Continental AERO 111: When Aerodynamics is More than Just a Marketing Claim

When the know-how of Continental, the aero expertise of Swiss Side and the competence of DT Swiss come together, the result is the AERO 111: a perfect storm. Aero recesses in the patented tread pattern create a turbulent airflow that perfectly follows the rim contour and maximizes the sailing effect. The airflow at the rim is delayed. Whether you are striving for personal best times, challenging your friends or taking part in professional competitions, the reduced air resistance and lower steering torque will spur you on to top performance.

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Unleash Velocity with the Continental AERO 111

Continental's new AERO 111 is an uncompromising and ultimately aerodynamic front wheel-specific road bike tire. Developed with the aerodynamic experts at Swiss Side, the tread design has been extensively tested in the wind tunnel to help you save every unnecessary watt. If you won't settle for anything less than exceptional aerodynamics, the perfect combination of low rolling resistance, excellent puncture protection and outstanding grip in dry and wet conditions, then the Continental AERO 111 is your tire. Continental's internal tests showed better rolling resistance, aerodynamics and lower weight of the AERO 111 compared to the Grand Prix 5000 TT TR with the same grip, comfort & puncture protection.

Available in 26-622 and 29-622 sizes, Continental has developed the AERO 111 to be the most aerodynamic wheel and tire system in the world when combined with DT Swiss Aero or Endurance wheelsets. Of course, you can also fit the AERO 111 to wheelsets from other manufacturers and still benefit from outstanding aerodynamic properties.

Continental AERO 111 Tire

Aerodynamic Resistance and Sail Effect

The tread pattern of the Continental AERO 111 focuses on optimizing the aerodynamic properties of the tire/wheel combination, even at low rim heights. 48 small air clamps have been distributed over the entire surface of the tire. The task of these so-called "vortex generators" is to direct the turbulence on the surface of the front wheel - to create the "perfected storm", so to speak, which reduces the air resistance of the entire wheel-tire unit.

Wheel-tire System without AERO 111 with Higher Aerodynamic Resistance

  • The lower the rim profile, the less the rider benefits from the forward force ("sail effect"), as the airflow at the rim breaks off early and causes turbulence - with the result that the air resistance increases. The rim has the same effect on the system as the mast and sail have on a sailing boat.
  • "Sailing effect" very small and only present with higher rim profiles
  • Stall with turbulent wake 

Wheel-tire System with AERO 111 with Reduced Aerodynamic Resistance

  • The "sailing effect" increases. Even with lower rim profiles, the rider benefits from this effect because the laminar airflow reduces air resistance.
  • Increased forward force ("sail effect")
  • "Vortex generators" in the tire tread ensure a laminar (adjacent) air flow, which reduces the air resistance of the wheel-tire system

Continental AERO 111 Tire Aerodynamics

Technical Masterpiece: The Outstanding Features of the Continental AERO 111

Aerodynamics by Swiss Side
With over 20 years of experience in Formula 1 and cycling, Swiss Side is a leader in the field of aerodynamics. They are known for using the latest technologies and methods in aerodynamics and for carrying out practical tests to optimize the aerodynamics of every single component.

Tubeless Ready
The Continental AERO 111 is a tubeless ready tire that can be mounted tubeless for best performance and can therefore be ridden at a lower pressure, resulting in more comfort and better puncture protection.

Black Chili Compound 
Continental has revolutionized the cycling scene with its unique rubber compound, which is produced exclusively in Germany. With the legendary Black Chili Compound, you no longer have to choose between grip and rolling resistance. State-of-the-art polymers and specially developed carbon black particles and fillers guarantee unprecedented performance.

Vectran Breaker
Vectran is spun from Vectra, a liquid crystalline polymer. The result is a thermoplastic multifilament yarn that is more cut-resistant than aramid and has five times the tensile strength of steel. 
The Vectran Breaker is lighter, more flexible and offers better protection against punctures than a comparable nylon puncture protection and does not have a negative impact on rolling resistance.