In this article I’m going to give you a list of the best semi-slick road bike tires.
A semi-slick tire is a tire which has a minimalistic tread pattern to decrease rolling-resistance as much as possible. Basically all road bike tires are either slicks or semi-slicks, with semi-slicks reserved for 4-season tires, commuter and touring tires, and riding on something else than smooth tarmac.
The difference between a slick and a semi-slick when looking at the tread pattern, makes the least difference of all cycling differences. It’s easy to understand the impact between a knobbed mountain bike tire, and a semi-slick one. But there aren’t any knobbed road bike tires (with a tire width up to 28mm). Knobbed cyclocross tires usually start at a width of 33mm, which is a tire width you can’t use for your standard road bike frame with respect to frame clearance.
What you do see is that semi-slick road bike tires in general offer more durable compounds, and more puncture resistance, with single or dual breakers being used. And a semi-slick tire does offer a bit more grip, especially in wet conditions.
Here’s the overview of my top picks for the best semi-slick road bike tires.
Continental Sprinter Gatorskin
If you’re looking for puncture protection that comes in a tubular package, the Continental Sprinter Gatorskin is your best bet.
It offers the same DuraSkin layer wrapped all around the tire as does the Continental Grand Prix 4-Season. Where it differs is both the breaker and the compound.
The Sprinter Gatorskin has a 3-layered 180 TPI all-weather casing and the SafetySystem breaker is made from kevlar reinforced nylon.
The tire is available in a black 22 or 25 mm width.
Sorin Boriceanu | Professional Triathlete – May 24, 2013
I highly recommend the Sprinter Gatorskin tubulars for an everyday tyre, even for the occasional race. I would not recommend them for priority races as ITU Races. The thick construction and flat protection soak up too much energy better used in propelling you forward.
- The most puncture resistant tubular tire on the market
- It's a somewhat stiff tubular tire meant for off-season riding
Continental Ultra Sport
The Continental Ultra Sport III is a budget-friendly slick tire for commuters and road bikes.
It offers a no-frills tire in an affordable package, and one of the cheapest big brand tires money can buy
It’s a solid option for people who understand they get what they pay for.
Vinay Rawat | Triathlete – May 22, 2017
I did more than 1500 km with stock tires on my Giant Defy 3 and that too on bumpy and rough roads of Delhi. I used these tires along with tire liners from RhinoDillos and had very few flats in the span of 9 months and the rolling resistance was very less.
After 200 km of ride I can say these tires are quite durable and cornering feels very comfortable. Though couldn’t say if these are faster than the previous ones but comfort wise these seem much compliance. I would recommend you to go for the foldable option of these tires.
- Extremely budget-friendly, no-frills commuter tire.
- None for its price-point
Michelin Dynamic Classic
I’ve seen vintage road bike resellers dress their entire lineup with Michelin Dynamic Classic tires. The reason for this is that it’s a perfect match for any vintage road bike at probably the lowest cost for a tan wall road bike tire.
In the quality department this tire will not be top of its class, but it does come in an affordable package. And with prices ever going up that’s always a good thing.
- Cheap, great for retro builds
- Not the most durable
Panaracer Pasela ProTite
Panaracer makes very nice mid-level priced tires. And they also offer some of the best-looking ones for retro builds. I choose the Panaracer Pasela ProTite over the normal Pasela, because it’s lighter, comes in a folding version and has better puncture protection.
The ProTite bead-to-bead protection covers is a tightly woven fabric covering the entire width of the tire, and sits in a mid-tier casing, offering a great combination of puncture protection, and low weight.
In general the Pasela ProTite are lightweight and true skin walls, that’ll look great on your bike.
Shaun Audane | Technical writer – December 24, 2017
I still rate the Paselas and reckon they’re a good bet for training – especially on older bikes where preserving originality is welcome. The wide range of sizes also means they’re worth considering for cyclo-cross or gravel bikes that double as winter trainers. That said, I’d stick with the wire beads and save £30 a pair (at RRP); while likeable, the folding versions are outclassed on value by faster-rolling, higher-pressure contemporaries.
- Fantastic all-round tire, very light, true skin wall tires. Go-to option for retro commuter builds.
- None
Panaracer RiBMo
At 26 x 2 inches and 560 grams the Panaracer RibMo is among the lightest tires for its size on this list. Its minimal tread pattern moves it into the direction of being a slick tire, perfect for fast urban commuting.
The Panaracer RiBMo uses their proprietary ProTite technology, which is an extra puncture-resistant layer which runs the entire length and width of the tire. And they offer a more durable, commuter-friendly compound.
