Road Bike Tire Test: Specialized S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 26
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 9.8 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 44 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 73 Points
- Conclusion: 4.4 / 5 Highly Recommended
- Comments
- Specialized S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 26
(100% is best)
The Specialized S-Works Turbo RapidAir T2/T5 is an updated version of the original Turbo RapidAir (read our review) that Specialized introduced a couple of years back. The T2/T5 update means the Turbo RapidAir now comes with a dual compound with the harder T2 compound in the center and the softer T5 compound on the shoulders. The T2 compound is said to be both faster rolling as well as more wear resistant and should last an extra 620 miles / 1000 km.
Together with the T2/T5 version of the S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready, Specialized also introduced a non-RapidAir version that's simply called "S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5". Although the names are nearly the same, the RapidAir version is 30 grams lighter and should be a bit faster than the non-RapidAir version. We'll have to wait for our own test of the non-RapidAir to be able to tell you more about the differences between these two versions.
After comparing the specifications of both the S-Works Turbo RapidAir and non-RapidAir, it looks like the main difference can be found in the casing design. The RapidAir comes with a 2 layer casing, while the non-RapidAir comes with a more traditional 3 layer casing. The 3 layer casing has an extra layer under the tread, which increases the puncture resistance of the tread.
The new T2/T5 version also has a slightly different tread pattern from the original Turbo RapidAir. The center portion of the tread is still slick, but the tiny knobs along the edge of the tire have become even smaller and have increased in number. The tread pattern even gives it a bit of an off-road look, and it should perform better than most other road bike tires under off-road conditions.
Although the non-RapidAir version of the S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 is available in the 26-622, 28-622, and 30-622 sizes, the non-RapidAir version is only available in the 26-622 size on test here.
Manufacturer Specifications
| Manufacturer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Specialized |
| Model | S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 |
| Year | 2022 |
| Tire Type | Tubeless |
| Supplied By | Bought in store |
| New or Used | New |
| Mileage | 0 km |
| Price Range | Very High |
| Buy At | |
| Manufacturer part number | 00022-1155 |
| TPI | 120 |
| Compound | Gripton T2/T5 |
| Bead | Folding |
| ETRTO | 26-622 |
| Size Inch | 28" |
| Specified Width (mm) | 26 |
| Specified Weight | 230 grams |
| Max Air Pressure (psi) | 110 |
| Made In | Members Only |
| Available Sizes | 26-622 (700x26c) |
Specialized S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 26 Test Results
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
| Size, Weight and Thickness Measurements | |
|---|---|
| Specified Weight | 230 grams |
| Measured Weight | 223 grams |
| System Adjusted Weight (tire + valve + rim seal) |
243 grams |
| Measured Width | 26 mm (un-round) |
| Measured Height | 22 mm (un-round) |
| Total Tire Thickness Center | 1.9 mm |
| Total Tire Thickness Sidewall | Members Only |
| Unmounted Casing Width | 65 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 | 26 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 (120 psi / 8.3 bar) |
9.8 Watts CRR: 0.00294 |
| 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 (100 psi / 6.9 bar) |
10.6 Watts CRR: 0.00318 |
| 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 (80 psi / 5.5 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 (60 psi / 4.1 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
| Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better) | |
|---|---|
| Total Puncture Score Tread | 44 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 | 1.9 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
| Static Grip Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Wet Grip Average | 73 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
- Specialized S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 26
(100% is best)
The latest dual compound T2/T5 version of the Specialized S-Works RapidAir 2Bliss Ready isn't a huge step up from the previous single compound edition (read our review). On average, it looks like a minor improvement, with a lower weight, slightly better rolling resistance at lower air pressures, and a little bump in puncture resistance being the main improvements. The move to the 2 layer casing decreases the total tire thickness by about 0.3 mm, but the (wearable) tread thickness should be roughly the same.
We also see a change in the wet grip test, and although the average grip comes out the same, we see a different distribution of the grip levels. The center grip has increased by 3 points, but the edge grip has decreased. We attribute this to the new tread pattern that reduces the contact patch on hard surfaces. On top of that, the tiny knobs are easily deformed under pressure, reducing grip in our hard surface grip test a bit further.
RATING:
4.4
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended