As the only point of contact between your bike and the road, road bike tires are a critical component for performance, comfort, and safety while riding. Tires also happen to be one of the most underrated and affordable upgrades that can be made to your bike.
Relative to other components that promise to transform your ride, tires are inexpensive and straightforward to change, yet are an often overlooked aspect of a bike’s performance. The only part of the bike that interacts with the road, the right tires can be the key to fulfilling your bike’s potential, allowing you to find comfort, control, and extra speed in the most challenging conditions you face.
While the marketing machine of the bike industry loves to tout the latest advances in the wind tunnel and convince you that you need one more gear (again), road bike tires have truly undergone a renaissance over the past decade, bringing together a previously elusive balance of attributes in some magnificent offerings. We gathered 18 different models for side-by-side testing and comparison to help you find the right tires for your best rides yet.
Top Picks
Runner-Up Best Clincher Road Bike Tires
Specialized Turbo Cotton Hell of the North Clincher
- Weight: 238g (700 x 28c black/transparent)
- Size tested: 28c
- Available sizes: 23c, 25c, 28c, 32c
- TPI: 330
- Tire type: Clincher
- Rim compatibility: Clincher, tubeless ready (w/tube)
Pros
- Astonishing grip
- Lively, fun ride quality
- Durable
Cons
- None

- Weight: 275g (700 x 28c)
- Size tested: 28c
- Available sizes: 23c, 25c, 28c, 30c
- TPI: 150
- Tire type: Clincher
- Rim compatibility: Clincher, tubeless ready (w/tube)
Pros
- Affordable
- Relatively lightweight
- Durable
- Easy to mount
Cons
- Incompatible with hookless rims
- Weight: 268g (700 x 28c black/transparent)
- Size tested: 28c
- Available sizes: 28c
- TPI: 320
- Tire type: Clincher
- Rim compatibility: Clincher, tubeless ready (w/tube)
Pros
- Astonishing grip
- Lively, fun ride quality
- Improved puncture protection
Cons
- None

- Weight: 273g (700 x 29c tanwall)
- Size tested: 700 x 29c
- Available sizes: 25c, 27c, 29c, 31c
- TPI: 127
- Tire type: Tubeless
- Rim compatibility: Tubeless ready, hookless tubeless, clincher (with tube)
Pros
- Excellent ride quality
- Durable
- Aero gains
Cons
- None

- Weight: 293g (700 x 30c)
- Size tested: 700 x 30c
- Available sizes: 25c, 27c, 30c
- TPI: 300
- Tire type: Tubeless
- Rim compatibility: Tubeless ready, clincher (with tube)
Pros
- Wide, shallow profile
- Supple ride quality
- More affordable than most tubeless tires
Cons
- Challenging to mount (ha!)
- Incompatible with hookless rims

- Weight: 333g (700 x 30c)
- Size Tested: 700 x 30c
- Available Sizes: 25c, 28c, 30c
- TPI: 127
- Tire Type: Tubeless
- Rim Compatibility: Tubeless Ready, Hookless Tubeless, Clincher (with tube)
Pros
- Super easy tubeless setup
- Fast rolling and great grip
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Heavier weight
- Expensive

- Weight: 285g (700 x 28c)
- Size tested: 700 x 28c
- Available sizes: 23c, 25c, 28c, 32c
- TPI: 60
- Tire type: Clincher
- Rim compatibility: Clincher, tubeless ready (w/tube)
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Excellent puncture protection
- Easy installation
Cons
- Stiff ride
- Not particularly grippy

