Challenge Criterium review

Somewhat confusingly, the Criterium (a normal clincher) is called an 'open tubular'

Our rating

4.0

Published: September 24, 2007 at 1:58 pm

Our review
A fast and fairly tough all-round race tyre

Somewhat confusingly, the Criterium (a normal clincher) is called an 'open tubular'. It's handmade for the Italian company and has a 300tpi carcass that's reinforced under the tread with 'resistant fabric'. This provides a level of puncture protection as good as most.

Despite this and the much-higher-than-quoted weight, this supple, file-patterned tyre rolls well: there's little to choose between the Challenge Criterium and other fast, all-round road tyres, such as the Schwalbe Ultremo and Conti Triathlon. As the Criterium name perhaps suggests, it's a sound choice for your road bike, where the high-ish price will be mitigated by peace of mind and decent product lifespan. For time trialling, however, there are seconds to be saved using lighter (and generally less tough) alternatives.

Product "23134" does not exist or you do not have permission to access it.