Over the last few years, we’ve seen the average size of road, gravel and mountain tires balloon up, as manufacturers and racers have finally realized larger volume tires typically roll faster over all but the smoothest surfaces.
Even World Tour and Tour de France racers are now racing tires that hover near the UCI width limit for cyclocross tires. With wider rims, many 28mm tubeless road tires are inflating out to 31mm or more, and that’s for paved courses!
If you contest UCI races (or live outside of North America where your governing body restricts amateur tire width), you might have a fight to pick with the UCI about keeping cyclocross in the dark ages. Even in the U.S., for the small percent of amateur cyclocross racers who contest the Nationals, USA Cycling upped the maximum tire size to 38mm a few years ago.
We’ve long said that tire companies would be smart to cater to the retail-paying customer in North America, arguably still the sport’s biggest market, by offering products to racers who typically will never have their tire measured, can’t be bothered to glue a tubular, and would rely on volume to handle both dry cyclocross races and mixed terrain riding. We’ve lauded the few companies who have done so, including WTB with its 35mm Cross Boss, Specialized with its 35mm Captain (discontinued) and 38mm Tracer and Terra (discontinued), and Ritchey with its versatile 38mm Megabite.
Challenge Tires, one of the leading cyclocross tubular companies, remained committed to the 33mm rule all this time, and instead served up bigger volume tires only for the gravel crowd with its fast-rolling Getaway and Gravel Grinder models.
Now that’s all about to change, thanks to many Nationals racers who approached the company in Hartford (a sloppy race for many) expressing affection for the tires, but not the outdated, narrow widths.
Challenge has heard the feedback. Today Challenge is officially launching 38mm versions of the Grifo and Limus handmade TLR tubeless tires, as well as a 38mm tubular in the Grifo and Limus treads.
Challenge Tires adds 38mm versions of its Limus and Grifo tubular and TLR cyclocross tires.
For those committed to 33mm, not all is lost. The tire company will keep producing UCI-legal rubber, and has added a Team Edition version to its handmade TLR cyclocross tires, with a more supple 320 TPI cotton blend casing. The move follows Challenge’s path it took with its tubular tires, adding the Team Edition version of its tubular tires years ago.
Challenge Tires adds 38mm versions of its Limus and Grifo tubular and TLR cyclocross tires, along with a Team Edition 33mm TLR model. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
We’ve had test tires for just over a week. You’ll have to stay tuned for a full review, but we can share a few early observations. The extra volume of the 38mm models is a godsend for those of us who ride bumpy mixed terrain and mostly dry cyclocross races and never face a tire-measuring official. The 38mm handmade TLR tires measure 104m bead-to-bead, which is 2mm bigger than Specialized’s 38mm offerings and 1mm bigger than Teravail’s 42mm Rutland gravel tire. (Read why we measure bead-to-bead here.) Our test tires are about 10g heavier than the official spec weight—not far off. We’d bet that those with good tire clearance will appreciate the extra volume in bumpy but muddy conditions as well. Sure, those with limited tire clearance or needing to cut through slick mud to get more bite may still prefer 33mm versions, which Challenge is committed to.
Challenge Tires adds 38mm versions of its Limus and Grifo tubular and TLR cyclocross tires.
Curiously, the 38mm tubular Grifo tread appears to be the exact same tread as the 33mm tires (knob spacing, size and height). We’ve reached out to Challenge to confirm these details and have not yet heard back.
The 38mm Grifo tubular (top) appears to use the same knob size, spacing and width as the 33mm tires. © Cyclocross Magazine
We’re hoping that the Baby Limus tread, arguably the company’s most versatile option, will be next to the 38mm party.
As for the Team Edition 33mm handmade TLR tires, stay tuned for a full review, but it’s worth noting that the handmade TLR models are quite a bit smaller than the nylon vulcanized versions. Our review samples measured 87mm bead-to-bead, compared to 94mm of the vulcanized TLR models.
The new Team Edition handmade TLR tubeless cyclocross tire adds 320tpi casing, but is smaller in volume than the nylon version. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
Inflated, the nylon models sit 4mm taller above the rim, or add 8mm to the overall wheel diameter. While the handmade TLR models have a supple 320 TPI casing, the company still has to glue a rubber strip of the tread to the casing, making for a heavier tire per mm, compared to the higher-volume nylon versions. On our scales, the two models weigh about the same.
Stay tuned to see if the Team Editon’s casing and lower volume contribute to a better ride.
See Challenge’s official press release of its three new models below.
More info: Challengetires.com
38mm Handmade TLR and the Handmade Tubulars
For those still looking for Cyclocross performance but preferring a larger volume tire, for non-UCI compliance cross racing.
