Cross is coming, and with the big range of tyres available from Challenge we give you the complete run down on their full range of tread patterns. Ensuring you’ve got the best grip and options for all conditions!
Tubes, Tubeless, Tubs…
Challenge offer a fitment for everyone. For those taking their cyclocross serious they will no doubt be running tubular tyres. Tubulars are glued on to the rim, offering complete security in the fitment. They also allow for the pressures to be run much lower, and so, providing increased grip in difficult conditions.
The vast majority of weekend cross racers and enthusiasts however are most likely running tubes or tubeless. Tubeless has really gained pace in the past few seasons, offering the ability to run lower tyre pressures without the risk of a ‘snake-bite’ puncture. The sealant inside of the tyres also provides security from punctures from such things as thorns and flint.
The Best Tyre for The Conditions
Dry
If riding on completely dry courses, options like the Chicane are fast and offer the least rolling resistance in a straight line. It has however knobs on the side to help cornering grip and maintaining speed out of them. In the UK, this tyre is only really seen for summer races, or early season winter ones when the courses haven’t turned to a swamp!
Mud
Perhaps one of the most difficult conditions to ride in, and with courses that can change during a race, mud presents serious decisions for the cyclocross racer. The king of the mud is of course the Limus (Latin for mud!) and it excels in conditions that are sloppy. Due to it’s aggressive tread design it digs down and finds grip where other tyres can’t. The knobs are also well spaced apart to assist with the mud clearing of the tyre, ensuring grip can be found at all times.
Mixed Conditions
When the conditions are changing, many riders will turn to the hugely popular Grifo. An excellent all-rounder, and one that is maybe perfect if you are only running one set of wheels. The Baby Limus is also a popular choice for when the ground gets a little bit wetter and muddier, and can be just as fast by increasing the tyre pressure a little. The new kid on the block is the Flandrien, developed with the feedback from pro-riders such as Tom Pidcock, it features aggressive wide spaced knobs for grip in the mud, but also a fast-rolling centre section for straight line speed.
Handmade or Vulcanized?
Another option to consider with Challenge is what type of construction to choose. Tubulars are all handmade. They offer 3 different levels of thread count (otherwise known as TPI with the higher the number, the more supple the tyre is). Tubulars are the most expensive, and also require specific rims. Handmade is also available in tube and tubeless, and again offer a high thread count and suppleness.
Vulcanized tyres, perhaps what is the most widespread way of making a tyre, is cheaper to produce, but do not come with the suppleness and ride quality of a handmade. They are however a great option for anyone trying out cyclocross for the first time, and are also available in tube and tubeless options.
Shop the full range of Cyclocross Tyres at Merlin Cycles Here
