Review of the new Specialized Terra TLR gravel tires

A few months back I picked up a pair of 50mm Specialized Terra TLRs. There wasn’t much info online, but they looked perfect for my needs — and I found them on sale for $50 each, so I pulled the trigger.

My setup: Cervelo Aspero with ENVE G23 wheels. The Aspero is officially rated for 45mm but these squeezed in with little but still decent amount of clearance.

Other gravel tires I’ve ridden extensively: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M, Challenge Getaway, Vittoria Mezcal, Specialized Pathfinders

I’ve put ~1000 km on them so far, including plenty of local singletrack with sharp rocks. The real test was the Migration Gravel Race in Kenya this past June — a brutally rough course with everything from chunky rock gardens to corrugated roads, deep sand, water crossings, and sloshy mud.

After the first recon ride rattled me to the core, I dropped pressure to 18 psi (I’m <130 lbs) and just sent it.

Pros:

• Incredibly durable. They took so much abuse in Kenya, I mostly bombed through obstacles and I've definitely sideswiped them on sharp rocks and branches and they kept going without any damage to the tire.
• Really good grip both in deep sand and sloshy mud.
• They hold air crazy well, which has never been the case with any other gravel tires l've tested.
• They look sick.

Cons:

• Noticeably slower on road compared to other tires l've ridden, maybe on par with the Cinturato M.
• Not very supple. Granted my previous setup had Challenge Getaway which might be the supplest out there (260 vs 60 TPI). I did however find them more comfortable than the Cinturato M which has a crazy stiff sidewall.

I brought a spare set to Kenya expecting to replace at least one, but ended up finishing the race on the originals and I believe they have at least another 1000 km left in them, but I've set them aside for now because they're overkill for most of my riding.