Road Bike Tire Test: Specialized S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 28

Published: by
  • Specialized S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 28
Performance compared to all other road bike tires
(100% is best)
Pro Members get 11-point radar charts

Specialized S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 28 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine

Specialized recently released their Gripton Tx compounds, and they've now arrived at updating their S-Works Turbo tires. The new versions of the S-Works Turbo all come with a dual T2/T5 compound, with the harder T2 compound in the center and the softer T5 compound along the edge of the tire. We already tested the S-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 (read our review) a couple of months back, and we're now going to take a look at the S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5.


Maybe, just like we were, you're confused by the naming of these tires as the only difference is the RapidAir part in the name. We learn from Specialized's website that the RapidAir is the ultimate race day tire and comes with a lighter 120 TPI 2-layer casing instead of a more traditional 120 TPI 3-layer casing that we find on the non-RapidAir version. How the casing will make a difference to the overall performance is hard to judge; as some might know, the number of casing layers is open for interpretation depending on where you count the layers.


Something we can easily find on Specialized's website, and can give a good initial impression of a tire, are the specified weights of both versions. When we look at both tires' 26-622 sizes, we find the RapidAir comes in at 230 grams while the non-RapidAir comes in at 260 grams. The 30 grams difference doesn't seem all that much, but at least we know the RapidAir probably is the more performant tire.


However, given these tires' casing designs and specified weights, we're still puzzled about the differences between the RapidAir and non-RapidAir versions of the new tubeless S-Works Turbo tires. Luckily, that's where our tests come in, and our test results show clear differences between these tires; while both are good, they are more different than you might expect.


Something easy to spot is that the RapidAir version is only available in the 26-622 size, while the non-RapidAir is available in the 26-622, 28-622, and 30-622 sizes. Again, after you're done with our test results, it becomes perfectly clear why Specialized made these choices.


We've tested the 28-622 size of the non-RapidAir, and we'll compare it to the 26-622 RapidAir and a bunch of competing tires from other manufacturers. Aside from the obvious weight and size measurements, the slight difference in the tested sizes shouldn't significantly affect the test results.

Manufacturer Specifications


Manufacturer Specifications
Brand Specialized
Model S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5
Year 2023
Tire Type Tubeless
Supplied By Bought in store
New or Used New
Mileage 0 km
Price Range Very High
Buy At
Manufacturer part number 00022-1152
TPI 120
Compound Gripton T2/T5
Bead Folding
ETRTO 28-622
Size Inch 28"
Specified Width (mm) 28
Specified Weight 280 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi) 95
Made In Members Only
Available Sizes 26-622 (700x26c)
28-622 (700x28c)
30-622 (700x30c)

Specialized S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 28 Test Results

Specialized S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 28 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements


Size, Weight and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight 280 grams
Measured Weight 298 grams
System Adjusted Weight
(tire + valve + rim seal)
318 grams
Measured Width 28 mm (un-round)
Measured Height 25 mm (un-round)
Total Tire Thickness Center 2.9 mm
Total Tire Thickness Sidewall Members Only
Unmounted Casing Width 69 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 bar
Ultra High Air Pressure

(108 psi / 7.4 bar)
11.6 Watts
CRR: 0.00348
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 bar
Extra High Air Pressure

(90 psi / 6.2 bar)
12.5 Watts
CRR: 0.00375
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 bar
High 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 bar
Medium 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

Specialized S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 28 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine
Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread 66 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 2.9 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

Specialized S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 road bike tire on a grip test machine
Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average 71 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


  • Specialized S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 28
Performance compared to all other road bike tires
(100% is best)

Pro Members get 11-point radar charts

The Specialized S-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 is a spectacular performer in our tests, which shows no corners were cut on casing and compound technology. Although it's not the fastest rolling tire, we clearly see how it complements the RapidAir version, as this is the go-to tire from Specialized when you don't need every last bit of (rolling) performance out of your tires.


In short: the non-RapidAir offers a 50% better tread puncture resistance while rolling 20% slower. Based on the casing design and measured tread thickness, we also expect the non-RapidAir to last roughly 50% longer as there is much more rubber on the non-RapidAir version.


