BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Challenge has unveiled a new addition to its gravel line of tyres, the Gravine, designed for improved performance in muddy sections and on more rugged, rocky terrains.
The Gravine introduces a more aggressive tread to the Italian brand’s gravel line-up, positioned after the Strada Bianca, Gravel Grinder and Getaway, in order.
Gravine is suitable for more severe, rugged terrains than the others and is designed to push the boundaries of gravel riding.
Taking inspiration from Challenge’s knowledge in cyclocross, the brand increased the height of the lugs in comparison to its other gravel designs, for enhanced grip through muddy sections and over more rocky terrains.
An open-tread design also offers improved mud/dirt shedding and self-cleaning of the tyre.
Combined with the fast-rolling centre-line for speed, these features allow for an overall more aggressive, versatile and dependable ride on multiple rugged terrains, in differing conditions.
The Gravine is launched in Challenge’s Handmade Tubeless Ready (H-TLR) construction.
Handmade Technology combined with innovative rubber compounds minimises rolling resistance (Crr) for performance and overall experience.
Available in two versions, Gravine and Gravine XP, both in sizes 40mm and 45mm.
The Challenge Gravine retails at £83 and the Challenge Gravine XP at £88.
SmartPlus Compound
The Gravine comes with the gravel-specific tread compound, made of special higher durometer, natural SmartPlus rubber. While providing reduced wear and enhanced durability, the SmartPlus rubber compound still retains its natural properties and offers improved shock-absorption, better grip and control, and reduced rolling resistance.
Ganzo Puncture Protection System (PPS)
The Gravine and Gravine XP feature the Ganzo PPS puncture protection system. A tight weave, multi-component, puncture protection, narrow, special fabric placed between the rubber tread and the casing.
Corazza Armor Silver
The Gravine includes a double, comfortably wide 260TPI polyester ply casing wrapped around the bead, that delivers sidewall protection.
Corazza Armor Gold
Exclusive feature of the XP tyre range is the Corazza Armor Gold, which increases the tyres puncture protection and robustness further, by including an additional Bead-to-Bead layer of tightly woven material. The additional layer reinforces the entire tyre and makes the Gravine XP ideal for more endurance riding or simply a more dependable tyre on more rugged terrains, in multiple and adverse conditions.
Chafer Aramid Bead Protection Strip
The Gravine includes a bead protection outer strip that enhances tyre longevity against the rim, by reducing the effects of chafing or rubbing against the rim’s bead hooks. Additionally, the contrasting black, precise chafer line that shows around the rim, acts as a visual confirmation, that the tyre bead has been properly seated all-around the rim.