The conclusion is this tire will make your bike feel fast and nimble for many many miles at a reasonable enough price.
Dave Atkinson | Road.cc founder – October 15, 2015
The tread shape, which is ovalised a bit like the pointy end of an egg, is designed to decrease rolling resistance while still offering good grip when cornering. I can’t say that I ever had any problems with grip, even with the hard compound.
One of the reasons for this is that with a bigger air chamber you can afford to run the tyres at a lower pressure. I’m 100kg and normally put 100psi into a 25mm tyre; I found I could run these RiBMos at 85-90psi without any more danger of pinch-flatting than I’d have with a thinner tyre. That means more grip and extra comfort too, and it didn’t noticeably affect the tyre’s ability to roll.
- Ultra-light slick tire, affordable, durable, and supple, japanese build quality
- None
Pirelli Cinturato Velo
If you ask me, Pirelli Cinturato’s understated design is one of the best on this list. This tubeless-ready tire is far more robust than the P Zero on this list, going in the direction of a gravel tire.
A kevlar-reinforced breaker offers bead-to-bead protection, besides a smaller one sitting underneath the tread. The more durable 60 TPI casing is heavier, but will last you longer. Called Armour Tech, it’s the solution of choice for making these tires truly all-weather condition tires, offering great grip and puncture resistance all through the year.
That added protection does mean they will tip the scales at 300 and 340 grams for the 26 and 28 mm versions. So it’s no weight-weenie tire.
Oscar Huckle | Technical writer – January 1, 2023
The Pirelli Cinturato Velo tyre has seriously impressed through testing and is now one of my top choices for winter use.
Although there are grippier tyres available, there’s no shortage of speed for the construction offered, and it has proven tough too.
As well as a very competent winter tyre, if you want a fit-and-forget tyre to run all year round (and you’re happy to compromise performance a little in the warmer months), the Cinturato Velo will be an excellent option.
- Fantastic grip, durability, and puncture-protection for a 4-season tire, very fast.
- A bit on the heavy side
Vittoria Corsa Control
If you want a bit more puncture protection but still have Vittoria emblazoned on your sidewall, the Vittoria Corsa Control will suit your needs.
It’s obviously heavier than its other namesake, but with it comes extra protection. It has an extra tread inserted into the tire, which adds control and durability for less than optimal road conditions like cobblestones and rougher roads.
It’s also a perfect companion for those who don’t mind riding in wet conditions. So choose this tire over the normal Corsa if rough and wet is what you like.
The Vittoria Corsa Control is also the only tan-wall road bike tire on this list that comes as a tube. So if you have a very premium vintage road bike or a very premium set of modern-day wheels you can take advantage of everything tubes have to offer as well.
Liam Cahill | Contributor – July 21, 2020
At 323g, this isn’t the lightest tubeless option out there, but it does come with the added casing reinforcement and thicker tread. If you compare these to summer race tyres then you will notice that the Corsa Control TLR feels a little slower, but I’ll trade that for the increased mileage and added protection against punctures.
If you’re after a set of fast and grippy tyres for wet weather, or you want a posh tubeless tyre for winter, this is a very good option. The plush ride, confidence in the rain, and robust compound make the Vittoria Corsa Control TLR G2.0 easy to recommend.
- Added puncture protection, tan option available, tube
- None
Vittoria Rubino Pro Control
The Vittoria Rubino Pro Control is the stiffer, heavier and more puncture protected version of the standard Rubino.
It’s a training tire with bead-to-bead protection besides an enhanced puncture protected layer. Its nylon casing is meant to withstand the elements of all seasons.
Available in standard sizes 23 to 28 mm as a 60 TPI folding tire.
Robyn Furtado | Senior Videographer – February 15, 2023
Where I live in the south west of England, we’ve experienced a range of hostile winter weather so far this year, so it hasn’t been hard to put the Rubino Pros through their paces. I’ve ridden them on ice, down flooded or thorn-strewn farm lanes, on potholed commuter roads and over rough mountain passes.
The Rubino Pros are also wonderfully grippy. On rough pothole-littered roads, the Rubinos stayed on path confidently, and I found them sure-footed on slick and wet roads. They held their own in icy conditions too, although you obviously still need to be very careful.
- Solid puncture protection with a bead-to-bead protection layer, and breaker.
