gsa103

Yep. Its pretty much like every other bike related component (frames, wheels, groupsets), there are a few measurable things (weight), everything else is based off how it actually performs. You can measure some stuff like frame stiffness or rolling resistance.

Things like TPI should be considered about like High Modulus carbon frames. Its a general indicator that its better, but its also largely a marketing term. Continental has the Black Chili compound, but that's just a marketing name. The other manufacturers have tires with similar rolling resistance, and likely have similar compounds.