Wet grip is also strong on both tires, although the non-RapidAir scores slightly lower in the center and edge grip tests. We attribute the somewhat lower center grip to the stronger casing of the non-RapidAir that's less flexible than the thinner 2-layer RapidAir casing. We also see the same issue in the edge grip test, which comes in lower than expected for a dual compound tire. Just like with the RapidAir, we attribute the lower edge grip to the tread design consisting of tiny knobs along the edge of the tire. This tread pattern reduces contact patch and flexes under pressure in our grip test.


Even when we compare it to tires from other brands, the new S-Works Turbo 2-Bliss Ready is the top choice for some use cases, even for those not specifically looking for Specialized tires. If you're ok with the high price, this one might be worth a try.

RATING: 4.6 / 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended


Comments



Road Bike Rolling Resistance Reviews
Excludes previous models/discontinued tires
Visit the road bike overview to view all
Brand Model Watts
VittoriaCorsa Pro Speed TLR 285.6 W
VeloflexRecord TLR 256.3 W
VittoriaCorsa Speed G+ 2.0 (TLR) 257.0 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 TT TR 287.1 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 TT TR (TdF) 257.2 W
SchwalbePro One TT TLE Addix 257.5 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 S TR 258.4 W
MichelinPower Cup TLR 288.5 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 S TR 288.5 W
GoodyearEagle F1 SuperSport R TLC 288.5 W
MichelinPower Time Trial 258.6 W
VeloflexRecord (silica compound) 238.7 W
VittoriaCorsa Speed (tubular) 238.9 W
MichelinPower Cup TLR 258.9 W
VittoriaCorsa Pro TLR 289.3 W
ChallengeCriterium RS 259.4 W
VittoriaCorsa Pro TLR 269.6 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 S TR (tanwall) 259.6 W
ZippTangente Speed Tubeless 259.6 W
TufoComtura Prima TR 289.7 W
SpecializedS-Works Turbo RapidAir 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 269.8 W
ContinentalGrand Prix TT 259.9 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 2510.0 W
MichelinPower Road TLR 2510.1 W
SpecializedTurbo Cotton 2410.1 W
PirelliP Zero Velo TT 2310.2 W
ContinentalGrand Prix SuperSonic 2310.2 W
SchwalbePro One TLE Addix 2510.2 W
PirelliP Zero Velo Race TLR SL 2610.3 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 All Season TR 2810.4 W
SchwalbePro One Aero TLE (Front) 2810.5 W
VeloflexCorsa Race TLR 2510.6 W
MichelinPower Cup 2510.6 W
SpecializedTurbo Cotton Hell of the North 2810.6 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 All Season TR 2510.9 W
PirelliP Zero Race TLR SpeedCore 2810.9 W
MichelinPower Competition 2510.9 W
ContinentalGrand Prix Force II 2411.0 W
PanaracerAgilest TLR 2811.3 W
PirelliP Zero Race TLR SL (TechWall) 2811.3 W
ContinentalGrand Prix Attack II 2211.4 W
EnveSES Road Tire Tubeless 2511.4 W
BontragerR4 320 2511.5 W
SchwalbePro One Aero TLE (Rear) 2811.5 W
PirelliP Zero Race 4S 2611.6 W
SpecializedS-Works Turbo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 2811.6 W
ZippTangente Speed 2511.6 W
MavicYksion Pro UST Tubeless 2511.7 W
PirelliP Zero Velo Race TLR 2611.7 W
GoodyearEagle F1 R TLC 2811.7 W
ChallengeStrada Pro HTLR 2511.8 W
VeloflexCorsa Evo TLR 2511.9 W
HutchinsonFusion 5 Galactik TLR 11Storm 2512.0 W
VittoriaCorsa N.EXT TLR 2812.1 W
WolfpackRoad Race 2612.1 W
VittoriaCorsa G+ 2.0 TLR 2512.2 W
VittoriaCorsa G+ (tubular) 2512.3 W
VeloflexCorsa Race (clincher) 2512.3 W
VittoriaCorsa N.EXT TLR 2612.3 W
MichelinPower Road 2512.4 W
PirelliP Zero Velo 2512.5 W
VittoriaCorsa Pro Control TLR 2812.5 W
VittoriaCorsa Control G+ 2.0 TLR 2512.6 W
PirelliP Zero Race 2612.6 W
PirelliP Zero Race TLR 4S SpeedCore 2812.8 W
SchwalbePro One (tubetype) Addix 2512.8 W
SpecializedS-Works Mondo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 2812.8 W
VittoriaCorsa Elite (tubular) 2512.9 W
TufoComtura 4 TR 2812.9 W
CadexRace Tubeless 2513.0 W
VittoriaCorsa G+ 2.0 (open) 2513.0 W
MaxxisPadrone Tubeless Ready 2513.1 W
MaxxisHigh Road 2513.2 W
ChallengeStrada Pro 2513.4 W
SpecializedS-Works Turbo 2413.4 W
BontragerR3 Hard-Case Lite TLR 2513.6 W
PirelliP Zero Road 2613.7 W
Rene HerseChinook Pass Extralight 2813.8 W
SpecializedS-Works Turbo T2/T5 2613.8 W
PanaracerRace L Evo 3 2513.9 W
GoodyearEagle F1 TLC 2513.9 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 2514.0 W
VittoriaCorsa N.EXT 2614.0 W
ContinentalUltra Sport III 2514.1 W
VittoriaCorsa Control G+ 2.0 (open) 2514.1 W
ContinentalCompetition (tubular) 2514.2 W
MichelinPro 4 Endurance v2 2514.5 W
MichelinPower Endurance 2514.5 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 4 Season 2514.6 W
PirelliP Zero Velo 4S 2514.7 W
IRCFormula Pro Tubeless RBCC 2514.8 W
MavicYksion Elite 2515.0 W
TufoComtura Duo 2815.1 W
VittoriaZaffiro Pro G+ 2.0 2515.2 W
VittoriaRubino Pro G+ 2.0 2515.2 W
ZippTangente Course 2515.3 W
MichelinKrylion 2 Endurance 2515.4 W
MichelinPro 4 Service Course 2515.4 W
SchwalbeOne Performance Addix 2515.4 W
SchwalbeOne TLE Performance Addix 2515.8 W
MichelinLithion 2 2515.9 W
PirelliCinturato Velo TLR 2616.0 W
SchwalbePro One HT (tubular) 2516.1 W
PanaracerRace A Evo 3 2516.4 W
SchwalbeDurano Plus Addix 2516.4 W
ClementStrada LGG 2516.9 W
MichelinDynamic Sport 2517.3 W
PanaracerRace D Evo 3 2517.4 W
SchwalbeDurano 2518.0 W
SchwalbeLugano II 2518.0 W
VredesteinFortezza Senso All Weather 2518.0 W
ContinentalGatorskin 2519.3 W
ContinentalGator Hardshell 2519.5 W
SchwalbeDurano DD Addix 2519.5 W
MichelinPower All Season 2521.3 W
MaxxisRe-Fuse 2522.6 W
View All
CX/Gravel Rolling Resistance Reviews
Brand Model Watts
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 S TR 3212.8 W
Rene HerseSnoqualmie Pass TC Extralight 4413.5 W
ChallengeStrada Bianca Pro HTLR 4014.8 W
UltradynamicoCava Race 3314.9 W
SchwalbePro One TLE Addix 3415.5 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 All Season TR 3515.6 W
SchwalbeG-One RS Super Race 3515.7 W
ChallengeStrada Bianca Pro HTLR 3615.7 W
SchwalbePro One TLE Addix 3215.8 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 TL 3216.0 W
SchwalbeG-One RS Super Race 4016.2 W
ContinentalGrand Prix 5000 All Season TR 3216.3 W
