The Goodyear Connector Speed has one clear goal: maximum speed. Built for the fastest gravel races, its development focused on a single key factor above all else, maximum efficiency. The question is, how does this gravel tire pull off that trick?
The answer lies in the tread. Along the centre, very low-profile knobs are designed to deliver top speed with minimal rolling resistance. On the shoulders, more pronounced, grippier knobs provide extra traction when cornering. Compared to its sibling, the Connector Inter, the Speed leans even more heavily towards efficiency, deliberately sacrificing tread depth and versatility. It is a clear and uncompromising concept, but can the Goodyear Connector Speed live up to its bold promises in this test?
Fast at Any Cost: Goodyear Connector Speed in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test
It all sounds promising and, above all, fast. But how efficient is the tire really? At 518 g, the Goodyear Connector Speed brings the right credentials to the table. It is almost 50 g below the test field average, and around 40 g lighter than its sibling, the Connector Inter. The key figure here, however, is rolling resistance, and this is where things get interesting. The Connector Speed records 14.2 W, which taken in isolation is a respectable result. Surprisingly, though, the slightly more aggressive and marginally narrower Inter comes in just ahead at 14 W. Compared to the rest of the test field, the Connector Speed sits around 1 W below average, but for a gravel tire built entirely around maximum speed, that feels a little underwhelming. That’s especially notable when you consider that the grippier Schwalbe G-One RS Pro is around 3.5 W faster. Across a wheelset, that adds up to a significant 7 W difference.
Unfortunately, the focus on efficiency does not come without trade-offs. Grip takes a particularly noticeable hit. In direct comparison, it falls below average, with the tire tending to feel slightly vague and prone to drifting, especially when riding aggressively on loose surfaces. The minimal tread further limits traction on wet and soft ground, which also affects the handling. The Connector Speed takes some getting used to, with a somewhat vague steering feel that can cause it to tip unpredictably in tight, slow corners. It behaves a little better in long, fast turns, but never feels truly composed or predictable.
Where it really shines, however, is compliance. Like the Inter, the Connector Speed delivers an excellent level of comfort. Whether on rough gravel tracks or broken tarmac, it smooths out vibrations impressively well. Puncture protection, on the other hand, is less convincing. As with its sibling, it ranks below average. Protection against pinch flats scores just under the average, while resistance to punctures drops off more noticeably.
Conclusion on the Goodyear Connector Speed
The Goodyear Connector Speed is all about speed, but its uncompromising focus brings a number of drawbacks. Grip, puncture protection and handling are, at best, average, while the tire claws back some points for its low weight and high comfort. All of this comes at the cost of an efficiency level that is good, but not outstanding. The Goodyear Connector Inter offers a more versatile overall package, with similar efficiency but far more grip.
Tops
- Low weight
- High efficiency
- High comfort
Flops
- Poor grip
- Handling takes some getting used to
- Below-par puncture protection
Made in Taiwan | Size (ETRO) 45-622 | Width in mm¹ 46,8
Height in mm¹ 39,78 | Weight 517.8 g | Price € 69.95
¹measured dimensions at 1.75 – 3.0 Bar, depending on tire width
More information at goodyearbike.com.
The Testfield
This tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 – an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.
Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XP
Continental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra Speed
Goodyear: Connector Inter | Connector Speed
Hutchinson: Caracal Race
MAXXIS: Rambler | Reaver
Michelin: Power Adventure | Power Gravel
Pirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel S
Rene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-Slick
Schwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland Pro
Specialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLR
Vittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60
WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | Resolute
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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Fock