Challenge already impressed in our big gravel tire group test back in 2023 with the Getaway and Gravel Grinder models. Now the Italian brand are aiming for a top spot in the 2025 road tire test as well. One thing’s clear: just like their gravel counterparts, the Criterium RS tires stand out from the crowd. Handmade and sporting striking white sidewalls, they cut a distinctive figure that doesn’t just suit Italian bikes like a tailored suit made from the finest cotton thread.
But this unique construction doesn’t come without its quirks. During our test, tubeless installation turned into a messy battle with sealant and stubborn beads. Frustrating, yes, but potentially forgivable if the tire lives up to its performance promises. With a smooth centre tread and subtle shoulder knobs, Challenge claim it offers the perfect balance of grip and low rolling resistance.
Premium Looks and Peak Performance? – The Challenge Criterium RS in our 2025 Road Tire Test
The Challenge Criterium RS on test tipped the scales at 288 g, placing it squarely in the middle of the test field in terms of weight. But when it comes to efficiency, the Italian tire really shines. On the road, it feels lively, with sharp acceleration and a very direct, snappy response. That impression is backed up by lab results: with a rolling resistance of just 12 watts, the Criterium RS ranks among the frontrunners, on par with the Continental Aero 111, Pirelli P ZERO TLR RS and Michelin Power Cup TLR Competition Line. Still, it can’t quite match the fastest tires from Continental. The GP 5000 TT TR and GP 5000 S TR both clocked in with lower rolling resistance figures, generating 1.6 W and 1 W less, respectively. In terms of grip, however, the Criterium RS is rock solid. Whether accelerating, braking or cornering, it sticks reliably to the tarmac and instills a high level of confidence. It falls just short of the Specialized S-Works Turbo TLR when pushed to the limit, but still offers noticeably more grip than many of its rivals – even on gravel. The handling is precise and race-focused, giving you direct feedback at all times. One thing you’ll notice is the distinctive rolling noise, particularly when leaning into corners.
Regarding comfort, the Criterium RS is surprisingly compliant. It feels supple and forgiving on smooth tarmac, while it feels noticeably firmer on rougher surfaces, but never harsh. It copes well with gravel and cobbles too, offering a level of comfort that’s impressive for such a performance-focused tire. It’s only on very rough cobblestones that the vibrations start feeling noticeably harsh. Visually, the tire is a stunner. The bold white sidewalls make a statement and are especially well suited to high-end Italian road bikes.
However, it’s not all good news. Of all the tires on test, the Criterium RS was by far the most difficult to install. It arrives flat-packed rather than pre-shaped, which makes fitting it a bit of a wrestling match. The tight fit leaves little room to manoeuvre it onto the rim, which is fine if you’re in the workshop with the right tools and and time on your hands, but it’s a real problem on the roadside with a puncture. Speaking of which, puncture protection isn’t the tire’s strong suit either. In fact, it was one of the least puncture-resistant tires in the entire test field.
Tire Characteristics
Rolling Resistance
Pinch-Flat Protection
Puncture Protection
Grip
Conclusion on the Challenge Criterium RS
The Challenge Criterium RS delivers outstanding performance, impressing with exceptional grip, top-notch efficiency and ample comfort. It’s visually striking and a top performer in almost every category, which could well make it the ultimate road tire – if only it weren’t for the tricky installation and below-average puncture protection. That said, if you’re willing to overlook those drawbacks, the Criterium RS makes for a great race-day companion or the perfect finishing touch on your Italian dream build.
Tops
- very high efficiency
- plenty of grip and confident cornering
- stylish appearance
Flops
- difficult to install
- poor puncture protection
Made in Thailand | Tested size 30-622 | Tire width in mm¹ 30.16 | Tire height in mm¹ 21.2 | Tire height + test rim depth in mm² 66.4 | Weight 285.4 g | Price € 82.81
1 measured dimensions with 5.0 Bar, 2 Test rim: HUNT 40 Carbon Disc 622 x 22TC (Rim height 45.2 mm)
Find out more on challengetires.com.
The Test Field
You can find an overview of this comparison test here:
The 13 best road bike tires head to head. Reviewing the best tubeless and clincher tires for road bikes
All tires in review: Challenge Criterium RS | Continental GP 5000 S TR | Continental Aero 111 | Continental GP 5000 TT TR | Hutchinson Blackbird Race | MAXXIS HighRoad Gen 3 | Michelin Power Cup TLR Competition Line | Pirelli P ZERO TLR RS | Pirelli P ZERO Race RS | Schwalbe Pro One TL | Specialized RapidAir TLR | Specialized S-Works Turbo TLR | Vittoria Corsa Pro TR
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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Fock
