• Specification

• Price: £40
• Weight: 315g (25mm variant tested)
• Sizes: 700×23, 700×25, 700×28, 700×32
• Size tested: 25mm
• Website: Specialized

It’s impressive but, having ridden thousands of miles on previous iterations of the Armadillo Elites over the years, I wouldn’t call it a surprise. Indeed, I can only remember ever puncturing once on any set of Armadillo Elites – when I got cocky riding over sharp debris from a recent car/wall incident.

What is surprising about the newest version of the tyre, however, is the wet weather grip. Previous iterations were never totally confidence-inspiring, and combined with a lack of feel, they were never a tyre you really wanted to lean over in a wet bend.

There is still a somewhat concrete-ride to the Armadillo Elites, but it has improved and with the increase in wet grip they feel much less compromised traversing greasy corners on your commute.

I compared the All Condition Armadillo Elite’s back-to-back with the Roubaix Pro’s and immediately felt the added weight on a 14 per cent ramp near my home.

With every acceleration out of a junction, or burst over a short ramp, you are reminded why your rubber won’t puncture. This isn’t a tyre to flatter your racing prowess on a punchy training ride.

Conclusion

The Specialized All Condition Armadillo Elite tyres are ideal for steady solo rides in inclement conditions, commuting and for anyone who really hates getting their hands dirty at the side of the road changing a flat.

Hilly terrain and group rides would not be their forte, however, due to the added weight of the Armadillo Elite puncture protection blunting acceleration. For these uses, we would recommend considering a lighter option.

Pros

• Very puncture resistant

• Roll well

• Wet weather grip

Cons

• Ride decidedly average

• Heavy

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