Road Bike Tire Test: Continental Aero 111 29
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 8.8 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 40 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 84 Points
- Conclusion: 5.0 / 5 Highly Recommended
- Comments
- Continental Aero 111 29
(100% is best)
![Continental Aero 111 29 Continental Aero 111 29 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/continental-aero-111-1.jpg)
Continental developed the Aero 111 in collaboration with DT Swiss and Swiss Side, and its primary purpose is to cut through the air like never before. The tread design is entirely new, and it comes with 48 precision-formed, vortex-generating cavities that create controlled turbulence and ensure prolonged airflow attachment to the rim. According to Continental, this reduces aerodynamic drag and improves crosswind stability.
We're not aerodynamic specialists, but the Aero 111 is also an interesting tire for us. At first sight, you might think the Aero 111 is simply a GP 5000 S TR (read our review) or GP 5000 TT TR (read our review) with a different tread pattern, but our tests have found something quite interesting. We feel the Aero 111 might be a sneak peek into what to expect from Continental's next iteration of the Grand Prix X000 series.
When we look at the casing design, the Aero 111 comes with the same casing design as the Grand Prix 5000 S TR with two layers + Vectran breaker under the tread while the sidewalls are made up of 3 layers. This casing is a bit tougher than the GP 5000 TT TR casing, and it means Continental already made the first decision not to go for the absolute lowest possible rolling resistance.
As always, the compound is Continental's Black Chili compound. What's most interesting, and something we know because of our tests, is that it's not the same Black Chili compound as used on the GP 5000 S TR and GP 5000 TT TR. We know of at least two versions of the Black Chili compound, and we think of them as Black Chili S(speed) and Black Chili G(grip). We also know the Black Chili compound is continuously improved with the latest advancements, and the Aero 111 definitely uses all the latest updates.
The Aero 111 is available in the 26-622 and 29-622 sizes, but take a look at our size and weight measurements, as they've already taken wider aero rims into consideration. We've tested the 29-622 version, and you'll find our test results and conclusion below.
Manufacturer Specifications
Manufacturer Specifications | |
---|---|
Brand | Continental |
Model | Aero 111 |
Year | 2024 |
Tire Type | Tubeless |
Supplied By | Bought in store |
New or Used | New |
Mileage | 0 km |
Price Range | Very High |
Buy At | |
Manufacturer part number | 0102047 |
EAN | 4019238283907 |
TPI | 2/220 |
Compound | Black Chili |
Bead | Folding |
ETRTO | 29-622 |
Size Inch | 28" |
Specified Width (mm) | 29 |
Specified Weight | 285 grams |
Max Air Pressure (psi) | 102 |
Made In | Members Only |
Available Sizes |
26-622 (700x26c) 29-622 (700x29c) |
Continental Aero 111 29 Test Results
![Continental Aero 111 29 Continental Aero 111 29 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/continental-aero-111-3.jpg)
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Size, Weight and Thickness Measurements | |
---|---|
Specified Weight | 285 grams |
Measured Weight | 272 grams |
System Adjusted Weight (tire + valve + rim seal) |
292 grams |
Measured Width | 28 mm (un-round) |
Measured Height | 25 mm (un-round) |
Total Tire Thickness Center | 2.2 mm |
Total Tire Thickness Sidewall | Members Only |
Unmounted Casing Width | 72 mm |
Unmounted Tread Width | Members Only |
Tread Cover (Tread / Casing Ratio) | Members Only |
All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 100 psi / 6.9 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim. |
Rolling Resistance Test Results
Rolling Resistance Test Results | |
---|---|
Inner Tube | None (20 ml sealant) |
Measured Width | 28 mm (un-round) |
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 132 psi/9.1 bar 25-27 = 120 psi/8.3 bar 28-29 = 108 psi/7.4 barUltra High Air Pressure (108 psi / 7.4 bar) |
8.8 Watts CRR: 0.00264 |
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 110 psi/7.6bar 25-27 = 100 psi/6.9 bar 28-29 = 90 psi/6.2 barExtra High Air Pressure (90 psi / 6.2 bar) |
9.3 Watts CRR: 0.00279 |
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 88 psi/6.1 bar 25-27 = 80 psi/5.5 bar 28-29 = 72 psi/5.0 barHigh Air Pressure (72 psi /5.0 bar) |
Members Only |
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 25-27 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 28-29 = 54 psi/3.7 barMedium Air Pressure (54 psi / 3.7 bar) |
Members Only |
The Road Bike section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load. |
Puncture Resistance Test Results
![Continental Aero 111 29 Continental Aero 111 29 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/continental-aero-111-2.jpg)
Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better) | |
---|---|
Total Puncture Score Tread | 40 Points |
Total Puncture Score Sidewall | Members Only |
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Members Only |
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Members Only |
Tread Total Tire Thickness | 2.2 mm |
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Members Only |
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Members Only |
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness | Members Only |
Static Grip Test Results
![Continental Aero 111 Continental Aero 111 road bike tire on a grip test machine](https://cdn.bicyclerollingresistance.com/images/pictures/continental-aero-111-4.jpg)
Static Grip Test Results | |
---|---|
Wet Grip Average | 84 Points |
Wet Grip Center | Members Only |
Wet Grip Edge | Members Only |
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 Road bike grip test rim width = 19.0 mm |
|
Conclusion
- Continental Aero 111 29
(100% is best)
The Continental Aero 111 definitely comes with a different compound than the good old Grand Prix 5000 S TR. When we forget about the aerodynamic differences and only look at our test results, we clearly see a slightly higher (3 to 8%, depending on the air pressure) rolling resistance but a massive increase in wet grip. The Aero 111 is now the best gripping road bike tire in our wet grip test, and it even outperforms the Grand Prix 5000 All Season (read our review) in this test.
When we combine all test results, it looks like the Aero 111 uses the casing of the regular Grand Prix 5000 S TR, with the high grip compound of the Grand Prix 5000 All Season. This is important to know for everyone interested in the Aero 111. However, if the aerodynamic reduction is more significant than the slight increase in rolling resistance, you'll still gain time.
When it comes to wet weather performance, there is no contest, as the huge increase in wet grip will save you more time than what you lose by the increased rolling resistance.
We think the Aero 111 is a preview of future Continental road bike tires that might see significant improvements when it comes to wet grip.
RATING:
5.0
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended