I raced a few times on a new set of tires this year - Challenge Criterium Open Tubulars (clinchers). The tires are handmade in Thailand, using the same process and materials as the Challenge Tubulars. In both, the rubber is hand-glued to the 300 TPI cotton casing after the casing has been stretched, to reduce rolling resistance. The tires are imported into the US by Stellina Sports in Richmond, the same local outfit that brings Alan road and cyclocross frames into the US. The CX heritage runs deep in the Challenge brand as well, of course. In fact, if you've heard the brand it's likely from CX, and not their road tires.
But their road tires are incomparable. The first time I rode them was the Air Force Cycling Classic (formerly the CSC Invitational) - a full-tilt, super aggressive, technical course with about 8 corners per lap. The bad news for me is that I lined up in the back and had to make up ground wherever I could, requiring me to let it really hang out in the corners. Without the tires I wouldn't have been nearly as aggressive in the turns, but their grip and road feel egged me on like no tires I've ever ridden (which include Michelin Pro 3 Race and Specialized Mondo S-Works clinchers). I didn't win the race or even keep from getting shelled, but man did I corner like I was on rails. In each turn, I swear I could feel my tires sinking into the pavement to secure a stronger grip, and when I pushed them harder I could even hear them squeak slightly to let me know when they were starting to give. They provide incredible feedback and inspire tremendous confidence.
That's what I love about them - they don't make my bike faster, they make me faster.
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