HOW TO:

Choosing 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.

  • Ultimate Corespun Cotton Performance

    CRITERIUM RS

    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.
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  • Where is it Perfect?

    CRITERIUM RS

    RECOMMENDATION: 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.
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  • The Mainstay of Our Road Lineup

    STRADA

    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.
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  • Where is it Perfect?

    STRADA

    RECOMMENDATION: 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!
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  • Affordable Handmade Performance

    ELITE

    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.
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  • Where is it Perfect?

    ELITE

    RECOMMENDATION: 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.
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