Challenge

Grifo XS Cross Open

Depending on your geographical location, when the smell of beer and waffles hits the air, cyclocross courses with hardpack and sand can be more common than the traditional mud courses synonymous with 'cross. Though we dream of mud stained faces and bikes, the reality is dry, fast courses and the need for tires that can handle it. For these races, we rely on the file tread of the Challenge Grifo XS Cross Open Tubular tires to help us zip through pavement sections and grip on sharp turns.

The file tread you see down the middle of the Grifo tires is better suited for dry climates where the early season is filled with dry, hard, sandy courses, and the late season is marked by hard snow. Though the file tread keeps the tires rolling fast, dry courses still require a tire with superb grip for cornering. Evenly spaced knobs lining the sides of the tire add traction where you need it, so you can hold your speed as you maneuver through turns.

For durability, the Grifo is constructed from a highly puncture-resistant and lightweight Super Poly casing. The bead of the tire uses an open tubular design. We know that it sounds like an oxymoron -- a clincher tubular. However, the benefits of Challenge Grifo XS Cross Open Tubular tires are astounding. They use the same hand-made construction techniques of gluing the tread on the casing while it is inflated on a wheel to prevent uneven tension when inflated on your wheel. The only difference is that instead of being sewn, beads are actually formed by folding the casing around Aramid fibers. What's Aramid? Aramid is used for the tire beads for the same reason that it's used for bullet-proof vests -- its lightweight, compact strength.

The Challenger Grifo XS Cross Open Tubular tires are available in two widths: 700c x 32mm and 700c x 33mm and comes in the color Black/brown.