Specialized Cyclopedia
tire tech
Specialized Cyclopedia
tire tech As the first product ever released under the Specialized banner, tires will always be in our blood. Whether it’s a new tread design or timeless technology like Armadillo Elite, we continue to develop the most comprehensive and highest quality tires available to enhance any ride experience. Every tire is founded on extensive lab and field testing, as well as invaluable input from a litany of pro riders including Christoph Sauser, Sam Hill, and Jens Voigt.
WHY IT’S GREAT Armadillo Elite Lightweight bead-to-bead puncture protection Rider Benefits Lighter weight with better ride quality than standard Armadillo Reduces punctures/flats, increasing the durability and lifespan of the tire How does it work?
Kevlar cap ply protects sidewalls, providing bead-to-bead puncture protection Nylon sub-tread belt increases durability where the tire contacts the ground 120 TPI casing for a supple ride quality Aramid bead keeps tire weight low
120tpi Casing
Armadillo Elite Protection (Bead to Bead)
Armadillo Elite Protection (Belt) Folding Bead
ELITE
Turbo Tubeless Road tubeless technology Rider Benefits Lighter weight: Lighter than most tire/tube setups Faster: Tubeless tires roll faster and maintain momentum better than standard tube type tires, saving the rider valuable energy Smoother: Reduces road vibrations for a suppler ride on any surface More durable: Eliminates pinch flats
Dual Compound Tread 127tpi Casing
Butyl Inner Liner Support Ply
How does it work?
Casing is lined with less porous butyl rubber to maintain air pressure without tube Tubeless tires can be run at lower pressure, which creates a more compliant ride No tube and no sealant = less weight Wattage testing shows an average of 20% less rolling resistance than standard tube type tires Carbon bead resists stretch to keep tire firmly on wheel, even in the rare case of a blowout
Carbon Fiber Bead
TUBELESS
2Bliss Ready MTB tubeless technology Rider Benefits Lighter weight and greater efficiency Can be run at lower pressure, which keeps more tread on the ground for increased traction Fewer pinch flats eliminates the hassle of changing tires How does it work?
Reduces overall rotational weight by eliminating tube 2Bliss casing is much lighter and more supple than airtight casings; rider only needs to add sealant to lock in air
Wrapping the bead in additional butyl rubber ensures an airtight seal with the rim
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120tpi Casing
Lightweight, Permeable Tube-Type Casing
2Bliss Ready Butyl-Wrapped Bead
Specialized Cyclopedia
tire tech
Specialized Cyclopedia
tire tech Mike Sinyard founded his company on the tire category, and throughout the years, our mission has remained firmly fixed on creating market leading tire designs and technology for every kind of rider. In fact, we are so confident our tires will meet your expectations that we guarantee every one. We stand behind every knob, casing and compound. If you used one of our tires for its intended experience and are unhappy for any reason, simply return it to your local dealer for an exchange or purchase of another Specialized product.
tire terminology Essential terms every dealer should know Compound Different additives mixed with rubber form a compound. Compounds can be formulated to improve traction, puncture protection, durability or rolling resistance, depending on the intended experience. »» Softer compound Forms to surface for better traction in rough conditions More grip on corners or slippery/rough terrain
»» Harder compound
Faster rolling and more efficient due to lower resistance More miles per tire Better puncture resistance
Dual compound Two different rubber compounds used in strategic areas of the tire for optimized performance »» Harder rubber is typically found in the center of the tire for low rolling resistance (while riding straight) and longer wear. »» Softer rubber is used on the sides of the tread for more control and better traction in corners. Casing The casing—the skeleton of the tire—has the most profound effect on the tire’s performance characteristics. Casings are made from two components: thread (poly/cotton or nylon) and rubber. »» Casings are measured in TPI (threads per inch), a numerical system that tells how many threads are used per one square inch of casing. »» The more thread, the less rubber. »» Higher TPI tires are generally lighter and faster than lower TPI tires, but less durable. Hysteresis How quickly a rubber compound returns to its original shape after deformation—essentially, the rebound rate of the rubber »» With a slow hysteresis, the tire will adhere better to the surface being covered and take longer to rebound Meaning: more traction, but slower rolling and less durable »» With a fast hysteresis, the tire quickly rebounds to its original shape Meaning: faster rolling and more durable, but less traction Durometer A measurement of the compound’s hardness or softness »» Typical range: 40A-70A »» The lower the number, the softer the rubber.
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