The RapidAir TLR is Specialized's answer to the "race day only" tire category, built around a two-ply turn-up casing that trades some durability for a faster, lighter ride than the S-Works Turbo TLR sitting alongside it in the range. The 120TPI casing uses just two plies that overlap at the sidewall, resulting in a supple ride quality, traction, and low rolling resistance. If you already own a set of race wheels that stay in the closet until event day, this is the tire built to go on them.

Specialized redesigned the tread and casing to shed 25 grams from its predecessor, with the 28c coming in at 230g claimed. Specialized also claims the tire is 33 seconds faster than the previous version while reducing aero drag by 2 watts and rolling resistance by 3 watts. Third-party testing at Gran Fondo measured a 28mm sample closer to 248g on a wide 22mm internal rim, which is worth knowing if you're building to a specific weight target.

The tread uses Specialized's dual-compound GRIPTON approach to separate rolling speed from cornering grip. T2 rubber runs down the center for straight-line speed, while T5 wraps the shoulders for cornering grip, and the aero-optimized tread pattern is designed to work with the airflow off modern wide rims. The tire is offered in a single 28mm width, sized to match the wider internal rim standards that current aero wheelsets have adopted.