Road Bike Tire Test: Hutchinson Blackbird Race TLR 28
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 9.2 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 44 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 82 Points
- Conclusion: 4.8 / 5 Highly Recommended
- Comments
- Hutchinson Blackbird Race TLR 28
(100% is best)
After the well-received Blackbird TLR, Hutchinson now presents the Blackbird Race TLR, which places more emphasis on performance. Our test of the Blackbird TLR revealed that it features a relatively thick tread and excellent puncture resistance. Due to the strong protection, it was relatively easy for Hutchinson to find more performance enhancements, and we are not surprised that they introduced a Race version.
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At first glance, we see that Hutchinson has chosen to use virtually the same casing as the regular Blackbird TLR (read our review). We still see an anti-puncture strip under the tread, which indicates that this is not an absolute time-trial tire. The casing has a new name and is now called Ultraswift instead of Swifteasy. The casing construction looks very similar, but there may be some supple differences that are hard to spot.
The most significant difference mainly lies in the compound, which has been upgraded from Mach Thread 3.0 to Mach Tread Ultimate. The Mach Tread Ultimate is now Hutchinson's fastest compound, and they claim a 25% improvement in energy rebound when compared to their previous compound. We also notice that the tread has been made thinner, which contributes to a weight savings of 50 grams per tire.
With the Blackbird Race TLR, Hutchinson also bids farewell to the 26 mm size, leaving only the 28 mm and 30 mm sizes available. Unfortunately, there is no tan sidewall version available, so you will have to settle for black sidewalls. We tested the 28-622 size of the Blackbird Race, and here is our review.
Manufacturer Specifications
| Manufacturer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hutchinson |
| Model | Blackbird Race TLR |
| Year | 2025 |
| Tire Type | Tubeless |
| Supplied By | Bought in store |
| New or Used | New |
| Mileage | 0 km |
| Price Range | Very High |
| Buy At | Ad Amazon.com |
| Manufacturer part number | PV533231 |
| EAN | 3248382097448 |
| TPI | 127 |
| Compound | Mach Tread Ultimate |
| Bead | Folding |
| ETRTO | 28-622 |
| Size Inch | 28" |
| Specified Width (mm) | 28 |
| Specified Weight | 240 grams |
| Max Air Pressure (psi) | 94 |
| Made In | Members Only |
| Available Sizes |
28-622 (700x28c) 30-622 (700x30c) |
Hutchinson Blackbird Race TLR 28 Test Results
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
| Size, Weight and Thickness Measurements | |
|---|---|
| Specified Weight | 240 grams |
| Measured Weight | 248 grams |
| System Adjusted Weight (tire + valve + rim seal) |
268 grams |
| Measured Width | 28 mm (un-round) |
| Measured Height | 24 mm (un-round) |
| Total Tire Thickness Center | 2.2 mm |
| Total Tire Thickness Sidewall | Members Only |
| Unmounted Casing Width | 70 mm |
| Unmounted Tread Width | Members Only |
| Tread Cover (Tread / Casing Ratio) | Members Only |
| All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 100 psi / 6.9 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim. | |
Rolling Resistance Test Results
| Rolling Resistance Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Inner Tube | None (20 ml sealant) |
| Measured Width | 28 mm (un-round) |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 132 psi/9.1 bar 25-27 = 120 psi/8.3 bar 28-29 = 108 psi/7.4 barUltra High Air Pressure (108 psi / 7.4 bar) |
9.2 Watts CRR: 0.00276 |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 110 psi/7.6bar 25-27 = 100 psi/6.9 bar 28-29 = 90 psi/6.2 barExtra High Air Pressure (90 psi / 6.2 bar) |
10.2 Watts CRR: 0.00306 |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 88 psi/6.1 bar 25-27 = 80 psi/5.5 bar 28-29 = 72 psi/5.0 barHigh Air Pressure (72 psi /5.0 bar) |
Members Only |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 25-27 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 28-29 = 54 psi/3.7 barMedium Air Pressure (54 psi / 3.7 bar) |
Members Only |
| The Road Bike section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load. |
|
Puncture Resistance Test Results
| Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better) | |
|---|---|
| Total Puncture Score Tread | 44 Points |
| Total Puncture Score Sidewall | Members Only |
| Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Members Only |
| Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Members Only |
| Tread Total Tire Thickness | 2.2 mm |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Members Only |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Members Only |
| Sidewall Total Tire Thickness | Members Only |
Static Grip Test Results
| Static Grip Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Wet Grip Average | 82 Points |
| Wet Grip Center | Members Only |
| Wet Grip Edge | Members Only |
| Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 Road bike grip test rim width = 19.0 mm |
|
Conclusion
- Hutchinson Blackbird Race TLR 28
(100% is best)
When it comes to performance, the Blackbird Race TLR is a significant improvement. Compared to the Blackbird TLR, the Blackbird Race TLR rolls 15% faster, is 40 to 50 grams lighter, and wet grip has improved by about 10%. If you are focused on timing, these are the key factors to consider.
The better performance comes at the expense of puncture resistance and tread thickness. Puncture resistance is approximately 20% lower, and we also expect durability to be slightly reduced due to the reduced rubber thickness.
We are impressed with Hutchinson's Blackbird Race. However, we notice that the rolling resistance increases slightly faster at lower pressures compared to its main competitors, the Pirelli P Zero Race RS TLR (read our review), and Continental Aero 111 (read our review), which is why there is a slight point deduction.
Compare the Hutchinson Blackbird Race TLR and Blackbird TLR on our comparison section
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RATING:
4.8
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended