Just in time for the “official” kickoff of cyclocross and the USCX cyclocross series, Challenge is introducing its fast Chicane tread in a 38mm tubular. Masters, get your credit card ready; the rush to pay will start in 15 seconds…
What is the Challenge Chicane?
The tread is simple: fast through the center, with taller side knobs for cornering. That makes the Chicane a good pick for dry hardpack, fast grass, tacky courses, frozen ground, and light mud where you still want speed without giving up all your grip.
It’s a highly versatile tire, and many riders use it far beyond its dry-weather intentions. As a 38mm tubular, this might make the most sense out of Challenge’s new Master Blaster lineup (my name, not theirs).
Why a 38mm?
A 38mm will float over roots and uneven terrain, and in dry conditions, thats a good thing. The 38mm Limus tubular didn’t really get that. Because for mud, it’s best to stick with a narrow tire to dig down into the earth – not float. Most professionals (with three-four sets of wheels in a van) will size down and run a 30mm tire for the mud. But I digress.
For a lot of early-season cross racing, that is a pretty useful place to be.
300 TPI Handmade Casing
The Chicane Pro tubular uses Challenge’s 300 TPI Super Polyester casing.
Is a higher TPI better? For tubulars, yes. 300 TPI means the casing uses 300 polyester threads per inch, with finer threads packed more tightly together. That lets the tire flex and conform to the ground more easily at low pressure. This flex and suppleness is exactly what you want from a cyclocross tubular: more grip, better bump absorption, and zero chance of burping (but you can roll the tire with a crap glue job). The tradeoff is usually durability, but for race-focused tubulars, that extra suppleness is a big part of the appeal.
The Chican Pro Tubulars use Challenge’s SMART rubber compound and PPS puncture protection between the tread and casing to minimize flats. Inside is a latex tube with a 48mm valve stem – usually long enough to not need a valve extender.
Pro vs. Team Edition
Challenge also sells a higher-end Chicane Team Edition Handmade Tubular.
The Team Edition moves to a 320 TPI sealed corespun cotton casing and Challenge’s softer SMARTsoft compound. The Pro sticks with the 300 TPI polyester casing and standard SMART rubber. Both weigh in around 420g for the 33mm tubular version.
What should I choose? The Team Edition is the softer, more race-focused option. The Pro should make more sense for riders who race often, train on the same wheels, or just want something a little more durable. If you want the 38mm however, you have to roll the Pro Version, as its not available in the Team Edtion.
Challenge Chicane Pro 38mm Tubular Price
The Pro Series tubular is $99.99, while the Team Edition is $129.99 and isn’t available in 38mm
Look for a full review as we get racing this season, but let it be known that tubulars aren’t dead, and neither is cyclocross.