Best of the Rest
- Weight: 250g (700 x 28c Black/Amber)
- Size tested: 700 x 28c
- Available sizes: 25c, 28c, 30c, 32c
- TPI: 120
- Tire type: Tubeless
- Rim compatibility: Tubeless ready, hookless tubeless, clincher (w/tube)
Pros
- Smooth ride
- Light for tubeless
- Easy tubeless setup
Cons
- None
- Weight: 315g (700 x 28c)
- Size tested: 28c
- Available Sizes: 25c, 28c
- TPI: 170
- Tire Type: Hookless Tubeless
- Rim Compatibility: Clincher (with tube), Hooked Tubeless, Hookless Tubeless
Pros
- Exceptionally low rolling resistance
- Maximum grip
- Stout puncture protection
Cons
- Heavier weight
- Triple digit retail cost per tire
- Weight: 291g (700 x 30c)
- Size tested: 700 x 30c
- Available sizes: 24c, 26c, 28c, 30c
- TPI: 60
- Tire type: Clincher
- Rim compatibility: Clincher, tubeless ready (w/tube)
Pros
- Durable
- Affordable
- Smooth rolling
- Confident handling
Cons
- Heavy-ish
- Weight: 293g (700 x 32c)
- Size tested: 700 x 32c
- Available sizes: 24c, 28c, 30c, 32c, 34c
- TPI: 300
- Tire type: Clincher
- Rim compatibility: Clincher, Tubeless Ready (with tubes)
Pros
- Reasonable weight for size
- Low rolling resistance
- Supple ride quality
Cons
- Easy to puncture
- 32c measured smaller than advertised
- Weight: 287g (700 x 28c black)
- Size tested: 700 x 28c
- Available sizes: 25c, 28c, 30c, 32c
- TPI: 220
- Tire type: Tubeless
- Rim compatibility: Tubeless ready, hookless tubeless, clincher (w/tube)
Pros
- Good grip
- Holds speed very well
- 50g lighter than before
- Resists punctures
Cons
- Expensive
- Bland ride quality
- Mid-range TPI for the cost
- Weight: 380g (700 x 30c)
- Size tested: 700 x 30c
- Available sizes: 28c, 30c, 32c
- TPI: 120
- Tire type: Tubeless
- Rim compatibility: Tubeless ready, hookless tubeless, clincher (with tube)
Pros
- Wide, shallow profile
- Supple ride quality for tough casing
- Good for riding in all seasons
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Weight: 210g (700 x 28c Black/Tan)
- Size tested: 28c
- Available sizes: 23c, 25c, 28c, 30c
- TPI: 120
- Tire type: Clincher
- Rim compatibility: Clincher, tubeless ready (w/tube)
Pros
- Super light
- Excellent response and grip
- Affordable
Cons
- None
- Weight: 324g (700 x 28c Black/Tan)
- Sizes tested: 700 x 28c
- Available sizes: 26c, 28c, 30c, 32c, 34c
- TPI: 320
- Tire type: Tubeless
- Rim compatibility: Tubeless ready, hookless tubeless, clincher (with tube)
Pros
- Smooth ride
- Easy tubeless setup
Cons
- Heavier weight
- Expensive
- Weight: 344g (700 x 28c)
- Size tested: 700 x 28c
- Available sizes: 26c, 28c, 32c, 35c
- TPI: 60
- Tire type: Clincher
- Rim compatibility: Clincher, tubeless ready (with tube)
Pros
- Excellent puncture protection
- Durable
- Good all-season tire
Cons
- Stiff ride
- Heavy
- Weight: 361g (700 x 32c Black/Tan)
- Size tested: 700 x 32c
- Available sizes: 32c
- TPI: 320
- Tire type: Tubeless
- Rim compatibility: Tubeless ready, hookless tubeless, clincher (w/tube)
Pros
- Plush ride
- Easy tubeless setup
- More capable on gravel than most road tires
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Weight: 278g (700 x 28c)
- Size tested: 700 x 28c
- Available sizes: 24c, 26c, 28c, 32c
- TPI: 60
- Tire type: Clincher
- Rim compatibility: Clincher, tubeless ready (with tube)
Pros
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Moderately heavy
- High rolling resistance
Road Bike Tires Comparison Chart
Tire Model | MSRP | Weight (size tested) | Available Sizes | Tire Type | TPI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Continental Grand Prix 5000 Clincher | $88 | 238g (700 x 28c) | 23, 25, 28, 32c | Clincher | 330 |
Vittoria Rubino Pro G2.0 Clincher | $60 | 275g (700 x 28c) | 23, 25, 28, 30c | Clincher | 150 |
Specialized Turbo Cotton Hell of the North | $80 | 268g (700 x 28c) | 28c | Clincher | 320 |
ENVE SES | $75 | 273g (700 x 29c) | 25, 27, 29, 31c | Hookless Tubeless | 127 |
Challenge Strada Pro Tubeless | $80 | 293g (700 x 30c) | 25, 27, 30c | Tubeless | 300 |
Schwalbe Pro One TLE 700 x 30 | $91 | 333g (700 x 30c) | 25, 28, 30c | Hookless Tubeless | 127 |
Continental Gatorskin | $68 | 290g (700 x 28c) | 23, 25, 28, 32c | Clincher | 60 |
Panaracer Agilest TLR | $80 | 250g (700 x 28c) | 25, 28, 30, 32c | Hookless Tubeless | 120 |
Cadex Race Tire | $105 | 315g (700 x 28c) | 25, 28c | Hookless Tubeless | 170 |
Specialized Turbo Pro T5 | $55 | 291g (700 x 30c) | 24, 26, 28, 30c | Clincher | 60 |
Vittoria Corsa N.EXT Clincher | $80 | 293g (700 x 32c) | 24, 28, 30, 32, 34c | Clincher | 300 |
Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR | $96 | 287g (700 x 28c) | 25, 28, 30, 32c | Hookless Tubeless | 220 |
Pirelli P Zero Race TLR 4S | $100 | 380g (700 x 30c) | 28, 30, 32c | Hookless Tubeless | 120 |
Panaracer Agilest Clincher | $57 | 210g (700 x 28c) | 23, 25, 28, 30c | Clincher | 120 |
Vittoria Corsa Pro Control TLR | $105 | 324g (700 x 28c) | 26, 28, 30, 32, 34c | Hookless Tubeless | 320 |
Pirelli Cinturato Road | $65 | 344g (700 x 28c) | 26, 28, 32, 35c | Clincher | 60 |
Schwalbe Pro One TLE 700 x 32 | $100 | 361g (700 x 32c) | 32c | Tubeless | 320 |
Pirelli P7 Sport | $40 | 278g (700 x 28c) | 24, 26, 28, 32c | Clincher | 60 |

