Specialized announced its 2025 drop bar (and drop off a cliff) tire lineup. The newest road and gravel (and XC) lineup additions are claiming some serious gains, like a “race only” RapidAir TLR road tire that is 33 seconds faster (over 40km) than the previous model. Or if gravel is your flavor, how about an updated Pathfinder tread that is 19% faster and 14% more cut-resistant?
This release isn’t all focused on super speed or lowest rolling resistance gains (though most are). The road and gravel tire launch also brings some practical tires, and the prices stay relatively steady for the gravel line. Whether you’re looking for all-out race speed, all-season durability, or mixed-terrain versatility, this new range most likely has something for you.
Lets Dig in!
RapidAir TLR – The Fastest Road Race Tire Yet
The new RapidAir TLR is the purest expression of speed Specialized has ever put on a road tire.
Tubeless? Check. Lighter? You bet. More grip? Absolutely. More expensive? Oh yeah! (by only by $10).
The driving force of the new RapidAir TLR is the updated casing. This new casing construction reworks the turn-up design, overlapping just two plies (similar to the Hutchinson Blackbird) at the sidewall to reduce weight, enhance suppleness, and increase the contact patch for a better road feel.
Key Performance Gains:
- 33 seconds faster than its predecessor over 40km
- 2 watts lower aero drag
- 3 watts less rolling resistance
- T2/T5 Gripton compound for straight-line speed and confident cornering
- Hookless rim compatible
- Weight: Claimed 220g for the 700×26, 244g for 28mm
- Price: $100
S-Works Turbo TLR – The All-Conditions Race Weapon
For those looking for top-tier speed with added puncture protection, the S-Works Turbo TLR is your tire. Specialized refined the dual-compound tread, dropped weight by 20g, and optimized the casing for better durability without sacrificing ride quality.
It’s the tire that you can train on, race on, and win on. The tread is the same, and the updated tan side wall gives the tire a classic, beautiful look – just in time for the spring classics.
Specs & Features:
- 10% lower rolling resistance than the previous Turbo 2BR
- Triple-ply casing with puncture-resistant strip
- Year-round racing and rough road conditions
- Weight: 275g for the 700×28, 284g for 30mm
- Price: $80
Mondo TLR – Endurance Without Limits
Specialized updated Mondo TLR doesn’t seem to compromise on speed, durability, or ride feel. Using a dual Gripton T2/T5 compound for rolling efficiency and cornering bite, plus a dense woven sub-tread protection strip, Mondo is built to take a beating and keep rolling strong. Plus – it’s available in a folding (non-tubeless) version.
Why It Stands Out:
- Perfect blend of race-day speed and all-day toughness
- E-bike approved for high mileage durability
- TLR and Folding options availbile
- Weight: 310g for 700×28 with reinforced sidewalls
- Price: $75 TLR, $55 Folding
Specialized Gravel Tires
For 2025, Specialized has three gravel offerings, cascading from less tread to near cross-country mountain bikes. The treads have been tweaked slightly, but you’ll know the model quickly if you’re a fan (as I’ve been). The treads start on the smooth and fast side with the updated Pathfinder. A hallmark in the gravel race scene, a no-nonsense tire, business in the middle, party on the sides. The next is the Tracer. Once one of my favorite cyclocross treads, it now has a fast do-it-all gravel design, much like the updated Crux. The center line is still tightly spaced blocks but has an updated height and profile. Last is the Terra, a full-on cross-country design that should be at the most rocky and technical gravel terrain.
All the tires now come in their various configurations, so don’t expect to be 35-50mm on each tread. One thing is sure: Specialized trimming of the fat from the tire lines makes it (slightly) easier to pick a tire for specific conditions on race day.
Pathfinder TLR – The Fastest Gravel Tire, Now Faster
The Pathfinder TLR is already the most decorated gravel tire in the game, but Specialized found a way to make it 19% faster while also 14% more cut-resistant. This updated version keeps its signature smooth-rolling center strip but now with bigger GRIPTON T5 side knobs for more bite in the corners. Oh, and it is available in tan sidewall as well.
Tread Updates:
- New tread design for stability & grip
- GRIPTON T2 fast-rolling center tread
- GRIPTON T5 high-traction edge knobs
- Weight: 380g (700×35), with 700×40 (452g) and 700×45 options for more volume and control
- Price: $55
Tracer TLR – Mixed Terrain Confidence
If you’re the type to mix pavement, dirt, and chunky gravel into one ride, the Tracer TLR is your new best friend. A redesigned tread pattern with wider, more aggressive knobs keeps things stable when the terrain gets rowdy, and a lighter-weight center cluster means it still rolls fast when you hit the tarmac.
Tread Updates:
- New tread design for all-terrain stability & traction
- GRIPTON T5 compound for all-condition performance
- Increased knob spacing & size toward the outer edge for better control
- Weight: 65g lighter than the previous model, available in 700×40, 700×45 (526g) , and 700×50
- Price: $55
Terra TLR – Full Send – Any Surface
For the truly adventurous, the Terra TLR is the burliest gravel tire in the lineup, merging mountain bike-worthy grip with lightweight gravel efficiency. The updated TLR casing is now 65g lighter than the outgoing Rhombus Pro, while still delivering class-leading puncture resistance and off-road control.
Tread Updates:
- More aggressive tread for all-terrain stability & traction
- GRIPTON T5 knobs for superior grip in loose conditions
- Increased knob spacing & size toward the outer edge for better cornering bite
- Weight: Available in sizes up to 700×50 for true all-terrain domination
- Price: $55
Look for our first impressions of the gravel and road tires coming shortly!
