Selecting a Challenge Road Tire
The differences between an inexpensive cruiser tire and a top-performing road racing tire are fairly noticable, but selecting between high quality options is a subtler task. Challenge realizes that riders can feel the Handmade difference. Tires made with quality materials ride better, and we offer several options in nylon, super polyester and cotton casings.
If you need clarification or advice about which tire is for you, always feel free to ask questions at info@challengetires.us
Criterium RS
TE SERIES – ULTIMATE CORESPUN COTTON PERFORMANCE
The Criterium RS improves speed, grip and rolling resistance while maximizing our legendary Handmade road feel thanks to its 350 TPI corespun cotton construction. The Criterium RS is the culmination of our materials experience combined with a new SMARTprime rubber compound that is the new standard for performance road tires.
WHEN IS IT PERFECT?
If cost isn't a primary concern, you'll enjoy riding Criterium RS as your daily tire. Alternately, we recommend using Strada PRO for part of the season and installing Criterium RS for races or the height of summer when you will enjoy the subtle boost of special tires.
Strada
THE MAINSTAY OF OUR ROAD LINEUP
The Strada is Challenge's go-to tire for every day on the road. This all-condition tire combines a round profile that takes the sting out of rough pavement with a construction that provides maximum control and low rolling resistance. Strada PRO is Handmade with a Super Polyester casing – significantly more supple and compliant than nylon. Strada RACE uses the same superlight nylon casings and construction techniques of our competitors to bring Challenge performance to a more-than-reasonable pricepoint.
WHEN IS IT PERFECT?
Strada PRO makes a great race option for riders who train on our vulcanized Strada RACE Series tires. They're also perfect for direct comparison to any of our competitors – try out Strada PRO and see if you notice a difference in comfort or road feel. We think you will!
Strada Bianca
OUR FASTEST GRAVEL TIRE IS OUR TOUGHEST ROAD TIRE
The Strada Bianca is suitable for poor pavement, packed dirt, dry gravel, or a mixture of all of these. It looks like our legendary Strada on the outside, but comes in 30C and larger sizes with the added puncture and sidewall protection of PPS2 and Silver (corazza) Armor on the inside. You may just discover that your go-to road tire is a 33 or 36C magic carpet ride that carries you all year long.
WHEN IS IT PERFECT?
Strada Bianca is perfect when your roads aren't. If potholes, chip seal, snow plow debris and gravel encounters make up most of your "road" routes, SB is the tire for you.
Elite
AFFORDABLE HANDMADE PERFORMANCE
The Elite is an affordable Handmade option that is great for year-round training, giving up very little performance to the Strada. The slightly lower 260 TPI of the Super Polyester casing and the use of a butyl tube in the tubular type are cost-effective solutions that don't greatly diminish ride quality.
WHEN IS IT PERFECT?
The Elite PRO is a terrific introduction to Challenge Handmade Tires, and a cost effective solution for riders who love the feel of Handmade for everyday riding but don't want to put excessive wear on more expensive tubular or TLR setups.