Why You Should Trust Us

How We Tested

Buying Guide: How to Choose Road Bike Tires
Types of Road Bike Tires
Clincher
Tubeless
Tubular

Rim Compatibility
Clincher
Tubeless
Hookless Tubeless

Tubeless vs. Clincher

Tire Size
Wheel Size

Weight

TPI (Threads Per Inch)
Puncture Resistance
Air Pressure

Tread Patterns
Caring for Tires
Price

Frequently Asked Questions
This decision often comes down to what type of rims you have, but it is also a matter of personal preference. If you have clincher rims, you’ll need to get clincher tires to go along with them, or use a tube in a tubeless-ready tire. On the flip side of that coin, if you have hooked tubeless-ready rims, you can use tubeless-ready tires, or clincher tires with a tube. Those with hookless rims will need to use tires that are hookless tubeless compatible.
Many riders prefer to ride clincher tires because they are more affordable and generally easier to deal with, and they can’t justify the added price and weight of tubeless tires. Others find the benefits of tubeless to outweigh the price and weight penalties for their needs. So, beyond getting tires that will work with your rims, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons of each type.
Most tubeless-ready wheels/rims will say it somewhere on the rim itself. If it is not printed anywhere on the rim, a quick internet search of your wheel/rim model will generally provide the answer. If that fails, your local bike shop is another great resource, and they will probably be able to tell you whether your rims are tubeless compatible or not.
Hookless rims are becoming more prevalent in road cycling and the primary difference is that the bead wall is flat and does not feature a “hook” that is present on a hooked tubeless rim or a clincher rim. Given that the tire bead does not have a “hook” to hold it in position, hookless rims are only compatible with tires that are specifically designed to pair with them.
This involves tighter tolerances between the tire and rim and relies solely on the outward pressure of the tire against the rim wall to stay in place. One of the purported benefits of the hookless system is that it improves the shape of the tire, and thereby the aerodynamics, with a smoother transition from the rim as there is no hook to go around.
While there may be some benefits to hookless tubeless, it should be noted that hookless rims are only compatible with certain tires that are hookless compatible. The road tubeless market is heading in this direction, however, so it’s certainly not a bad time to jump on the hookless train if it appeals to you.
Like anything in cycling, road bike tires can be expensive. Often, this is a result of more advanced construction methods, rubber compounds, and the research and development involved in making high-performance tires. A good example is tubeless tires versus tube-type clincher tires. Tubeless tires are almost always more expensive than their clincher counterparts because of the additional materials and technologies needed to make them hold air, resist punctures, and provide support without the use of an inner tube.
Generally speaking, higher-performance tires are typically more expensive with fancier rubber, higher thread counts, and claims of marginal performance gains. If these things don’t matter that much to you, there are lots of less expensive options that get the job done with a slight weight and ride quality penalty.
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