Specialized has unveiled updates to its gravel tyre lineup, introducing the all-new Tracer model, designed to meet the evolving needs of competitive and recreational cyclists alike. The company, known for its sponsorship of top athletes who often dominate races, promises these tyres will be the go-to choice for riders this year.
In an effort to streamline its offerings, Specialized has reduced its tyre selection to four road models, three gravel variants, and four mountain bike tyres. This simplification makes it easier for customers to select the right tyres without feeling overwhelmed by an extensive range of options.
Among the three new gravel tyres are the Pathfinder SLR, designed for racing and hardpack, the Tracer, which caters to mixed gravel riding, and the Terra TLR, intended for both gravel and trail use. All three tyres come with updated casings, new tread patterns, and are available in larger sizes. Specialized claims the new models are 19% faster and 30% more cut-resistant compared to their predecessors.
For this review, we focused on the Tracer, which carries the company’s bold “One Tire, Any Surface” slogan. The previous Tracer model was a versatile tyre, serving both cyclocross and gravel riding needs, but it struggled with grip in muddy conditions due to its tightly spaced tread.
The revamped Tracer has been specifically designed for gravel riding and features several key improvements. The casing is stronger, and the tread pattern has been reworked to enhance performance. According to Specialized, the new “compact center knob cluster” reduces rolling resistance by 19%, while the improved casing increases cut resistance by 30%. The outer tread now has larger and wider knobs for better mud-shedding and enhanced cornering support. Additionally, the same T5 compound used on the shoulders of Specialized’s road tyres is featured here for added grip.
The updated Tracer is hookless-compatible and comes in 40, 45, and 50mm widths, signaling a shift away from UCI-compatible cyclocross tyres. Interestingly, the availability of a 45mm width may surprise some, considering how rapidly tyre sizes have evolved. While pro gravel riders are opting for tyres exceeding 50mm, the Tracer’s 45mm option offers a balanced choice for those who don’t necessarily need, or prefer, a wider tyre.
During our test, we mounted a pair of 45mm Tracers, which, at 530 grams each, were lighter than their advertised weight. Despite slight variations in weight between the two tyres, they both proved lighter than expected. Mounting was seamless and took only about ten minutes, reflecting the impressive progress of modern tubeless technology.
On the bike, the Tracer tyres initially caused some confusion due to the noise they generated, which turned out to be from the tyres kicking up small rocks. Riding through sandy patches on the road produced a distinctive, noisy sound, but this didn’t affect performance. On paved surfaces, the tyres provided a predictable, stable ride with no noticeable squirming. The relatively light weight for knobby tyres of this width was particularly evident during acceleration and when handling the bike.
On rough gravel, the tight knob spacing didn’t inspire as much confidence as hoped, but the Tracer isn’t intended for the harshest conditions. It performs well on fast dirt roads with some moisture, offering excellent grip when wet and rolling smoothly when dry. The Tracer seems to strike a balance between a semi-slick and a fully knobby tyre, making it an ideal choice for mixed gravel terrain. This tyre is expected to be a frequent sight at the front of gravel races throughout the season.
Specifications:
- Brand: Specialized
- Model: Tracer TLR
- Price: $55 (US), £45 (UK), €50 (EU), $90 (AU)
- Use case: Hardpack racing, loose gravel exploring, singletrack riding
- Casing: 60TPI 3-ply TLR casing, tubeless
- Compound: GRIPTON T5
- Weight:
- 700x40c – 460g
- 700x45c – 530g
- 700x50c – 550g
- Sidewall Colours: Black (700×45), Tan (700×40, 45, 50)
In summary, the new Tracer is a well-rounded gravel tyre, ideal for racers and adventurers seeking speed, durability, and versatility. Whether you’re navigating fast dirt roads or exploring loose gravel paths, the Tracer proves itself as a reliable choice in Specialized’s revamped tyre lineup.
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