Challenge Grifo XS Tubular Cyclocross Tire
We’ve been reporting for a while about the trend of bike parts going to white this season. TRP magnesium brakes, Ritchey WCS components in white, the Redline Team’s saddle, bar tape, and stem, and Titus and Ellsworth’s new ‘cross frames, just to name a few. It’s an odd color for ‘cross, but apparently it’s the new black.
Now you can add Challenge tubulars into this fashionable category, with their new white tread Grifo XS tubular cyclocross tire. It’s similar to the company’s Grifo SS tire, with a file tread down the center complimented by small shoulder knobs, but has a softer compound white rubber tread and a black protected sidewall. Donn Kellogg from Challenge says while the tread and rubber makes the new tire ideal for icy conditions, it’s also a great tire for grass courses such as Cross Vegas.
This is one of several new tubulars from Challenge to hit the scene this season. Other manufacturers are following suit, with Tufo, Schwalbe, and Vittoria working on or releasing new tires. (See our exclusive preview of the Vittoria’s new EVO XM tubular posted July 26th.)
