The Gravine XP is the most aggressive gravel tire in the Challenge line-up, designed to inspire confidence in the worst conditions. The tread pattern is aimed at loose and muddy surfaces, featuring large knobs, widely spaced to prevent mud from accumulating. This is paired with a tough, durable casing for reliability – we tested the all-black XP version (Xtra Protection), which features an additional layer of puncture resistant material in the casing compared with the tan-wall Pro version. It sounds like an ideal combination for serious off-road use in any conditions.
The Challenge tires are unique in our test lineup for their traditional handmade construction. Most modern tires are vulcanised; the different layers are effectively cooked together in a mould, a process which also gives the tire its rounded shape. The Gravine XP’s construction process sounds a little less industrial – the different layers of the tire are assembled and bonded together by hand, the way most tubular tires were produced for decades. Challenge’s production process results in a tire with a completely flat surface, with seemingly the same diameter at the bead as at the tread. This results in a very tight-fitting tire, which has to be forced into shape during installation. You could say they’re a little challenging. The question is whether that extra effort during installation pays off with superior durability once you’re out on the trail.
Indestructible, or Impossible? The Challenge Gravine XP in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test
As a mud-loving off-road specialist weighing in at a burly 680 g, we would expect the Gravine XP to be a seriously tough tire. And it is: it’s the most puncture resistant tire in the entire test field, albeit with a caveat. The sidewalls in particular are extremely robust, something you’ll become very aware of during the installation process. Thanks to its distinctive open tubular construction, fitting the Gravine XP quite literally becomes a challenge. It’s extremely tight, requiring real effort to stretch the tire onto the rim, and the flat shape means that the bead constantly tries to slip back off the rim – you’ll get part way around, only to find that the first bit has popped back off again while you weren’t looking. Alongside its sibling, the Getaway XP, it’s the most demanding tire to mount in the whole test. The payoff is impressive though. When it comes to pinch flats, the Gravine XP offers the best protection for both tire and rim of any competitor.
Across the tread, however, puncture protection is only average. It sits on a par with tires like the Vittoria Terreno Pro T50 or WTB Vulpine. The combination of a very tough sidewall and a less resilient tread is a bold choice, given that you rarely get to decide whether it’s a jagged rock or a sharp thorn lurking under the mud to catch you.
When it comes to rolling resistance and ride feel, the Gravine XP seeks a strong rider to match its strong construction. At 17.2 W of drag, it sits around 2 W above the Challenge Getaway XP, and 2.3 W above the test average. Its weight of 680 g certainly plays a part here, as one of the heaviest options in the test. Only the Vittoria Terreno Pro T50 is heavier, tipping the scales at around 20 g more.
Grip is where the Gravine XP really shines. Off-road, it offers a huge amount of confidence, with predictable turn-in and consistent traction, regardless of lean angle. It also delivers a good level of damping without bouncing, even at lower pressures. On the road, though, those widely spaced knobs make the tire feel vague and imprecise, which dents its all-round credentials.
AGILITY
- cumbersome
- balanced
- playful
GRIP
- low
- high
COMPLIANCE
- low
- high
ROLLING RESISTANCE
- slow
- fast
PINCH-FLAT PROTECTION
- low
- high
PUNCH RESISTANCE
- low
- high
Conclusion on the Challenge Gravine XP
The Challenge Gravine XP is a solid performer that delivers plenty of fun thanks to its predictable off-road handling, while also offering the highest level of puncture protection in the test field, at least when it comes to the sidewalls and pinch-flat resistance. That said, the downsides are hard to ignore. Alongside its considerable weight, it’s the extremely demanding installation that might be the dealbreaker. While the puncture resistance is good, if you need to fit an inner tube during the ride, you might find yourself with a long walk home. A tire best suited to riders with roadside assistance on speed dial.
Tops
- Highest puncture protection in the test
- Predictable cornering behaviour
Flops
- Extremely demanding installation
- High weight
Made in Thailand | Size (ETRO) 45-622 | Width in mm¹ 46,3
Height in mm¹ 41,98 | Weight 680.5 g | Price € 82.90
¹measured dimensions at 1.75 – 3.0 Bar, depending on tire width
More information at challengetires.com.
The Testfield
This tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 – an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.
Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XP
Continental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra Speed
Goodyear: Connector Inter | Connector Speed
Hutchinson: Caracal Race
MAXXIS: Rambler | Reaver
Michelin: Power Adventure | Power Gravel
Pirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel S
Rene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-Slick
Schwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland Pro
Specialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLR
Vittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60
WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | Resolute
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Jan Fock
About the Author
Julian Schwede
Freelance Editor
Juli is used to dealing with big rigs. Besides working on his bike, he also tinkered and worked on buses after completing his training as a vehicle mechatronics engineer. Since the development of large-scale electric motors was too slow for him, he went on to study technical business administration while building carbon fibre tables on the side. Though his DJ bike is welded from thick aluminium tubes, his full-susser is made of carbon and it's already taken him to the top of numerous summits. Apart from biking, he likes climbing via ferratas or vertically on the wall. Nowadays, his personal bike gets ridden less as he tests the bikes that get sent to us, pushing them to their limits to see what they're capable of. In addition to bike reviews, Juli also takes care of the daily news and thinks of himself as the Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent.
