Use: mixed terrain, dry to slightly muddy - 390 grams
€81.15
Price : €92.90
Frequently asked questions
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Challenge manufactures its tyres by hand in Thailand, using silk, cotton or polyester casings that are glued together (unvulcanised) to provide performance similar to that of tubular tyres. Unlike standard industrial production, hand assembly allows for more precise quality control. Silk casings (which are more expensive) offer the greatest flexibility and the best performance. Cotton casings offer the best balance of performance and price for competition. Polyester casings are more economical but offer slightly lower performance. Challenge is the leading brand in cyclo-cross, used by champions such as Tom Pidcock and Thibau Nys.
The three models are designed for different uses on road and gravel. The Criterium RS (350 TPI, tubeless-ready) is the road racing tyre: fast, available in 25 and 27 mm. The Strada Pro and Strada Race are Challenge ’s versatile road tyres, with beige sidewalls available for a vintage look reminiscent of tubular tyres. The Strada Bianca (36 mm) is the tyre for unpaved roads (light gravel and cobbles), inspired by the Strade Bianche and Paris–Roubaix: robust and comfortable on rough surfaces.
Yes, Challenge launched its first Tubeless Ready tyres in 2019. The TLR range Challenge covers road models (Criterium RS TLR, Strada Pro TLR) and gravel models. Fitting is often considered difficult the first time round: the tight casing sometimes requires a compressor. Once fitted, the seal is adequate with a sealant. The main advantage of the TLR Challenge is that it offers a ride feel similar to that of a tubular tyre thanks to its very supple casing, even when fitted as a tubeless tyre.
Yes, Challenge is an Italian brand founded in 1990, specialising in high-end tyres and tubulars. Production takes place by hand in Thailand, following traditional craftsmanship. Challenge first made a name for itself in cyclo-cross before developing ranges for road, gravel and mountain biking. Challenge ’s tubular tyres (Criterium RS, Elite Pro ) are used by WorldTour teams and in the cyclo-cross world championships.
Their lifespan is shorter than that of standard tyres: around 2,500–4,000 km depending on the model. The flexibility of the casing and the thinness of the rubber, which are what make them perform so well, mean they wear out more quickly. Challenge tyres are primarily designed for performance and competition, not endurance. For everyday training, more robust models (with thicker rubber) are recommended. However, Challenge tubular tyres often last longer if stored correctly before fitting (the casing becomes stiffer over time).
Yes, Challenge tubular tyres are compatible with all standard tubular rims (19–21 mm rim width). Fitting requires tubular glue or double-sided tubeless tape for optimal hold. Traditional glue (Continental, Vittoria) offers the best feel (the tubular tyre does not move). The tape is more practical but results in a slightly less precise feel, similar to a slow puncture. It is possible to use puncture-prevention fluid in tubular tyres Challenge, but it must be compatible with latex inner tubes (avoid ammonia-based prevention fluids).
Challenge Offers several gravel models: Gravel Grinder Race, Getaway and Strada Bianca. The Gravel Grinder Race (33–40 mm) is the brand’s fast gravel tyre, a semi-slick with side knobs. The Getaway (36–42 mm, tubeless-ready) is a versatile gravel tyre, fast on compact tracks. The Strada Bianca (36 mm) is the most robust option for rough unpaved roads and cobblestones. All these models are available with the aesthetically popular beige sidewalls.
TPI (Threads Per Inch) indicates the density of the casing: the higher the TPI, the more flexible and lightweight the tyre. 60 TPI: thick polyester casing, entry-level, more resistant to punctures. 150–300 TPI: cotton casing, good balance between performance and price, suitable for competitive cycling. 350 TPI: very dense cotton casing, similar to silk, for competition. Silk casings (not specified in TPI terms) are the most supple. In practice, the difference in feel between a 300 and a 350 TPI tyre is noticeable on undulating roads.
No, Challenge tyres are primarily competition tyres and are not particularly suitable for winter training. The flexible casing and thin rubber wear out quickly on the salted and abrasive winter roads. For winter, greater protection (puncture protection) is required. Challenge does not offer a specific winter range. Cyclists who use Challenge tyres outside of competition reserve them for summer rides on good roads or for race days.
Yes, the Challenge cyclocross range is one of the most comprehensive and widely used in competition. The Grifo is the go-to tyre for dry, hard terrain (grass, dirt). The Limus is the deep-mud tubular tyre, with its widely spaced knobs that clear mud effectively. The Baby Limus offers superior versatility with lower knobs. All these models are available as tubular tyres and, in some versions, as TLR tyres. The brand regularly secures world titles in cyclocross thanks to its partnerships with the best specialists.
