Cotton tires are known for their high thread count and supple ride-quality.  Among clinchers, they're touted as having the least rolling-resistance and most closely resembling a tubular-esque ride.  For this, among manufacturing reasons as well, many cotton clinchers are known as 'Open Tubulars.'

In this posts we'll look at some of the cotton clinchers/open-tubulars currently stocked here at Ride Cyclery and available from Specialized, Challenge and Vittoria!

Specialized Turbo Cotton:

Specialized has been making tires since almost the beginning, in fact a tire was the first Specialized product to ever carry the Specialized mark.  Holding the title 'World's Fastest Clincher', the Specialized Turbo Cotton is the tire ridden to victory by Tony Martin in the 2016 World TT Championships.

Featuring a super-supple 320tip polycotton casing and their patented GRIPTON compound, Specialize claims it is the fastest tire they've ever produced.  Apart from very little rolling-resistance, what riders immediately notice is the supremely supple ride.  Though also featuring Specializes BLACKBELT flat-protection, it is admittedly minimal and flats can be expected more often than not if ridden on debris strewn roads.

If you're looking for the best (and fastest) ride possible, and money nor fixing the occasional flat isn't a factor, this is the clincher for you.

$80, available in 24, 26, and 28mm widths.  Available here or in store.

Challenge Paris-Roubaix PRO:

Challenge has been making tires since the early 2000s (and the founder longer before that under a different name).  Priding itself on many of its tires still being handmade, Challenge offers many excellent options from track to gravel riding. 

The Challenge Paris-Roubaix Pro tire is a popular choice for its suppleness, wide-width, as well as durability (comparatively speaking).  Featuring a 300tpi SuperPolyCotton-casing and a 27mm width, the Challenge Paris-Roubaix Pro provides an exceptional ride from the gravel to the cobbles to the road. 

Vittoria Corsa G+:

Vittoria has a been a leader in the cycling industry for more than half of a century and currently holds the title as the world's leading manufacturer of bicycle tires.  With extensive clincher and tubular offerings, Vittoria compliments its tires with its own branded-wheels as well as tubes.

A favorite among our staff at our downtown location, the Corsa G+ features a supple 320tpi Corespun K casing with kevlar reinforcing the sidewalls.  Amongst all the featured cotton tires, the Vittoria Corsa G+ has displayed the greatest durability with about 1500 miles on a rear-wheel.