Pynchonite

Howdy! Has anyone tried running Challenge Grifo Pro tires tubeless >>recently<<? I know that, as of a few years ago, the sidewalls were too porous to be able to hold air, but I also know they've changed the sidewalls in the meantime. I've looked for threads and sech where this has been tried, but almost none are newer than 2010. Anyone have anything like a definitive answer? Thanks!

flargle

The problem with Challenge clinchers in tubeless applications was never their porous sidewalls; that's what sealant is for. The problem is the bead, and I've seen them fail multiple times. I certainly wouldn't use them tubeless.

Pynchonite

Ah, thanks for the clarification!

jared@WKYC

I agree Challenge tires are poor candidates for tubeless conversion.

marqueemoon

The Grifo Pro is the cheaper blackwall version so maybe less porous.

I've just heard of too many problems to take tubeless seriously for cross in general. If you can afford a dedicated wheelset for racing just go tubular and be done with it.

Really if you're running a 130 spaced rim brake bike "afford" means <$200 for an older alloy tubular wheelset on craigslist or at your local bike swap and another $100-$150 for tires.

brianallan

My feelings on tubeless is that it's just a poor idea generally. As a 150lb rider, I've never felt comfortable running them. Maybe things have gotten better, but I've seen (in front of me) the Hutchinson tubeless specific CX tires on the Shimano tubeless specific wheels roll. Maybe they were set-up poorly. That said, I would never try to run the Challenge tubeless unless the beed was EXTREMELY tight on the rim.

Tubulars FTW!

Pynchonite

If only I had the time for tubulars... and the thumb strength... I‘m willing to give it a shot; anyone tried these specific tires?