The Continental Aero 111 tyre is, in many ways, very similar to the GP5000 line. It uses the same Black Chili Compound for grip and reduced rolling resistance, and the Vectran Breaker for added puncture protection. It’s only available as a front tyre and comes in 26 or 29mm with the 26mm weighing a claimed 250g but coming in at a very similar 252g on my scales.
Where things get different are on the exterior of the tyre. Designed with Swiss Side, Swiss aero experts across motorsport and cycling, the tyres have been designed with “48 precision-formed, vortex-generating cavities that create controlled turbulence, ensuring prolonged airflow attachment to the rim, resulting in reduced aerodynamic drag and improved crosswind stability”. This results in a sizable reduction in drag at higher speeds according to their own testing, saving up to 4 watts at 30kph and 20-degree yaw vs the GP5000S TR 25mm tyre, and nearly 20 watts saving at 45kph and 20 degrees yaw. It’s worth noting though that as speed increases, effective yaw angle decreases, so 20 degree yaw at 45kph is an extreme figure to encounter in most real-world testing.
