Challenge Tires’ handmade, supple casings have been popular among pro and amateur cyclocross racers, but when the terrain includes sharp rocks as typically found in events like Unbound Gravel, these casings did not always survive the toughest conditions or under world champion cyclocrossers racing Unbound Gravel.
Challenge now has a product and casing designed to offer more protection when flat protection is more important than the most supple ride. The tire maker has added what it’s calling Xtra Protection (XP) to the handmade tubeless (TLR) Getaway tire, in the form its “Corazza Armor Gold” layer.
Challenge Tires adds Getaway XP tire with extra protection for Unbound Gravel.
The Gold layer is a bead-to-bead woven layer that adds puncture protection on top of the Corazza Armor Silver protection that’s already under the sidewalls of the original Getaway tire.
Challenge also adds a higher durometer rubber for additional puncture protection and tread stiffness for its XP model.
Challenge Tires adds Getaway XP tire with extra protection for Unbound Gravel.
The tire will be available in 40mm and 45mm sizes and will retail for $94.99. Challenge will officially unveil the tire at Unbound Gravel on June 3, 2023, and will be raced by some athletes you might recognize.
Sponsored athletes:
- Raylyn Nuss (200 – Lifetime Grand Prix Athlete)
- Caroline Mani (200 – Lifetime Grand Prix Athlete)
- Tim Rea (200)
- Luke Hall (350XL)
- Maghalie Rochette
- Siobhan Kelly (100)
- Lauren Zoerner (100)
The company also says beginning with the XP series of tires, installation should be easier due to changes in the manufacturing process. Challenge acknowledges its handmade TLR tires require different installation techniques compared to standard vulcanized nylon tires, and encourages customers to watch its installation video.
See the full press release below.
Getaway is the latest gravel tread designed to take you beyond where the pavement ends, to where the terrain is less maintained. Its design includes a tightly packed, fast-rolling center for straight-line control and speed, open transition knobs for either sandy or wet terrain, and more aggressive shoulder knobs for controlled cornering and stability in loose conditions. With the growing demand for more robust Gravel tires, Challenge has developed a new technology applied to handmade construction. The Getaway is now launched with Xtra Protection (XP) for more endurance rides on rougher terrains. The tire is part of the new reinforced Gravel XP Series, which focuses on all those looking for an overall robust and durable tire, without compromising comfort and handling. The Getaway XP will be available in 40 and 45mm Handmade Tubeless Ready – Hookless compatible. The brand-new tire will be unveiled at Unbound Gravel on June 3, 2023!
Challenge Tires adds Getaway XP tire with extra protection for Unbound Gravel.
To keep improving the tire’s performance, a new bead-to-bead technology was added in the tire, forging the basis of the Gravel XP Series. Starting with Corazza Armor Silver for enhanced sidewall protection, the Getaway XP also includes Corazza Armor Gold, a special layer of a tightly woven material placed on the tire, reinforcing it further for more aggressive conditions. The tire now has maximum protection all over the casing to keep your rides going! The new Corazza Armor Gold will equip all the XP series starting with the Getaway XP.
Challenge Tires adds Getaway XP tire with extra protection for Unbound Gravel.
SMARTPLUS Compound Getaway XP also comes with the gravel-specific tread of a special higher durometer, natural rubber SMARTPLUS compound. While providing reduced wear and enhanced durability, the SMARTPLUS rubber compound still retains all the natural rubber properties; better grip, shock absorption, better control and reduced rolling resistance, all coming in really handy when riding multiple rough terrains. Chafer Aramid Bead Protection Strip Getaway XP includes the well-known bead protection strip to enhance longevity by reducing the effects of chafing or rubbing against the rim’s carbon bead hooks. The black chafer also acts as a precise line around the rim to confirm that the tire has obtained uniform bead seating all-around. The unique tire coating is better combined with an appropriately conceived sealant, such as the Challenge’s SMART Tubeless SEALANT, which protects the natural properties of its rubber for a longer-lasting performing tire, while further enhancing air retention and puncture protection.
Product Details
- Sizes: 700×40 / 40-622 700×45 / 45-622
- Color: black
- Weight: ~550 grams (40mm) / 45mm weight TBD
- Retail Price: $94.99
- Available: June 2023
More info: us.challengetires.com