Take it on rough terrain, off-camber grass or soggy mud with renewed fervor!
Challenge Tires adds 38mm versions of its Limus and Grifo tubular and TLR cyclocross tires.
With Challenge’s New 38mm size intro, the famous Handmade GRIFO & LIMUS cyclocross model tires, get you the handmade performance onto a larger volume, even more supple tire.
Avoid pinch flats, swap tires as needed for various terrain conditions and gain a supple, grippy ride. The convenience of a tubeless system combined with the performance of handmade all in one! TLR clinchers allow, those who prefer clincher-based systems to run lower-pressure tires without the worry of pinch flatting inner tubes. However, Vulcanized TLR (V-TLR) often lack the supple feel, performance and handling of a Handmade constructed TLR tire. This is where Challenge’s Handmade 300TPI TLR (H-TLR) clinchers come in and now, in addition to the renowned 33mm classic size offering, they will also come in a larger 38mm size!
All Challenge’s H-TLR cross tires are hookless compatible.
Challenge’s Cyclocross Handmade 300TPI Tubulars (H-TU) come in the performance handmade construction and materials, that are super supple, shock-absorbant and comfortable. These materials conform to the terrain during your ride and can allow for very low pressures and this is even more so with a Tubular constructed tire, than any other type. Handmade Cross Tubulars have a latex inner tube that not only helps lower the rolling resistance, but also improves puncture protection, compared to standard butyl inner tubes, thus making for a fast, performant tire. Known and offered in the classic 33mm size, this Cyclocross 300TPI Tubular is now also offered in a larger volume 38mm size.
The 38mm H-TLR clinchers & H-TU tubulars will be available first in the popular, multi-condition GRIFO model and then soon to follow will be the super mud tire LIMUS model.
The larger volume 38mm size increases riding comfort and grip and improves overall bike handling.
To note that, the larger 38mm size cross tire will not be UCI approved (up to 33mm only!). So as long as you race in non-UCI-ruled races in North America, you’ll be ok!
38mm CYCLOCROSS Handmade TLR
An almost Tubular-like performance feel, with Tubeless-Ready convenience!
Challenge’s most popular cyclocross treads GRIFO and LIMUS are being launched in a larger volume 38mm Handmade TLR construction.
By combining our legendary handmade construction with supple materials and a unique air-tight inner coating, these tires will provide impressive control and comfort over varied terrains and provide the closest performance one can get to tubulars in a clincher-type, TLR system. The larger volume 38mm size provides for additional comfort, grip and easier, better bike handling.
Challenge’s Cross H-TLR tires are hookless compatible.
Construction Features
- HANDMADE construction provides the ultimate in traction and ride quality.
- PPS Puncture protection system utilizing a flexible puncture protection-specific fabric.
- SMART Compound for good, all-around performance and grip.
- High Thread Count per inch: 300TPI SuperPoly for a high-end, supple
- CHAFER Bead Protection Anti-chafing strip along the casing at the bead, also acts as a bead-seating aid, enabling to view when TLR and clinchers are properly seated and mounted.
- Aramid fiber, tubeless-ready beads for a precise fit on performance TLR
- A lightweight inner coating improving both puncture protection and air
- H-TLR are best combined with an appropriately conceived sealant, such as Challenge’s SMART Tubeless SEALANT, protecting all the natural properties of its rubber for a longer-lasting performing tire, while further enhancing puncture protection and air tightness.
Product Details (H-TLR)
- Size 700×38 / 38-622 (non-UCI legal) / other size available: 700×33 (UCI legal)
- Colour black tread, tan casing
- Weight ~ 405gr Grifo / 415gr Limus
- Retail Price $84.99 HTLR
- Available August 1st, 2023
38mm Cyclocross Handmade Tubulars
Challenge’s most popular cyclocross treads GRIFO and LIMUS are being launched in a larger volume 38mm Handmade PRO Tubular construction.
Challenge Tires adds 38mm versions of its Limus and Grifo tubular and TLR cyclocross tires.
With its ability to be run at the lowest pressures, tubular tires provide a smooth ride and excellent traction, allowing to easily adapt to the many changing terrains of the course and maintain complete control even in the toughest situations. The handmade construction provides superior shock absorption and comfort. Less bounce and better bike handling, less vibrations and muscle fatigue enhance endurance and translate in overall best performance. Finally, the tubular’s inner tube in latex contributes to improving puncture protection, while also helping lower rolling resistance. What more can we ask?!?
The larger volume 38mm size now introduced provides for even more comfort, grip and easier, better bike handling.
Construction Features
- HANDMADE construction provides the ultimate in traction and ride quality.
- PPS Puncture protection system utilizing a flexible puncture protection-specific fabric.
- SMART Compound for good, all-around performance and grip.
