Giant P-SLR1 Tyre

The Giant P-SLR1s are lightweight and grippy clinchers for fast road riding.

These tyres are built around 120tpi casings and they're unusual in that they're front and rear specific. They're both dual-compound, the front one designed to be stickier for extra grip while the rear one is designed to be fast and durable. As you'll doubtless know, your rear tyre generally wears faster than the front one so the idea seems sound to us.

At 206g each the SLR1s are a touch heavier than Giant's claimed weight (200g) but they're still light and quick. There's no puncture-protection strip under the tread though, so they're not particularly resistant to flats. Don't get me wrong, they're not especially prone to punctures either – just don't be surprised if you pick one up from time to time.

Don't be put off by the lack of a tread pattern – you know that makes no difference, right? – these are grippy. I've had a little rear wheel slippage a couple of times when climbing very steep, damp hills out of the saddle but these have been well behaved while cornering in both wet and dry conditions. They're very capable in that respect.

The SLR1s are wearing okay too. A centreline wear indicator will show when they've reached the end of their working life but that's a way off. Despite the difference in compounds between the front and rear, the back tyre is still wearing a little faster than the front one although it's not as noticeable as usual. It does even things up a bit (and if the rear one does look like it'll wear out first, I'll still swap them over the same as usual).

The P-SLR1 is available in just one size – 700 x 23C with a foldable Kevlar bead.

Verdict

Quick and grippy clinchers with reasonable durability.