Aero111 is a tire but also the first wheel/tire system which sees aerodynamics as its primary focus. It was born from the collaboration of three giants in the cycling development field. DT Swiss, Swiss Side e Shelf.
What is it about? A coverage designed, developed (by the three collaborations) and produced (by Continental) in a specific for the front wheel, a solution created to offer advantages in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, without sacrificing grip, safety and overall performance. The project takes the name of Aero111.
A three-way collaboration
This is not the first time that a product has been introduced into the market. wheel/tire systemBut it is the first time that three points of reference in the cycling sector, for production, development of technologies, aerodynamic solutions applied to cycling and strenuous pursuit of marginal gains they collaborate to achieve a result destined to change the category.
It's the first time ever for an aero concept tire. DT Swiss for wheels, Swiss Side for aerodynamic solutions (on more than one occasion we have highlighted the fruits of the collaboration between the two Swiss companies). Continental, leader in tire production.
Aero111 is a tubeless
Produced using the development base of the historic GP5000 TR (tubeless ready), Aero111 It is a kind of semi-slick tubeless tire that has a very particular design on the sides, unique in its kind. It is not about grooves, but about cavity real ones (48 in total and equally distributed) that activate micro-vortices, an action that has a positive effect on grip and maximizes the sail effect which is inevitably generated by the rotation of the front wheel (not protected by the vertical). Like a turbo effectThis tire officially debuts at the Tour de France with Team Decathlon-AG2r using Swiss Side wheels.
Two widths available
26 and 29 millimeters, with two very specific addresses. Keeping in mind that each of the two sections has been developed taking advantage of the combination with the DT Swiss Aero+ wheels and the ratings Swiss Side, the smallest size finds the optimal combination with the category Aero Performance, the largest with the Endurance category wheels (for example the ERC). Regardless of the optimal configuration aimed at maximum performance, there are no compatibility limits.
The declared scale values are 250 grams for the 26×622 and 280 grams for the 29×622 (well below the category average, with very light weights). Both sections are hookless compatible. The list price of a single tyre is 119,95 euros, can also be used with inner tubes. The new Aero111 It will be mounted on DT Swiss wheels (combined with the Continental GP5000 TR) from the ARC and AR, ERC and ER families (carbon and aluminum) with a price increase (compared to the list price of the wheels alone) of between 150 and 50 euros.
Democratization of aerodynamics
Compared to a few years ago, wheels have changed (a lot). Disc brakes, the progressive and constant evolution of the research in the field of aerodynamics applied to sport, are factors that have only accelerated a process already underway. It is also true that, once available to a few, Today aerodynamics is within the reach of many, a concept we find everywhere, affects efficiency and allows you to save energy. In cycling we talk about aerodynamic efficiency when we they exceed 15 kilometers per hour, because beyond this threshold most of the energy spent is dedicated to fighting space.
What is the contribution of a tire as Shelf Aero111? It acts on the technical performance of the entire wheel, which becomes more balanced at low and high speeds (considering a delta between 30 and 45 kilometers per hour and with 38 and 62 millimeter wheels). Furthermore it tends to dampen (in some cases eliminate) the “steering” effect, that is, the force impressed by the lateral wind on the wheel, which has a negative impact on steering and front-end control.
Not just professional speed
To further contextualize the development behind the Continental Aero111 tubeless, let's see what he added Jean-Paul Ballard (CEO Swiss Side)«Up to now, anyone who has invested in product development using aerodynamic concepts has always kept the 45 km/h reference. Not everyone – Ballard tells us – goes at that speed and manages to maintain it consistently. This is why the numerous tests, combinations and development phases of the Aero 111 have considered higher and lower wheels and speeds dropping to 30 kilometers per hour. I consider it - Ballard continues - to be the true one democratization of aerodynamicsWho wants embrace very different categories of cyclists.
«Finally – concludes Ballard – the tire is essential to improve the aerodynamic performance of the front wheelIt is the first part of the bike's system to hit the incoming air and conditions the airflow over the wheel. If conditioned correctly, the airflow can stick to the rim much better and at high crosswind angles. This leads to significant reductions in aerodynamic drag and a massive increase insail effect. The AERO 111 tyre is developed to maximise this effect, especially at low speeds, where normal tires, aerodynamically, simply don't work."
