Challenge drop 3 new tyres

Thursday, 28 July 2022 Simon Cox

Launched at Eurobike, Challenge Tires, has introduced 3 new tyres to it’s already impressive line up, each set to retail at £83.

Introducing a first 45mm tyre to the range, the brand offers up the Strads Bianca H-TLR 45, which delivers a combination of handmade construction and TLR properties for ultimate traction and ride quality. The technology minimizes rolling resistance, while improving comfort and handling.

The staple herringbone-design tire proves its handmade performances on rougher terrain with a new gravel-specific construction and an added, beefier new 45mm size.

The Strada Bianca Handmade TLR (H-TLR) line-up already includes sizes 30mm, 33mm, 36mm, 40mm. The new 45mm makes this tread pattern available to those who love a larger volume tire, with all of the favourite handmade ride features.

Product Details

Size 700×45 /45-622 – (other sizes 30mm-33mm-36mm-40mm)
Colour black tread, tan casing
Weight ~550 grams
Retail Price ~€77.90 / $89.99
Available October 2022

Next up is the new generation Gravel Grinder. The Gravel Grinder (GG) has been one of the best selling Gravel tread patterns, and has always been appreciated for its all around off-pavement use. However, there is always room for improvement so now, after almost a decade of success, GG tread design gets an upgrade.

Not quite as fast rolling as the Strada Bianca, Challenge have not changed the great traction, braking and control features for the new GG. Where they have made big improvements is to enlarge and stiffen the outer and transition knobs so they have a bit more bite in corners and off-camber gravel, packed dirt and grass.

The enhancements will be noticed when getting on to sections of asphalt or real hard packed surfaces, again, especially in corners and off-camber. The transition knobs are bigger and stiffer and tapered to flow smoothly from the diamond centre tread to the outer knobs. The outer knobs in turn are also tapered, slightly bigger and stiffer and flow smoothly from the transition knobs so you feel consistent, rock solid traction, braking and control in the fastest descents, on any terrain – asphalt, dirt, grass or the most wicked gravel.

The New GG is available now in H-TLR, and in the following selection of sizes 700×33, 36 and 40mm (with the popular 40mm being the NEW ENTRY size).

Product Details

Size 700×40 /40-622 – (other sizes 33mm-36mm)
Colour black tread, tan casing
Weight ~470 grams
Available September 2022

Finally, we have the brand new entry Criterium RS. This new road tyre aims to enhance the perfect mix of speed, grip and durability with at the same time providing refined control and shock absorption capabilities thanks to its handmade construction. The Criterium RS comes in a 350tpi Corespun Cotton casing in Tubeless Ready and Tubular options that optimize weight, comfort and, with the new Smartprime compound, it becomes one of the lowest rolling resistance tires in the market.

SMARTPRIME Compound

Compounds play an important role in tyre performance and this year, with Smartprime, Challenge evolved the conventional mixing of chemical elements and natural rubber in its proprietary formula, with the goal of enhancing benefits further; speed, grip and puncture resistance (shown up by 50% when compared to other tires in the market).

This new compound consistently increases grip in both dry and wet conditions, significantly reduces rolling resistance, and it is flexible and shock-absorbing at the same time, bringing the overall tire performance also to new safety levels achieved. Smartprime compound stands out where other materials fail, having the capability of keeping its properties intact under great stress, making the Criterium RS into a great World Tour Ultimate Performance Level tyre choice!

Puncture Protection System – Ppsganzo

The Criterium RS comes with highly flexible, tight weave, multi-component puncture protection fabric placed between the tread and the casing. Ppsganzo is light, more puncture resistant, and retains Challenge’s supple ride.

Chafer Bead Protection Strip

The Criterium RS includes a bead protection strip to enhance longevity by reducing the effects of chafing or rubbing against the rim’s carbon bead hooks. The contrasting black chafer also acts as a precise line around the rim to help the user confirm that the tire bead has uniformly been seated all-around.

Zylon Bead

The new Criterium RS Handmade TLR is also equipped with new reinforced Zylon beads which have much improved load capacity and will not stretch!

Hookless Compatible

Criterium RS can be considered suitable for hookless wheels. Challenge tires are compliant with existing ETRTO and ISO standard to be aligned with market demands and rider safety.

Product Details