Here is an update to my previous (1/6/2026) review. Finally after two days of seeping leakage I got these 700 x 45 size to seal. a smart AI search tells me I would have gotten a better result id I had used Orange Seal rather than Peatys sealant.
Finally got to do a decent ride on these. ride is very smooth almost sublime on the road, fabulous on hard gravel and damned good on bark paths. Rolling resistance feels very low as promised. Steering is so-so especially on wet roads, but that may be my bike. They are on a Canyon Grizl Al and it feels like the front steering is floppy so that may be a geometry issue. Also, the inflation max is 40 PSI, and I am a 240-pound rider, so they may be a bit soft for a guy of my size.
Dry road is great. All in all its a pretty darned sweet tire, but I would probably drop to a 40 mm if I had to buy again. I do ride 90% road; on gravel these are simply the best.
I can't wait to get in some longer miles on dry roads as these break in.
I just received a set of the 45 width Strada Bianca Pro. Saying they were hard to mount is a insult to the phase "hard to mount" It took me two hours to mount the set. furthermore, sealing as tubeless is a slow pain in the ass. according to AI I should have used Orange Seal rather than the Peatys I used, and after over an hour there is still viable seepage at the bead, but it's getting better. I hope by tomorrow that I will be able to test ride them because the feel is really nice. I previously had tried the 32 mm width they were much easier to mount but the 45 are really flat and wide, and even with Challenge's own video it is difficult. But for sure they are easy to seat if you ever get them on the rims.
I will follow up with a ride assessment after I am able to do a ride on them
I bought a set of these in the 45mm tan wall spec. These tires are definitely hard to mount, and if you're wondering why, it's because they are flat like a lasagna noodle due to the manufacturing process. The tire wants to lay flat, rather than arch up and press the bead into the wheel itself. Soapy water will help, and you may want to consider letting the tires sit in the sun for a bit to soften up.
Now that the tires are on, they have held sealant and air exceptionally well.
I've run them for about 200 miles on a mixture of gravel surfaces, pavement, and even a little of what we call Class IV/VI roads in the NH/VT area. The bike is a Cannondale SuperSix Evo CX/SE. With a total system weight of about 180lbs/82kg, I've been playing with pressures between low 20psi and low 30psi. The lower pressure offers quite a lot of comfort and grip without feeling sluggish or unresponsive. The higher pressure honestly doesn't feel like it's worth the trade on comfort and grip, but it is probably technically faster. Somewhere in the middle is likely best for me and my weight. I haven't run these in the wet yet at all, so I can't speak to that performance. I probably won't, since this is my fair weather speedy bike.
Would buy these again without hesitation, unless I just wanted to try something else.
There is no better way to celebrate the end of summer. Removing the old dried out tubulars, scraping away (most) of the old glue, and breaking out the acid brushes to apply a fresh layer of smelly contact cement is the perfect way to usher in the grey skies and early nights. The Grifo is the go-to for all but the sloppiest days. A file tread could be faster on a dry day, but the added traction of the Grifo helps with confidence when you're trying to out corner that skinny faster-than-he-should-be masters rider.
Don't expect these to last for years. If you stay off the pavement the tread will stay sharp and grippy, but the tread may peel off the casing after a season of use. Still, love riding these.
