Challenge Gravel Grinder in review

The fastest Challenge gravel tire, the Gravel Grinder, is out to break records, and that’s no mean feat. As a classically constructed open tubular tire, it’s a rarity in the test field. But what is the tire capable of, and how does it stack up against the blisteringly fast competition?

Challenge are a truly unique and special tire brand, and that’s not just because of the name. With its classic open tubular construction, the Gravel Grinder is sure to impress every gravel bike fanatic, and not just because of its daring appearance.
The design looks great, but it also determines how the Gravel Grinder sits on the rim. Because of the design, the Gravel Grinder tire will make experienced mechanics break out in a sweat: sturdy tire levers are mandatory here. And the tubeless setup also takes a little longer than usual. That’s because the sidewalls are relatively porous, requiring a lot of sealant to seal.

The Challenge Gravel Grinder goes like the wind

While it performs brilliantly on asphalt, however, it’s not as well-suited for loose or slick surfaces, for which the tire simply lacks the necessary tread. Because of the very smooth and speed-optimised central tread, it’s lightning fast, but not that grippy. But that’s not the case with the aggressive and pronounced shoulder knobs, offering plenty of grip for fast cornering even on loose surfaces. The particularly round profile helps, too, making it one of the most agile tires in the test field! Like many other tires in the speed category, the Gravel Grinder is ideal for use as a rear tyre, where efficiency is paramount.

Conclusion

As a speed gravel tire, there’s one thing that the Challenge Gravel Grinder must be first and foremost: fast! And if there is one thing that this tire is, it’s that. It’s one of the fastest tires in the test field, which both delivers in our real world tests, and also backs that up with its laboratory test results. That makes it one of the best tires for fast gravel action in dry conditions, and it looks fantastic too.

Tops

• extremely efficient tire
• classy and unique look
• unique design

Flops

• very tight fit due to its construction

Made in Thailand | Tested size 40-622 | Tire width in mm¹ 39,5 | Tire height in mm¹ 35,55 | Tire height + test rim in mm² 80,87 | Weight 452 g | Price € 79,81
1 measured dimension with 2,5 Bar, 2 Test rim: ZIPP 303s 622 x 20.3C (Rim height 45,32 mm)

For more information head to: challengetires.com

In our introduction of the best gravel tire on test you can’t just find our most interesting findings and our overall conclusion, but a good view on all tires tested.

All tires on review: Challenge Getaway (Click for review) | Challenge Gravel Grinder | Continental Terra Speed (Click for review) | Continental Terra Trail (Click for review) | Maxxis Rambler (Click for review) | Maxxis Receptor (Click for review) | Panaracer Gravelking Knobby (Click for review) | Panaracer Gravelking Slick Plus+ (Click for review) | Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H (Click for review) | Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One Allround (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One R (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One RS (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Pathfinder (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Tracer (Click for review) | Vittoria Terreno Dry (Click for review) | Vittoria Terreno Mix (Click for review) | WTB Riddler (Click for review) | WTB Byway (Click for review)

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Words: czajac Photos: Jan Richter