After a long-awaited nine months of anticipation, Specialized has finally unveiled its newest addition to the tire family: the tubeless cotton tires. But here's where it gets controversial...
Specialized's latest release, the Cotton TLR, is a tubeless-compatible tire with a unique twist. It combines the feel of cotton sidewalls with the speed and precision of modern tubeless technology. This innovative design has been a long time coming, as we first spotted prototypes with Sharpied logos back in 2025 at the Critérium du Dauphiné.
The original Turbo Cotton has been a staple in the Specialized range for years, with its golden sidewalls and tube-only design. However, the brand has expanded its offerings with the 'Turbo Cotton Folding Racing Only' tire, which is also tube-only but boasts an impressive 320TPI count and a cotton casing.
Last year, we noticed teams using the S-Works Turbo TLR tire, which is tubeless-friendly and offers a wider range of sizes up to 30mm. This model has a different sidewall color and a unique tire hot patch logo, making it easily recognizable.
The Cotton TLR seems to be the answer to riders' demands for a tubeless tire with the characteristics of the cotton-sided model but in larger sizes. Specialized has achieved this by using a polyester core with a cotton wrap, which is said to aid in containing tubeless sealant.
And this is the part most people miss... Specialized claims that only six pairs of these new tires originally existed! Bora Hansgrohe apparently loved them so much that they refused to give them back, prompting Specialized to produce more and go into full-scale manufacturing.
What's even more intriguing is the clear sealant applied to the Cotton tires used by Red Bull Bora. The team mechanic claimed it was for protection, but we're digging deeper to uncover the full story.
The Cotton TLR will be available in 38, 30, and 32mm sizes, with weights ranging from 280 to 320 grams. These tires utilize a 320 TPI construction and the specialized Gripton T2/T5 compound, ensuring a smooth and precise ride.
Specialized has been on a roll with its tire releases, launching five new models just under a year ago, including the S-Works Turbo TLR. The brand also emphasizes that these tires are manufactured to ISO standards, ensuring a seamless tubeless setup.
So, what do you think about Specialized's latest innovation? Do you prefer the traditional tube-only tires or are you excited about the potential of tubeless cotton tires? Let us know in the comments below! We'd love to hear your thoughts and spark a discussion on this intriguing development in the world of cycling.