ContinentalTerra Speed TR (tanwall) 4516.4 W
PanaracerGravelKing TLC 3516.6 W
VittoriaCorsa N.EXT TLR 3216.7 W
PanaracerGravelKing TLC 4017.0 W
ContinentalTerra Speed TR 3517.0 W
VittoriaCorsa N.EXT TLR 3417.2 W
ChallengeGetaway Pro HTLR 4017.4 W
Rene HerseSnoqualmie Pass TC 4417.4 W
TufoGravel Thundero 4017.4 W
TufoGravel Speedero 4017.5 W
SchwalbeG-One RS Super Race 4517.6 W
ContinentalTerra Speed TR 4017.8 W
TufoGravel Thundero 4418.1 W
TufoGravel Speedero 3618.2 W
ContinentalTerra Hardpack TR 5018.6 W
UltradynamicoCava Race 4218.9 W
PanaracerGravelKing TLC 3219.0 W
TufoGravel Thundero HD 4019.2 W
PanaracerGravelKing SS TLC 4019.2 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel H 4019.5 W
Rene HerseSnoqualmie Pass TC Endurance 4419.6 W
SpecializedRoubaix Pro 2Bliss Ready 3219.7 W
SchwalbeG-One Overland Super Ground SpeedGrip 5020.0 W
TufoGravel Swampero 4020.1 W
SpecializedS-Works Pathfinder 2Bliss Ready 4220.2 W
SpecializedS-Works Mondo 2Bliss Ready T2/T5 3520.2 W
MichelinPower Gravel 3520.3 W
SpecializedPathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready 4220.3 W
Rene HerseBarlow Pass TC 3820.4 W
PanaracerGravelKing SK TLC 4020.9 W
ChallengeStrada Bianca Race TLR 3621.2 W
ChallengeGetaway XP Pro HTLR 4021.3 W
PirelliCinturato Cross H 3321.4 W
ContinentalSpeed King CX RaceSport 3221.4 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel M 4521.7 W
VittoriaMezcal III TNT G+ 2.0 4421.9 W
MichelinPower Gravel (v2) 4021.9 W
ContinentalTerra Trail TR 4022.2 W
HutchinsonOveride 3522.2 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel M 4022.7 W
WTBRiddler TCS Light 3722.8 W
MichelinPower Adventure TLR 4822.9 W
SpecializedPathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready 3823.0 W
Rene HerseSteilacoom TC 3823.1 W
PanaracerGravelKing Plus TLC 3523.1 W
VittoriaTerreno Dry TNT G+ 2.0 3323.2 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel RC 4023.2 W
ZippG40 XPLR 4023.3 W
VittoriaTerreno Zero TNTG+ 2.0 3723.4 W
Rene HerseHurricane Ridge TC Extralight 4223.8 W
PirelliCinturato Velo 3523.8 W
TeravailCannonball Light & Supple 4223.9 W
SchwalbeG-One R Super Race 4024.2 W
MaxxisReaver EXO/TR 4024.2 W
WolfpackGravel SuperSpeed TLR 4024.2 W
Rene HerseSnoqualmie Pass TC Endurance Plus 4424.3 W
Rene HerseHurricane Ridge TC 4224.4 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel RC-X 4024.7 W
VredesteinAventura 3824.7 W
SchwalbeG-One Bite Super Ground SpeedGrip 4024.8 W
WTBResolute TCS Light 4224.8 W
SchwalbeG-One Speed Super Ground V-Guard SpeedGrip 4024.8 W
MaxxisRambler EXO/TR 120 TPI 4025.0 W
PanaracerGravelKing SS Plus TLC 4025.5 W
VittoriaTerreno Mix TNT G+ 2.0 3325.6 W
PirelliCinturato Gravel S 4025.6 W
ChallengeGrifo Pro 3325.7 W
WTBNano TCS Light 4025.8 W
PirelliCinturato Cross M 3325.9 W
SchwalbeG-One Ultrabite TLE SpeedGrip 4026.0 W
SchwalbeG-One Allround Super Ground SpeedGrip 4026.0 W
IRCBoken Doublecross 4226.3 W
WTBByway TCS Light SG2 4026.6 W
VittoriaTerreno Dry TLR G+ 2.0 4026.6 W
VittoriaTerreno Wet TNT G+ 2.0 3328.4 W
ChallengeGravel Grinder 3328.7 W
HutchinsonTouareg Hardskin TLR 4029.0 W
PirelliCinturato All Road 4029.7 W
