The Aero 111 was developed in collaboration with the aero experts at Swiss Side, who don’t just work closely with Continental but are also well known for their partnership with DT Swiss. It’s no surprise, then, that the tire was designed in conjunction with the latest DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels. Sitting alongside the GP 5000 TT TR and GP 5000 S TR in Continental’s race line-up, the Aero 111 is a front-specific tire – because that’s where an aero profile makes the biggest difference, while at the rear, airflow is largely disrupted by the seat tube anyway. What makes Continental’s approach unique is the use of tiny dimples across the tread surface, designed to generate micro-turbulence. This effect is intended to enhance the sail-like sidewind effect and improve steering stability. The tire’s shape is also tailored to stay aero-efficient at low yaw angles, cutting through the air with minimal resistance. It has a noticeably lower profile and is the only tyre in the test to actually match its stated width of 29 mm. At € 122.95, the Aero 111 is the most expensive tire in the group and is pitched as an all-round aero performer aimed squarely at riders who are serious about marginal gains.
What’s a Bit of Crosswind? – The Continental Aero 111 in our 2025 Road Tire Test
In both lab and real-world testing, the Continental Aero 111 delivered an impressive all-round performance. Off the line, it feels just as lively as the GP 5000 S TR, our test winner, and it really comes into its own at higher speeds, offering noticeable efficiency gains. The measured rolling resistance sits at 12.1 watts, just 1 watt behind the GP 5000 S TR and 1.7 watts behind the ultra-fast GP 5000 TT TR. That puts it on par with the fastest tires from Challenge, Michelin and Pirelli. When it comes to grip and control, the Aero 111 is right up there with the best. Even under hard braking, it remains composed, with barely any loss of traction. In corners, the tire feels even more precise and slightly firmer than the GP 5000 S TR, giving you a more direct, race-ready feel. And when the wind picks up, the tire stays noticeably more stable than most – clear evidence that Continental’s aero concept isn’t just marketing hype but actually works.
In terms of comfort, the Aero 111 is on the firmer side. It doesn’t offer the same level of compliance as the GP 5000 S TR, especially on rough tarmac or cobbles. That said, it handles fine gravel and minor imperfections with adequate composure nonetheless. Fitting the Aero 111 is as you’d expect from Continental: quick, easy and fuss-free. It slips onto the rim by hand and seals up without drama. Alongside Schwalbe and Pirelli, it’s one of the easiest tires to install in the entire test field. Visually, it’s a real head-turner. The aero dimples might look unusual at first, but they give the tire a sleek, futuristic look. The Aero 111 can also hold its own in terms of puncture protection. While it doesn’t quite match the top-tier performance of the GP 5000 S TR or Vittoria’s offering, it still ranks in the upper third of the test field.
Tire Characteristics
Rolling Resistance
Pinch-Flat Protection
Puncture Protection
Grip
Conclusion on the Challenge Criterium RS
The Continental Aero 111 tire introduces an exciting concept and boasts a well-executed design. Despite its clear focus on aerodynamics, it remains efficient, grippy and composed. The only real drawback is its limited compliance, which could be felt on rougher surfaces. At € 122.95, it’s certainly one of the more expensive options on test, too. However, as a durable, low-wear front tire, it’s a smart upgrade for anyone looking to squeeze more speed out of their current setup.
Tops
- High efficiency for an aero tire
- Unique aero concept
- Good puncture protection
Flops
- Expensive compared to other race tires
Made in Germany | Tested size 29-622 | Tire width in mm¹ 29 | Tire height in mm¹ 19.4 | Tire height + test rim depth in mm² 64.6 | Weight 277.6 g | Price € 122.95
1 measured dimensions with 5.0 Bar, 2 Test rim: HUNT 40 Carbon Disc 622 x 22TC (Rim height 45.2 mm)
Find out more on continental-tires.com.
The Test Field
You can find an overview of this comparison test here:
The 13 best road bike tires head to head. Reviewing the best tubeless and clincher tires for road bikes
All tires in review: Challenge Criterium RS | Continental GP 5000 S TR | Continental Aero 111 | Continental GP 5000 TT TR | Hutchinson Blackbird Race | MAXXIS HighRoad Gen 3 | Michelin Power Cup TLR Competition Line | Pirelli P ZERO TLR RS | Pirelli P ZERO Race RS | Schwalbe Pro One TL | Specialized RapidAir TLR | Specialized S-Works Turbo TLR | Vittoria Corsa Pro TR
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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Fock
