CX/Gravel Tire Test: Challenge Grifo Pro 33

Challenge has a wide variety of cyclocross tires available in both clincher and tubular versions. We have selected the Challenge Grifo Pro in the clincher version for testing because in our opinion, this is a nice middle ground between the various available tires that Challenge has to offer in this category.

The clincher version of the Challenge Grifo is available in a number of different versions: Pro, Race Vulcanized TLR, and Race Vulcanized. We have tested the Pro version because we always want to test the best tire from a manufacturer. The Grifo Pro is a handmade tire with a 300 TPI "SuperPoly" casing and an extra PPS puncture belt under the tread.

The Grifo Pro is mainly a cyclocross tire as it is only available in the 33-622 size. We do not know whether there will be larger versions in the future that are more focused on the gravel segment.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Challenge
Model	Grifo Pro
Year	2020
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At
Manufacturer part number
EAN	8855627006032
TPI	300
Compound
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	33-622
Specified Weight	0 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	40
Made In	Pro Data
Available Sizes	33-622 (700x33c)

Challenge Grifo Pro 33 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	0 grams
Measured Weight	365 grams
Measured Width Casing	33 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	32 mm
Measured Height	31 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	1.7 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	1.8 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	2.20 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Pro Data
All size measurements are taken at low air pressure on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results

Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube	Conti Cross28 (160 gr)
Measured Width	33 mm
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 33-35 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 36-38 = 54 psi/3.7 bar 39-42 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 43-46 = 46 psi/3.2 bar 47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 barHigh Air Pressure (60 psi / 4.1 bar)	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 55 psi/3.8 bar 33-35 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 36-38 = 45 psi/3.1 bar 39-42 = 42 psi/2.9 bar 43-46 = 38 psi/2.6 bar 47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 barMedium Air Pressure (50 psi / 3.4 bar)	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 44 psi/3.0 bar 33-35 = 40 psi/2.8 bar 36-38 = 36 psi/2.6 bar 39-42 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 43-46 = 31 psi/2.1 bar 47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 barLow Air Pressure (40 psi / 2.8 bar)	25.7 Watts CRR: 0.00770
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 33-35 = 30 psi/2.1 bar 36-38 = 27 psi/1.9 bar 39-42 = 25 psi/1.7 bar 43-46 = 23 psi/1.6 bar 47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 barExtra Low Air Pressure (30 psi / 2.1 bar)	Pro Data
The CX/Gravel section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread	39 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	9
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Tread Total Tire Thickness	2.20 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Pro Data

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	52 Points
Wet Grip Center	Pro Data
Wet Grip Edge	Pro Data
Measured Knob Height Center	1.7 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	1.8 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 CX/Gravel grip test rim width = 23.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion

In our tests, the Grifo Pro is pretty much right in the middle everywhere, it really doesn't excel at anything. The strong points are a low weight, the good knob height in the middle of the tire, and a good performance in the puncture resistance test of the tread.

The Challenge Grifo is a great tire that performs well in our tests. In practice, it will be difficult to notice the small differences and other factors that we do not test can play a bigger role. Look for yourself on the CX/Gravel overview page to compare this tire with others.

RATING: 4.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Recommended

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