Challenge Strada Bianca Pro 36c Open Tubular
The Challenge Strada Bianca Pro now comes in a 36mm width, our preference over the 30c option or the 27c Paris Roubaix model. Tires for your own Hell of the North ride. © Cyclocross Magazine
It’s hard to keep Challenge Tires’ model names straight, but the new 36mm Strada Bianca Pro open tubular is the company’s biggest knob-less open tubular and the one we’re most excited about.
Sure, the company offers a tire named after the Queen of the Classics itself, the Paris Roubaix (formerly Parigi Roubaix), but that model’s width, at 27mm, is quite narrow even by today’s road standards. The newly-released 36mm version of the Strada Bianca Pro (formerly called Eroica) is named after the famed Strade Bianche race filled with 50k of dirt roads—likely surfaces conditions closer to what your own spring classic will include.
The Strada Bianca is available in tanwall or black. Our 36mm test tire measured out to be 34mm on a 17mm rim (35 psi). Although a tad undersized, that generous volume, paired with the open tubular, 260 tpi construction, makes for a comfortable ride. When you hit the bumps or cobbles, the high volume tire transforms into what’s best described as a “muted” ride. Bumps and road noise fade away.
The Challenge Strada Bianca Pro herringbone tread is sufficiently grippy until the dirt road gets loose or steep. Tires for your own Hell of the North ride. © Cyclocross Magazine
The herringbone tread has little to offer for grip on loose gravel or wet surfaces, but it’s similar to what many professional classics hunters use. With lower tire pressure, you’ll find grip is surprisingly good. Pair with a latex tube for lower rolling resistance and pinch protection.
Our test tire was 20 grams lighter than spec at 353 grams.
The Challenge Strada Bianca Pro now comes in a 36mm width that tips our scales at 353g. Tires for your own Hell of the North ride. © Cyclocross Magazine
Challenge Strada Bianca Pro 36 Open Tubular Specs:
MSRP: $78.99
Width: 36mm list, 34mm actual on 17mm internal width rim at 35 psi
Width Options: 30c, 36c
Tubeless: No
Weight: 36c: 375g list, 353g actual
More info: challengetech.it
