Test Long-lasting Specialized S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready Tubeless Tires in 700×26 and 700×28

With the S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready, Specialized makes a spectacular entry into the Tubeless tire sector., with some of the most efficient models of the moment. Available in two sizes, their behavior changes slightly depending on the characteristics desired by the manufacturer. We have testand both, accumulating 4000 km with the 700×26 and the 700×28.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: 3bikes.fr

Available in 700x26C and 28C, the Tubeless RapidAir 2Bliss Ready tires are the result of a long process of test at Specialized, already among the brands that count in the field with a complete range of tires and tubulars, some of which are used by professionals. This Tubeless has been developed for 3 years in close collaboration with the Deceuninck – QuickStep professional team, and based on the evolution of the Gripton rubber compound optimized with silica, with a completely new carcass construction.

Normally, a tire's casing runs from sidewall to sidewall, overlapping the tread, with an extra layer of puncture protection that often results in reduced flexibility and therefore comfort. With the RapidAir, Specialized has managed to leave a gap in the center of the casing, only to be filled with its BlackBelt protection strip. The RapidAir is therefore more flexible, more responsive, faster, more comfortable than a tube tire, but also more grippy and more durable than a tubular. The 120 TPI carcass is completed with a smooth tread on the middle and shoulders with small knobs for grip when cornering and on route humid.

Two slightly different models

With the RapidAir in 700×26, we have the pleasant surprise of finding tubeless tires that weigh 260 g (verified) and which measure exactly 26 in section on a rim with an internal width of 19 mm. In this version, the aerodynamics seem optimal, since the sidewall of the tire is just flush with that of the rim. With the 60 g of preventive liquid required according to the brand, we arrive at a weight of 320 g per tire, not much more than a set consisting of a light tube tire in the same section (around 220 g) with a basic butyl inner tube (around 90 g, or 310 g in total). Of course, we can also find lighter inner tubes, between 55 and 75 g.

For more details on the montagand Tubeless, you can find le test of the Continental Grand Prix 5000 TL.

The RapidAir in 700×28 are significantly heavier, since they weigh 310 g on the scale, which seems a lot considering the 2 mm of theoretical section in addition. Indeed, once mounted on the same rims, we realize that they are actually 31 mm wide. Beyond this additional width, we also learn that they have a thicker protective strip and a stronger tread, in order to suit a use that is undoubtedly more versatile than the 26 mm version. The fact remains that with the prevention liquid, we arrive at a weight of 370 g on the scale, which starts to count. Compared to the montagand in 26, we take 100 g on the pair of wheels.

A montagand easy

Both versions of the RapidAir are distinguished by their relative ease of installation.tage. By following the instructions which consist of correctly placing the tire bead in the groove of the rim, it is not necessary to use a tire lever to install these Tubeless. This is also an advantagetagand in case of a puncture on the route, to which one of our companions was subjected route with this same model, and which required the montagand an inner tube to be able to return home. The operation was done without difficulty, unlike many Tubeless tires on the market.

Specialized provides a list of wheels that are perfectly compatible with its RapidAir, which are not part of the Vision 40 SC of the Orbea Orca OMX. In concrete terms, this means that we were unable to pop the tires without the help of a compressor, while this should be possible with the recommended wheels. But for the rest, we had no problems at all.tage, resistance, or pressure loss during this test over 4000 km with both versions of the RapidAir.

To end the monthtage, it is necessary to slide the preventive liquid to benefit from all the advantagestagIt is Tubeless technology. This is a new blend of mixed filament sealants specially designed to instantly fill holes up to 3mm in diameter, and with little or no loss of pressure, called RapidAir Tire Sealant. It’s very effective, as we’ll see later, but it’s not cheap. At €11,90 for a 60 ml bottle, that’s on top of the €79 for the tire. It’ll cost you around €180 to ride a pair of RapidAirs, whether they’re the 700×26 or the 700×28.

Fast and secure

TestSince mid-December, the 700×26 Tubeless RapidAir tires have been availabletagsuccessfully replaced the tires originally fitted to the Orbea Orca OMX as part of our test long life of this bike. Slightly less visually large on the Vision wheels, they proved to be more spinny on the route, but also slightly more comfortable. Inflated to the limit of the recommended pressure in this section (7 bar), their comfort was not their first asset, even if we immediately appreciated their grip and the fact that they do not shake on the route. Fast when rolling at a fast pace, we also found them sharp and lively when changing direction and when dancing. And the grip, both on dry and wet, proved to be really excellent, even on cold ground. The S-Works RapidAir in 700×26 are very effective but also very safe Tubeless racing tires, whatever the conditions.

On routeThe frequently wet conditions did not spare the tires, as we noted numerous punctures. Exactly two at the back and seven at the front, in 2500 km. But at no time did we need to repair anything. The sealant fluid did its job perfectly, resealing each time, and without the tire losing pressure. It was when we dismantled the RapidAir that we were able to see that the inside showed small latex plugs, testifying to the effect of the fluid. Needless to say, however, that the seven punctures at the front got the better of the 60 ml of sealant, nor even that each puncture reveals a cut on the outside that risks deteriorating the resistance of the tire.

The RapidAirs were considered worn out after 2500 km, but we believe that under other conditions, in spring or summer, we should be able to reach 4000.

The 700×28 version immediately proved to be different, because it was heavier and because it required less pressure. (max 6,5 bar, but we limited it to 6). If we have to admit our reluctance at the start given the actual section, a few kilometers were enough to erase our worries. The performance of these Tubeless tires is still as good, although showing a little less nervousness, but compensating with a clearly superior comfort. From the first outing, we found ourselves looking for cycle paths, and even some sections of route poorly-bodied. If the weather had been drier, we could have even tried well-packed paths. Well launched, these tires perform well, remain solid, and place the bike as if on a sort of air cushion. In the rain and with disc brakes, they reassure and encourage you to take demonic angles when cornering. We never felt the slightest sensation of floating or sliding, by pushing the limits of the bike a little.tage. And if the supports seem a little less direct when you position yourself in a dancer position on a steep slope than with the 26, these "wide" tires supported a few launched sprints without failing and without really handicapping us.

Although we must admit our initial reluctance given the actual section, a few kilometres were enough to erase our concerns.

We know of course that such a volume is not favorable from an aerodynamic point of view, but that is not the purpose of the RapidAir in 28, intended to be more comfortable and more durable than the 700x26. Moreover, after 1500 km, if the tread is already marked, it seems to us to be in better condition than that of the 26 at the same time. In any case, we only encountered one perception, again instantly clogged while driving.

the balance sheet

With the RapidAir, Specialized has almost achieved a flawless result, since only the sale price can be an obstacle to switching to Tubeless, given that the brand shows us the best of this technology. With these two versions, we just have to keep in mind that they do not have exactly the same vocations, that one is really competition-oriented, while the other is better suited to long-distance efforts.

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