Running the 700x50's on my hardtail MTB (more of a monster gravel rig these days) and these tires are way better than the T30's. Install on WTB KOM hoops were easy, seated with no issues using an air compressor.
Ride quality is plush at PSI's I run (30F/32R) - it's like floating on a cloud. The smooth center tread is great on pavement - quick acceleration and easy to keep rolling. Going downhill on these tires are awesome - solid as a rock and FAST. On hardpack dirt and light gravel, tires handle that terrain with ease, no complaints. Going into turns, pavement or dirt, tires (so far) hold the line and haven't washed out on me. The side knobs do their job well.
Obviously these tires are NOT for super chunky/rowdy gravel or muddy conditions. However, if you're looking for a solid "all arounder" tire, you will not go wrong with the T10.
I did run the T30's on this bike and they're good - only nit is the rear tire tread wore quickly! Given the T10 are a slick center, hopefully tread life is better. The think I've noticed - the wider versions feel more comfortable. I have the 700x37's and they feel a bit less plush - I get it, that's a function of PSI and tire width. Wider is better anyway!
Prior to the T30's, I ran Conti Race King ProTection 29x2.2 for years and those were great tires. I think the T10's blow away the Conti's and T30's.
As always, YMMV...
I've only had one major puncture where a significant amount of sealant came out, but it still stopped the leak after only losing about 6 lbs of tire pressure before it sealed. It has worked with numerous smaller punctures where I only discovered the puncture site after my ride as I noticed a small white spot on the tread. I've never had a true flat in at least 2000 miles of gravel and road cycling. It's worked great for me.
The first generation of these Strada PRO TLR tires delivered a perfect ride, but living with them was miserable. Mounting was extremely difficult, they didn't hold air, they drank sealant, and raised your blood pressure.
I am thrilled to report that the folks at Challenge have preserved the perfect ride quality and excellent looks of the first generation and packaged it in a tire that behaves like.....a tire!! They now do incredible things like:
' Go over a rim edge with only one's thumbs
' Seat with a floor pump
' Hold air overnight
' Hold air for many days after that
' Require only a normal amount of sealant to continue holding air
' Keep the owner's blood pressure at healthy levels
I purchased the 28mm variety which inflate just shy of 30mm wide on 21mm internal rims. I now strongly recommend these tires.
I picked up my CX bike back in 2000 ' a Gunnar Crosshairs built by Waterford with Reynolds 853 tubing. My first cyclocross tires were the original Michelin Muds, and believe it or not, I'm still running that same set today. After 20+ years the knobs are finally starting to peel off from age.
I ride this bike everywhere ' from mellow singletrack to the same technical trails I take my S-Works Stumpjumper EVO on. The old Michelins have held up surprisingly well, but since they're not tubeless, I do deal with the occasional pinch flat.
I'm hoping the new Michelin Power CX Mud tires will give me the same grip and character as the classic Michelin Muds I've been used to since 2000.
