Challenge Gravel Grinder Tubeless Ready Clincher Tire

I ordered 40c and received 42c tires. That is a big mistake when gravel bikes vary on clearance and this brand is known to run wider than marked. With the current state of the world, I chose to get by with very tight clearance and check after every ride. These tires were advertised at time of purchase and the packaging states Challenge’s tag line “handmade in Italy”. However, these tires say made in China on the sidewall. They not handmade but was not overly surprised by that at the price. Since, I have seen the postings of others pointing out Challenge’s bogus advertising. Now to the performance, with tubes, these are dry tires with big strengths and weaknesses. They are lighter than many and have predictable grip. They are poor on puncture protection, but that to be expected with the weight. Not very supple, again no surprise considering the vulcanized process. Wear seems poor as well. I am up ultimately happy about that as these have been a bust due to the clearance anxiety. Onto better tires. The old Clements were stellar so looks like I have to search out the new Donnelly equivalent.

I loved those tires... with a tube. Even if the were a bit hard to install on my rims they rolled great and supple. The side knobs provided me with the control I was after... then I decided to mount them tubeless (that is why I paid the extra money over the non tubeless version) and the tire turned into a weeping nightmare... weeping sealant from everywhere, I added more sealant but it barely improved things. If I have a long day in the saddle I know that I’ll have to pump the tires at least twice during a 4/6 hours ride. Stay away from the tubeless version...

I've used these tires for the past 5 years without fail. I went tubeless on a new bike and these tires sit in easy on the rim and sealed up great. I've ridden then a couple times and performed excellent. Looking forward to many miles on them.