- None for its price-point
Specifications semi-slick road bike tires
Name | Size | ETRTO | Weight (gr) | Tread color | Sidewall color | Compound | Puncture protection | Tire bead | TPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Continental Sprinter Gatorskin | 700Cx25 | 25-622 | 275 | Black | Black | BlackChili | DuraSkin / SafetySystem Breaker | tubular | 3/180 |
Continental Sprinter Gatorskin | 700Cx22 | 22-622 | 265 | Black | Black | BlackChili | DuraSkin / SafetySystem Breaker | tubular | 3/180 |
Continental Ultra Sport III | 700Cx28 | 28-622 | 295 | Black | Black | PureGrip | foldable | 3/180 | |
Continental Ultra Sport III | 700Cx25 | 25-622 | 270 | Black | White | PureGrip | foldable | 3/180 | |
Continental Ultra Sport III | 700Cx23 | 23-622 | 255 | Black | Yellow | PureGrip | foldable | 3/180 | |
Continental Ultra Sport III | 700Cx23 | 23-622 | 255 | Black | White | PureGrip | foldable | 3/180 | |
Continental Ultra Sport III | 700Cx23 | 23-622 | 255 | Black | Black | PureGrip | foldable | 3/180 | |
Michelin Dynamic Classic | 700Cx20 | 23-622 | Black | Tan | foldable | ||||
Michelin Dynamic Classic | 700Cx25 | 25-622 | Black | Tan | foldable | ||||
Michelin Dynamic Classic | 700Cx28 | 28-622 | Black | Tan | foldable | ||||
Panaracer Pasela ProTite | 700×25 | 25-622 | 250 | Black | Amber | ZSG | ProTite Shield / 400D Lite Extra Cord | foldable | 66 |
Panaracer Pasela ProTite | 700×28 | 28-622 | 270 | Black | Amber | ZSG | ProTite Shield / 400D Lite Extra Cord | foldable | 66 |
Panaracer RiBMo | 700Cx25 | 25-622 | 340 | Black | Black | Mile Cruncher | ProTite Shield / 800D Strong Cord | foldable | 66 |
Pirelli Cinturato | 700Cx26 | 26-622 | 300 | Black | Tan | SmartNET silica | Armour Tech | tlr | 66 |
Pirelli Cinturato | 700Cx28 | 28-622 | 340 | Black | Tan | SmartNET silica | Armour Tech | tlr | 66 |
Pirelli Cinturato | 700Cx26 | 26-622 | 300 | Black | Black | SmartNET silica | Armour Tech | tlr | 66 |
Pirelli Cinturato | 700Cx28 | 28-622 | 340 | Black | Black | SmartNET silica | Armour Tech | tlr | 66 |
Pirelli Cinturato | 700Cx32 | 32-622 | 360 | Black | Black | SmartNET silica | Armour Tech | tlr | 66 |
Pirelli Cinturato | 700Cx35 | 35-622 | 410 | Black | Black | SmartNET silica | Armour Tech | tlr | 66 |
Vittoria Corsa Control | 700Cx25 | 25-622 | 265 | Black | Tan | Corespun K | Protection Belt | foldable | 320 |
Vittoria Corsa Control | 700Cx25 | 25-622 | 265 | Black | Black | Corespun K | Protection Belt | foldable | 320 |
Vittoria Corsa Control | 700Cx28 | 28-622 | 280 | Black | Black | Corespun K | Protection Belt | foldable | 320 |
Vittoria Corsa Control | 700Cx28 | 28-622 | 280 | Black | Tan | Corespun K | Protection Belt | foldable | 320 |
Vittoria Corsa Control | 700Cx30 | 30-622 | 280 | Black | Tan | Corespun K | Protection Belt | foldable | 320 |
Vittoria Rubino Pro Control | 700Cx23 | 23-622 | 290 | Black | Black | Nylon | Protection Belt | foldable | 60 |
Vittoria Rubino Pro Control | 700Cx25 | 25-622 | 300 | Black | Black | Nylon | Protection Belt | foldable | 60 |
Vittoria Rubino Pro Control | 700Cx28 | 28-622 | 340 | Black | Black | Nylon | Protection Belt | foldable | 60 |
Sources
Founder Restoration.bike
Johan van Seijen is the founder of restoration.bike. His cycling career has seen him at the starting line of classics such as the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege. Realizing his racing capacity would fall short of what was needed he obtained a MS from the University of Amsterdam in engineering. His love for cycling changed into riding in an amateur capacity with his local cycling club TFC Weesp as a roadie and supporting MTB Noordwest as a mountain biker. He repairs, restores, and builds bicycles and shares his knowledge on YouTube, Facebook and this website.
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