Challenge

Fango Tire - Clincher

The Challenge Fango Clincher Tire is one of just a handful of 'open tubular' style cyclocross tires. Why is that important? Because a clincher tire with the supple, high-tpi casing of a tubular will handle more smoothly than one with a stiffer clincher-only casing.

That said, the biggest determinant of a 'cross tire's performance is its tread pattern. To cut through the slop without collecting a build-up, cyclocross tires designed for muddy courses feature tall, widely spaced knobs. In that respect, the Fango is not the most aggressive mud tire on the market. But its slightly more conservative tread pattern makes the Fango a better all-around tire than its rivals in the mud-specific category.

In a review of 'cross tubulars, VeloNews Test Editor Matt Pacocha wrote, "I can whole-heartedly recommend the Fango for someone looking for a mud tire that can cross to dry conditions as well. It's also very good in snowy, slushy or variably icy conditions where lower knobs present an advantage."

That's not to say that the Fango is a subpar performer in the squishy stuff. Designed with input from the likes of Belgian powerhouse Team Fidea, the Fango features a uniquely dimpled center knob that, according to Challenge, improves traction in all conditions without affecting the tire's ability to shed mud.

The 32mm Fango clincher boasts the same, supple 260tpi cotton-poly casing used in Challenge's road and track tubulars. The company lists a weight of 340g and recommends a pressure range of 28-87psi. Plus, the classic look of black rubber and brown sidewalls will never go out of style.

If you're looking to get through a 'cross season without changing tires every week, the Challenge Fango Clincher Tire is an excellent choice for a mud tire with versatile appeal on all courses.