MaxxisRe-Fuse Gravel 4030.1 W
BontragerGR1 Team Issue 4030.4 W
GoodyearConnector Ultimate 3531.4 W
View All
Mountain Bike Rolling Resistance Reviews
Excludes previous models/discontinued tires
Visit the MTB overview to view all
Brand Model Watts
SchwalbeThunder Burt Super Ground Addix Speed15.7 W
SchwalbeRocket Ron LiteSkin Addix Speed18.1 W
ContinentalRace King Protection (E-25)18.2 W
SchwalbeRacing Ralph Super Ground Addix Speed19.0 W
ContinentalSpeed King II RaceSport19.1 W
SchwalbeRacing Ralph LiteSkin Addix Speed20.5 W
SchwalbeRacing Ralph Super Race Addix Speed21.5 W
SchwalbeRocket Ron TL-E Addix Speed22.2 W
ContinentalRace King RaceSport22.4 W
SchwalbeRacing Ralph 2019 TLE Addix Speed22.5 W
SchwalbeRocket Ron TL-E Addix SpeedGrip22.7 W
VittoriaMezcal TNT G+ 2.023.5 W
SchwalbeRacing Ray TLE Addix SpeedGrip23.8 W
SchwalbeRacing Ralph TL-E Addix SpeedGrip24.2 W
VittoriaMezcal XC Race TLR G+ 2.024.4 W
ContinentalCross King Protection 29x2.224.5 W
ContinentalRace King Performance ShieldWall24.9 W
VittoriaBarzo TNT G+ 2.025.5 W
SpecializedS-Works Renegade 2BR T5/T725.9 W
SpecializedS-Works Fast Trak 2BR T5/T726.0 W
MaxxisAspen EXO TR26.1 W
IRCMythos XC26.3 W
ContinentalRace King Performance26.3 W
MaxxisRekon Race EXO TR26.6 W
MaxxisRekon Race MaxxSpeed EXO/TR26.8 W
SpecializedS-Works Ground Control 2BR26.8 W
MaxxisIkon 3C MaxxSpeed TLR27.0 W
ContinentalRace King Sport27.0 W
ContinentalCross King Protection 29x2.328.4 W
MaxxisAspen MaxxSpeed EXO/TR28.5 W
MichelinJet XCR28.7 W
PirelliScorpion XC RC Lite Team Edition28.8 W
MaxxisArdent Race 3C EXO TR30.6 W
MichelinForce XC30.8 W
ContinentalMountain King II RaceSport31.5 W
MichelinForce AM32.9 W
KendaSmall Block Eight35.6 W
MaxxisIkon eXCeption Silkworm38.2 W
TufoXC11 TR38.6 W
VittoriaAKA40.7 W
View All
Touring Bike Rolling Resistance Reviews
Brand Model Watts
CompassBon Jon Pass15.6 W
ContinentalGrand Prix Urban16.9 W
SchwalbeMarathon Almotion (OneStar)17.1 W
VittoriaVoyager Hyper17.7 W
ContinentalContact Urban18.4 W
SchwalbeMarathon Efficiency18.5 W
SchwalbeMarathon Supreme19.1 W
SchwalbeMarathon Almotion Addix19.4 W
SchwalbeMarathon Almotion TLE Addix19.7 W
PanaracerPasela PT (ProTite)20.6 W
ContinentalSport Contact II20.6 W
SchwalbeMarathon (GreenGuard)21.3 W
SchwalbeEnergizer Plus21.5 W
CSTE-Series Reach21.9 W
SchwalbeGreen Marathon22.4 W
ContinentalTop Contact II24.2 W
ContinentalUrban Taraxagum24.2 W
ContinentalContact II24.3 W
SchwalbeMarathon Racer24.6 W
SchwalbeKojak24.8 W
ContinentalCity Ride II25.1 W
SchwalbeMarathon Plus25.5 W
SchwalbeMarathon Mondial Evo26.7 W
VredesteinPerfect-E27.3 W
SchwalbeMarathon E-Plus27.4 W
ContinentalTop Contact Winter II28.5 W
VittoriaRandonneur32.4 W
ContinentalE.Contact33.4 W
View All
Fat Bike Rolling Resistance Reviews
Brand Model Watts
SchwalbeJumbo Jim LiteSkin PaceStar29.4 W
SchwalbeJumbo Jim SnakeSkin31.1 W
SpecializedFast Trak Fat35.9 W
VeeRubber Vee 838.3 W
SurlyLarry40.9 W
45NRTHVan Helga43.5 W
45NRTHHusker Du44.2 W
SurlyLarry 27 TPI45.5 W
VittoriaBomboloni TNT46.4 W
MaxxisMammoth47.2 W
PanaracerFat B Nimble47.9 W
KendaJuggernaut Pro51.7 W
View All