Specialized recently released their new Mondo TLR Endurance. It’s claimed to be “the fastest, lightest endurance tire in the world, breaking endurance records and winning Paris-Roubaix” and comes in at $79.99 USD, a reasonable price for a bit of gear that might just make you the next Pogačar (let’s ignore the fact that he’s currently riding Pirellis).
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that the Mondo TLRs look promising—the product page even features a video of one in a pinch flat testing machine, which lets you know they’re super cool and very scientific. But what if I were to tell you that there was a tire that was far superior? A tire loaded with so many unique features that we, The Squeaky Pedal staff, guarantee it will make you either 69% or 420% faster?*
Allow me to introduce…
The Specialized S-Works Turbo Tire
(Aged 10 Years)
Look, when it comes to tires, we tend to associate newness with quality. I’m here to tell you that’s wrong.
You may not be aware of this, but like many of life’s luxuries—e.g., cheese, wine, or certain actors—tires actually get better as they age. If this sounds ridiculous, it’s because Big Tire wants you to think it’s ridiculous. That way, you’ll keep buying pieces of rubber for 80 dollars to hopefully get 11% faster and finally make it to the top 30th percentile of that one suburban Strava segment.
The 10-year-old Specialized S-Works Turbo Tire is the vintage Barolo of the cycling world. It’s the silver fox of the rubber industry. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted, and more.
This is the tire of the past… and the future.
Features
Pro-Level Rubber
Just like the Mondo TLR Endurance Tire, the S-Works Turbo Tire is made using Specialized’s patented GRIPTON compound. I’m not sure which version of the GRIPTON compound, but it’s definitely one of them. This is good, for uh… speed reasons.
Dynamic Performance Tread Pattern
If you look at a modern S-Works Turbo Tire, you’ll notice it has a nice, smooth center with lightly textured shoulders.
This 10-year-old Specialized S-Works Turbo Tire is exactly like that, but with, like, so much more grip, dude. Each tire features a ton of cracks completely unique tread pattern rooted in top-of-the-line, definitely 100% scientific grip technology.** To top it off, the cracks tread grows as the tire ages, giving you more and more grip every time you ride.
It’s kind of revolutionary, if you think about it.
Streamlined Stability Profile
New bike tires have a nice, round profile. According to the “scientists” and “engineers,” this is done to give riders a larger contact patch when cornering and, as a result, more traction.
Obviously those “scientists” and “engineers” haven’t heard of the Dynamic Performance Tread Pattern. If they had, they would have realized that a round profile is stupid and unnecessary.
This S-Works Turbo Tire is designed with a flatter centerline profile. Created through the elimination of excess, unnecessary rubber, it cuts back on weight while offering riders greater traction on straightaways.
Rainbow Stripes & S-Works Heritage
Tire technology is great and all, but you know what affects riding speed the most?
Rainbow stripes.
Don’t believe me? Okay, let me ask you a question: What do Mark Cavendish, Mathieu van der Poel, and Peter Sagan have in common?
Rainbow stripes.
Point made.
(To make things even better, this tire even says “MADE IN RACING” on the sidewall. That automatically gives you +4 speed points.)
Added Excitement
Everyone knows that risk makes things ✨spicy✨. I mean, that’s why SAFA Brian is so popular, right? Unfortunately, most of us are not SAFA Brian, but this well-aged S-Works Turbo Tire offers riders an easy way to get in on the hype. How, you may ask?
You never know when your tire will blow out.
It’s a bit like Russian roulette, but with high-speed descents. Bonus points if you ride without a toolkit.
It’s a Conversation Piece
Some people, like dentists, ride expensive, titanium Moots builds. Some build up custom steel frames. Others ride tall bikes. Here at The Squeaky Pedal, we looked at those options and thought: That sounds like too much effort.
If you want to turn heads, this well-worn piece of rubber is the easiest way to do it. It’s sure to make you the center of attention at any bike shop. You can expect questions like:
- How old is that thing?
- Which trash heap did you dig it out of?
- Are you okay? Do you need help???
Move over, orthodontists, nepo babies, and bike mechanics with maxed-out credit cards. It’s time for the normies to get the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
From grip to speed to social benefits, this tire does it all. In fact, I don’t think there’s anything else you could possibly change that would improve your riding—or, low key, your life—this much. As Ignacio would say, it’s the best.
Look, if you want to be a loser, go ahead and buy an $80 tire. But if you’re ready to be a winner, it’s an easy choice—the 10-year-old Specialized S-Works Turbo Tire reigns supreme.
Product Specifications
| Brand | Specialized |
| Price | Free.99 |
| Weight | It’s light (just trust me bro) |
| Where to Find | The back of your buddy’s garage, stuck between an old trainer and a box of very random and very incompatible parts he swears he’ll use someday |
Disclaimers
* We definitely cannot guarantee this in any way, but we wanted to use funny numbers and are betting you won’t read this far into this review.
**We made this up, but we’re pretty sure it’s right.
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