- High Thread Count per inch: 300TPI, for a high-end, supple performance.
- Latex inner tube for better rolling and puncture
- Base tape for gluing the tubular best combined with Challenge Tubular Cement for enhanced adhesion and easy application.
Product Details (H-TU)
- Size 700×38 / 38-622 (non-UCI legal) / other size available: 700×33 (UCI legal)
- Colour black tread, tan casing
- Weight ~ 475gr Grifo / ~ 485gr Limus
- Retail Price $89.99
- Available August 1st, 2023
Avoid pinch flats and conveniently swap tires as needed. With Challenge’s Handmade TLR (H-TLR) clinchers for cyclocross, you get the convenience of a tubeless-ready system with the very high performance of handmade and now finally in the popular Red 320TPI Pre-Sealed Cotton casing, for superbly technical pro riding tires!
Challenge Launches Red Team Edition TLR Series
Known for making some of the fastest and highest-performing cyclocross tires on the market, Challenge already offers a winning range that includes handmade tubulars, handmade clinchers, and vulcanized TLR clinchers. Our 120TPI vulcanized TLR clinchers (V-TLR) allow those who prefer clincher-based systems to run relatively lower-pressure tires without the worry of pinch flatting inner tubes. However, vulcanized tires lack the super supple feel and performance of a very high TPI Pre- Sealed Cotton handmade tire, where the pressures used by the pros can be very low. This is where the Red Handmade 320TPI Team Edition (H-TLR) jumps in!
The new Team Edition handmade TLR tubeless cyclocross tire adds 320tpi casing to the 33mm models.
Challenge’s Handmade TLR (H-TLR) TE Cotton Cyclocross tires offer that renowned handmade construction, with the addition of a tubeless-ready bead that meets the new ETRTO and ISO global tubeless standards. These tires also get a unique inner coating which makes them additionally airtight and increases their protection against punctures, all in one.
Finally, Challenge adds a bead protective chafer strip to reduce rim chafing and potential cutting, thus adding both safety and enhancing the longevity of the tire.
The new Team Edition of the handmade TLR cyclocross tires. © C.Lee/ Cyclocross Magazine
The result of this handmade, very high thread count 320TPI Pre-Sealed Cotton Team Edition casing construction, combined with SMARTsoft Compound treads, are super-comfortable, super-grippy tubeless-ready cyclocross tires, that provide that top performance, close to what is only achievable with a very high-end, handmade cotton tubular tire, that the top pros race with.
Challenge H-TLR tires meet the new ETRTO and ISO standards and are hookless compatible. Designed to be compliant with UCI rules with most rims having an internal rim width up to 23mm.
The new Team Edition handmade TLR tubeless cyclocross tire adds 320tpi casing to the 33mm models.
The H-TLR RED Team Edition Cotton Series tires will be available first, in the popular GRIFO, then soon to follow, in the super mud tire LIMUS models.
Challenge’s most popular cyclocross treads, GRIFO & LIMUS, are now being launched in a Handmade TE Red TLR construction.
The new Team Edition of the handmade TLR cyclocross tires. © C.Lee/ Cyclocross Magazine
By combining our legendary handmade, very high-end supple materials, SMARTsoft compound, and a unique, air-tight inner coating, these tires will provide impressive control, shock absorption and comfort over varied terrains, providing the closest top performance one can achieve, to very high-end, very high-performance tubulars in a clincher-type, convenient TLR system!
Challenge RED TE H-TLR tires meet the new ETRTO and ISO standards and are hookless compatible.
Construction Features
- HANDMADE construction provides the ultimate in compliance to the ground and ride performance.
- PPS Puncture protection system utilizing a flexible puncture protection-specific fabric.
- SMARTSOFT Compound for lowest pressure use, top cyclocross performance, maximizing speed and grip in all conditions.
- Very High Thread Count per inch: 320TPI Pre-Sealed, Corespun Cotton for a very high-end, supple performant casing.
- CHAFER Bead Protection Anti-chafing strip along the casing at the bead, also acts as a bead-seating aid, enabling to view when TLR and clinchers are properly seated and mounted.
- Aramid fiber, tubeless-ready beads for a precise fit on performance TLR
- A lightweight inner coating improves both puncture protection and air
- H-TLR are best combined with an appropriately conceived sealant, such as Challenge’s SMART Tubeless SEALANT, protecting all the natural properties of its rubber for a longer-lasting performing tire, while further enhancing puncture protection and air tightness.
TE Red H-TLR Product Details
- Size 700×33 / 33-622, UCI-legal
- Color Red casing, black tread
- Weight ~ 380gr
- Retail Price $99.99
- Available August 1st, 2023
More info: Challengetires.com
