Aero testing race tyres: 2026 update

As we roll into the 2026 race season, we have seen another round of new tyres released to the market with new aerodynamic claims made.

With the launch of our GT Series we are also moving our design to optimise for a 30mm tyre width (stated), so updated aero testing focuses on the wider tyre size.

Note that whilst, as before, rolling resistance data is taken from Bicycle Rolling Resistance, many of the tyres used in wind tunnel testing have yet to have rolling resistance tested. Instead, we have based our analysis on 28mm data, showing a difference to the fastest-rolling tyre (Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed).

AERODYNAMIC COMPARISON

Interactive chart available here

• All tyres tested in 30mm (stated) width except Aero111 as a 29mm
• All tyres tested on a protoype (62mm) front wheel (23.5mm internal rim, 30mm optimised)
• All tyres inflated to 72psi
• Tyre measurements shown below:
  • Pirelli P Zero Race TLR: 32.1mm
  • Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed: 30.8mm
  • Continental GP5000 TT TR: 31.3mm
  • Continental Aero111: 29.2mm
  • Pirelli P Zero Race SL-R: 31.3mm
• Testing conducted at 48kph

As seen in previous testing, the two aerodynamically-optimised tyres (Aero 111 & P Zero Race SL-R) differentiate themselves above 10 degrees of yaw.

Below 10 degrees (~89% of ride time based on Parcours data), aero performance is largely driven by measured width (i.e. frontal area presented to the wind). However, above 10 degrees, the performance relies more on stall performance. It is here that the aero optimisation of the Aero111 and P Zero Race SL-R really begin to stand out.

Also of note is the significantly improved stall performance of the Corsa Pro Speed versus previous testing. The measured width of the 30mm tyre does come in a little narrower comparatively versus the 28mm version, which may be driving this.

HANDLING STABILITY

Another consideration for many riders, especially when running a deeper front wheel, will be handling stability. Previously we have seen that matching the measured tyre width to wheel rim width is a key driver for stability, however another key aspect is the stall performance of the tyre. When the airflow stalls in a crosswind, this creates significant turbulence and is felt by the rider as handling instability.

OVERALL RANKING

Combining yaw weighted average aerodynamic drag, with a proxy rolling resistance comparison (noting again the use of 28mm data), gives an idea of overall performance:

• Aero drag and handling stability shown as a front wheel yaw weighted average at 48kph
• Rolling resistance delta shown at 72psi for a 28mm tyre, adjusted to 48kph

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Pirelli P Zero Race SL-R

• As the newest release and with aero claims to match, this was the most interesting tyre to test
• Appears to offer a superb blend of low drag and low rolling resistance, meaning this becomes our new go-to recommendation

Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed

• Improved stall performance contributes to an aero improvement, however this may be down to a narrower casing versus the competition
• Likely to be the fastest option on raceday

Continental Aero111

• Remains the aero champion, however the high rolling resistance versus the Pirelli makes it harder to recommend on all but the windiest days

Continental GP5000 TT TR

• Still a strong option, it's likely that the additional puncture resistance and durability of the S TR version will keep this as the recommended daily option for most riders