 0.002056 21.4
25mm Michelin Power TT C 0.002132 22.2
23mm Continental Supersonic C 0.002174 22.7
25mm Continental GP5000 TT TL 0.002216 23.1
23mm Pirelli P Zero TT C 0.002344 24.4
23mm Tufo Calibra Light C 0.002355 24.5
25mm Schwalbe Pro One TT TLR 0.002396 25.0
24mm Specialized Turbo Cotton C 0.002452 25.5
23mm Michelin Power TT C 0.002458 25.6
25mm Michelin Power Cup C 0.002509 26.1
23mm Michelin Power Cup C 0.002540 26.5
23mm Continental GPTT C 0.002550 26.6
26mm Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR 0.002607 27.2
25mm Continental GP5000 C 0.002612 27.2
25mm Continental GP5000S TR 0.002622 27.3
25mm Michelin Power Cup TLR 0.002644 27.6
23mm Continental GP Attack 3 C 0.002655 27.7
24mm Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR 0.002720 28.3
25mm Continental GP5000 TLR 0.002731 28.5
23mm Continental GP5000 C 0.002845 29.6
25mm Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport C 0.002904 30.3
25mm Zipp Tangente Speed TLR 0.002918 30.4
25mm Maxxis High Road SL C 0.002958 30.8
25mm Veloflex Corsa Race TLR 0.002992 31.2
26mm Pirelli P Zero Race SL TLR 0.003011 31.4
26mm Pirelli P Zero Velo SL TLR 0.003045 31.7
23mm Michelin Power Road C 0.003095 32.2
24mm Wolfpack Race Cotton C 0.003117 32.5
26mm Specialized 2Bliss TLR 0.003188 33.2
25mm Schwalbe Pro One TLR 0.003205 33.4
23mm Continental GP4000 C 0.003235 33.7
25mm Veloflex Corsa EVO TLR 0.003242 33.8
25mm ENVE SES TLR 0.003386 35.3
25mm Pirelli P Zero Race TLR 0.003412 35.6
25mm Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport TLR 0.003509 36.6
23mm Veloflex Master C 0.003553 37.0
23mm Tufo Calibra Plus C 0.003589 37.4
25mm Hutchinson Fusion 5 Perf TLR 0.003627 37.8
24mm Vittoria Corsa NEXT TLR 0.003671 38.2
25mm Vittoria Corsa G+ 2.0 TLR 0.003786 39.5
25mm Maxxis High Road TLR 0.004045 42.1
25mm Panaracer Race A Evo 4 C 0.004115 42.9
24mm IRC Aspite Pro RBCC 0.004190 43.7
23mm Challenge Record C 0.00431758 45.0
23mm Cadex Race Tubeless TLR 0.004637 48.3

Clincher tyre rolling resistance performance in track cycling

16 February 2024
This test explores the difference in rolling resistance between clincher and tubular track racing tyres. Vittoria, Veloflex, Dugast and Continental tyres are compared at different inflation pressures.
Dr Xavier Disley of AeroCoach & Chris Hall are performing a road bike fit at AeroCoach HQ

Understanding road bike fit aerodynamics - how to get more aero!

by PH587141 • 23 October 2023
Chris Hall came to visit us at AeroCoach HQ in order to improve his bike fit on his Cervélo road bike, specifically focusing on aerodynamics for road bike time trials. Holding different positions such as in the drops, the breakaway aero position and on the hoods we explored the impact on Chris' body position and how that would relate to his aerodynamic drag. Watch the video to improve your road bike fit for aerodynamics: Xavier and Chris discuss narrow handlebars, turned in levers, torso angle, aero helmets and more!

Tubular track tyre rolling resistance

22 May 2023
Ensuring you have the best equipment during high speed track cycling events is extremely important. This data set provides information on the best tubular track tires/tyres for rolling resistance/Crr.

UCI Time Trial position regulations for 2023 onwards

23 November 2022
In 2023 there are new regulations for UCI time trial positions, relating to extension reach and shifter height, based on rider height. AeroCoach offer a range of options for our Ascalon extensions to achieve all possible combinations for the three rider height categories. Please see our TT position video below for an overview of the changes, and scroll down for the Ascalon options. PlePlea

How to hold aerobar extensions

6 July 2022
Aerobar extensions, whether used on a triathlon/TT bike or using a clip on system on a road bike, come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. AeroCoach has been testing riders since 2012 and we've noticed a few trends into how you can optimally hold your extensions for aerodynamics as well as comfort. Your body accounts for around 80% of the aerodynamic drag of the bike and rider system. Your optimal stack height, extension reach and elbow width for aerodynamics will be individual and can only be determined by conducting an aero test, but as well as these variables there are differences in how riders hold their hands on extensions, and in this test we explored some general guidelines which you can follow. Don't forget, a lower aerodynamic drag will result in less power required to travel at the same speed, or for the same power will cause an increase in riding speed, when not travelling up steep gradients.

Front light aerodynamics

23 December 2021
In the UK, having a front light when racing time trials is now obligatory under CTT regulations. Not only this, but also some events are conducted over long periods of time (eg. 24hrs, or multi day ultra endurance rides) and so with front lights being a necessity we explored the impact of front lights on racing aeroydnamics in the wind tunnel.

Clip on aerobars

29 October 2021
Using clip on aerobars on a road bike is a great way to improve your aeroydnamics. Your body accounts for around 80% of the aerodynamic drag of the bike and rider system. In this test we explore the impact of holding different positions on a standard drop handlebar, alongside an aerobar position using a set of Ascalon extensions. A lower aerodynamic drag will result in less power required to travel at the same speed, or for the same power will cause an increase in riding speed, when not travelling up steep gradients.
UCI legal and illegal banned road bike aero positions

UCI banned road bike position aerodynamics

18 April 2021
The UCI have banned and outlawed some aero positions, such as riding using your forearms as a point of contact. What is the impact of turning the lever hoods inwards or riding with an illegal position with the forearms on aerodynamic drag? What is faster?

Road tubeless liners and rolling resistance

25 November 2020
Road tubeless liners or inserts are used to provide extra security in the case of a tubeless blowout. In this test we explored their impact on the rolling resistance of a tubeless tyre.
Tubeless sealant and rolling resistance in a Continental GP5000 TL tyre

Tubeless sealant and rolling resistance

15 June 2020
How does volume of tubeless sealant affect rolling resistance? We did a test exploring 0-100ml of sealant and the impact on Crr in a Continental GP5000 TL tyre.
Show More
Share by: