Wheel Tire System Technology

Already offering some of the fastest wheels on the market, the next step to make you faster was to start considering the wheel and tire as a whole system – the Wheel Tire System (WTS). With the AERO 111 tire, we developed the ideal front tire that perfectly suits our rims, taking their aero-optimization to the next level.

The development of the Wheel Tire System follows our AERO+ concept as a symbiosis of drag, handling and efficiency. We applied this technology to our Aero and Endurance categories, bringing up their aero gains to the next level with a tailored tire, ideally suiting their respective inner rim widths.

Wheel Tire Combination

As a tire can make or break aerodynamic performance, it was a logical next step for us to combine our aerodynamically optimized wheels with the ideal tire to make a top performing system. We defined the tire width for a specific use case based on the requirements of the users. The front wheel features the new AERO 111 tire, designed to maximize aerodynamic performance in 26 mm width for Aero and 29 mm for Endurance wheels. While the rear wheel—less exposed to direct wind and affected by frame-induced turbulence and leg motion—uses Continental's flagship GP 5000 S TR. This pairing achieves an optimal balance of aerodynamics, comfort, and rolling resistance.

AERO 111
A Perfected Storm

How does the AERO 111 tire actually work? To enhance our AERO+ concept and create a truly efficient WTS, we began with established tire technologies and then reimagined the surface structure in an entirely new way. Across its surface are 48 evenly spaced cavities, called vortex generators, which manage airflow turbulence over the front wheel, effectively reducing drag for the entire front WTS. The result is a unique tire that fits seamlessly with our Aero & Endurance wheels and excels in a variety of conditions, providing measurable performance gains.

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Trust the Pros

Aero-optimization of athletes plays a key role in long distance triathlon where drafting is not allowed. The Aero WTS has been tested and approved by some of the best triathletes in the world. Here is what they have to say about it:

Chelsea Sodaro
Ironman World Champion 2022

«I have felt the most benefit from the AERO 111 tire in super windy conditions, like Kona. With the tire, I notice that I'm able to handle my bike much better as I navigate the cross winds. In fact, last year I was able to ride a deeper rim than the year before. I think this is because the AERO 111 allows me to handle my bike, even in adverse conditions. The tire has been a great addition to my high performance toolbox!»

Sam Long
Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Champion

«The AERO 111 tire is the perfect complement to optimize rider and machine. In the age of marginal gains, every benefit matters and each detail is as important as any other. If you are not using this new tire you are at a disadvantage—as simple as that. What’s more is the tire still rides fantastic in terms of smoothness on the road and grip through corners.»

International Recognition

After the successful launch of the AERO 111 tire in the summer of 2024, the new technology has been internationally celebrated by the cycling press around the world. Winning the 2025 Design & Innovation Award is the icing on the cake. It rewards our commitment to excellence, creativity and innovative solutions that redefine industry standards with this new technology.

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AERO WTS

Aero Wheel Tire System

Aerodynamic Drag

The result of combining any wheel in our Aero portfolio with the AERO 111 tire is a perfected Wheel Tire System (WTS) that reduces the aerodynamic drag of the front wheel at both lower (30 km/h) and higher (45 km/h) speeds. This democratization of aerodynamic performance means that a well-trained cyclist riding at 30 km/h can significantly benefit from the combined aerodynamic optimization of the AERO 111 tire on any of our Aero wheels (shown here with the ARC 1100 DICUT 62). Even pro riders and TT-specialists, for whom every second counts, will gain a competitive advantage from riding DT Swiss’s Aero WTS.

Steering Moment

A key factor in riding dynamics is the steering moment—the moment around the bike`s steering axis. In crosswinds, especially in sudden changes, the airflow can detach from the rim, causing turbulences that leads to big changes in steering moment in a short period of time. This results in unpredictable countermovements on the handlebars from the rider. For optimal and safe steering behavior, the goal is a steering moment that remains as linear as possible. The graphs show that the aero-optimized WTS produces a slightly higher but very consistent steering moment at both lower (30 km/h) and higher (45 km/h) speeds. This results in a steady increase in steering torque during crosswinds, reducing sudden jolts. The outcome is smoother, more predictable handling, enhancing the rider’s confidence to hold an aerodynamic position comfortably throughout the ride.

Choose Your Rim Height

Thanks to the WTS technology, even the lowest aerodynamic rims get an increase in aerodynamic performance. It is actually the low rims, such as the carbon ARC 1100 DICUT 38 or even the aluminum AR 1600 SPLINE 30 with rim heights of 38 and 30 mm respectively, that see the biggest decrease of their weighted aerodynamic drag.

ARC 1100 DICUT DB 38

Aerodynamic Drag
ARC 1100 DICUT DB 38

Steering Moment
ARC 1100 DICUT DB 38

ARC 1100 DICUT DB 50

Aerodynamic Drag
ARC 1100 DICUT DB 50

Steering Moment
ARC 1100 DICUT DB 50

ARC 1100 DICUT DB 62

Aerodynamic Drag
ARC 1100 DICUT DB 62

Steering Moment
ARC 1100 DICUT DB 62

ARC 1100 DICUT DB 80

Aerodynamic Drag
ARC 1100 DICUT DB 80

Steering Moment
ARC 1100 DICUT DB 80

AR 1600 SPLINE DB 30

Aerodynamic Drag
AR 1600 SPLINE DB 30

Steering Moment
AR 1600 SPLINE DB 30

ENDURANCE WTS

Endurance Wheel Tire System

Aerodynamic Drag

With an aerodynamic drag reduction, the Endurance WTS will make you faster with the same energy imput or let you ride longer with a lower energy input. In both cases, you will be able to ride further, which at the end of the day is what we are all aiming for on an endurance ride. The fact that the Endurance WTS already decreases the drag at lower speeds (30km/h) is a great advantage in this area, as on long endurance rides, the speed average is lower than on a flat out race.

Steering Moment

A well-tuned steering moment enhances your ability to navigate long distances efficiently and comfortably, ultimately improving your overall endurance performance. The Endurance WTS offers a more linear steering moment, ensuring a consistent increase in steering torque in crosswind conditions. This eliminates sudden jolts, providing greater stability and control, boosting your confidence for long endurance rides.

Choose Your Rim Height

Thanks to the WTS technology, even the lowest aerodynamic rim gets an increase in aerodynamic performance. It is actually the low rims, such as the carbon ERC 1100 DICUT 35 or even the aluminum ER 1600 SPLINE 30 with rim heights of 35 and 30 mm respectively, that see the biggest of their weighted aerodynamic drag reduction.