After a long wait, Specialized finally unveils the highly anticipated tubeless cotton tires, marking a significant upgrade for cycling enthusiasts. But here's the twist: these tires have been teasing the market for nine months, leaving riders eager for their release.
The new tubeless-compatible Cotton tire joins the Specialized family, adding to the legacy of the renowned Turbo Cotton and Cotton tires. These iconic models have a rich history, dating back to 2012 when Tony Martin clinched the World Time Trial Championship riding the original clincher tire.
But here's where it gets intriguing. These tires were spotted earlier, in June 2025, at the Critérium du Dauphiné, with logos carefully concealed. This early sighting fueled the anticipation, leaving many wondering when the official launch would happen.
Specialized's tire range can be a bit perplexing. Let's break it down. The classic Turbo Cotton is still available in 24, 26, and 28mm sizes, easily identified by its golden/yellow sidewalls. Specialized also offered the HOTN (Hell of the North) version, designed for cobbled classics, but it seems to have vanished from the lineup.
There's also the 'Turbo Cotton Folding Racing Only' tire, a 320TPI model with T2/T5 compounds and a cotton casing, available in 26 and 28mm sizes, but it's tube-only.
Last year, at Opening Weekend, teams were seen using the S-Works Turbo TLR tire, distinguishable by its unique sidewall color and tire hot patch logo. This tubeless-friendly model goes up to a 30mm size, catering to those seeking larger options.
The Cotton TLR, the latest addition, fills the gap for a tubeless tire with the characteristics of the cotton sidewalled model, but in a bigger size. Its polyester core and cotton wrap are designed to efficiently contain tubeless sealant.
Specialized boasts that these tires offer the feel of cotton combined with the speed and precision of modern tubeless technology. Interestingly, the brand reveals that only six pairs of these tires initially existed, and Bora Hansgrohe refused to return them, prompting Specialized to ramp up production.
But what's even more captivating is the clear sealant applied to the Cotton tires at Red Bull Bora during Opening Weekend. The team mechanic attributed it to protection, but the real purpose remains a mystery.
The Cotton TLR tires will be available in 38, 30, and 32mm sizes, weighing in at 280, 290, and 320 grams, respectively. They feature a 320 TPI construction and Specialized's Gripton T2/T5 compound, ensuring optimal performance.
And this is the part most people miss—Specialized recently launched five new tires, including the S-Works Turbo TLR, which shares the same compound but with a 120 TPI casing. The brand assures that all tires are manufactured to ISO standards for seamless tubeless setup, though specific standards remain undisclosed.
Tom, the tech writer behind this article, brings a unique perspective to Cyclingnews. With a degree in English Literature, he has immersed himself in the cycling industry, working as a qualified mechanic for over a decade. His hands-on experience extends to running an independent workshop, and he's equally at home tinkering with bikes as he is riding them. Tom's passion for cycling is evident, having raced at the national level on both road and track. His keen eye for pro-team tech and new components makes him an invaluable asset to Cyclingnews, where he has interviewed cycling legends and covered major brand launches.
