Challenge showcased their updated treads at NAHBS 2014. © Iain Banks
Challenge has released an updated model of their Grifo clincher this year. We checked it out at Frost Bike last month, but saw it again at the North American Handbuilt Bike Show in North Carolina. The 32mm Grifo, known for being an excellent all-around tubular tread and tire choice, has been out in clincher form for a while, but this year, it’s been undated. The higher-end version comes in 120 TPI nylon and weighs in at 330 grams per tire, and retails for $45.99. The other version is 60 TPI nylon and a bit heavier at 365 grams, but with a cheaper pricetag of $37.99, which is significantly cheaper than any previous versions of the tire (typically around $80 MSRP).
Challenge showcased their updated treads at NAHBS 2014. © Iain Banks
In addition to the Challenge Grifo racing clincher, they also announced updates to their Gravel Grinder tire. According to Challenge, there will be a 38mm clincher Gravel Grinder to go with the current 36mm Open Tubular. It’s essentially the same tread, but will be a vulcanized clincher (not made in-house like the handmade line is). They added, “We certainly realized the need for something really robust for the Dirty Kanza-style sharp flint races, where an Almanzo would be a knife-to-a-gun-fight scenario.”
Challenge showcased their updated treads at NAHBS 2014. © Iain Banks
Challenge also hinted at a new tread premiering at Sea Otter so stay tuned for that!
Stay tuned for plenty of cyclocross, gravel and general bike eye candy from NAHBS 2014 in the next few days.
