Hutchinson, the French pioneer of tubeless cycling tyre technology has unveiled the Challenger Tubeless, billed as an ultimate all-season, ultra endurance and training tyre.
Designed to offer confidence-inspiring handling in all conditions, the Challenger Tubeless also claims… ‘a level of puncture resistance never achieved in a performance road tyre before, a huge 10,000km lifespan and unrivalled comfort in the endurance and training category.’
Two new technologies are being introduced on the tyre. The first is a new puncture protection technology called HARDSHIELD. Formed of two separate protective layers working in tandem, this offers puncture resistance while retaining flexibility and comfort.
One protective layer is formed of a flexible wide polyamide reinforcement that covers the width of the tread, while the second is a slightly narrower strip of strong Aramid threads, concentrating protection at the ground contact patch.
To gauge the tyres ability to resist punctures Hutchinson subjected it and a range of competitors tyres to a testing regime. It found that of the tyres it tested, punctures typically occurred at a force rating of 80 to 120 Newtons, the Challenger Tubeless reportedly resisted punctures up to a force of 170 Newtons.
The second tyre technology is AIRSHIELD, a new construction technique. Claiming to eliminate the issue of air loss – two high performance sealing compounds coat the inside of the tyre and the bead, giving an airtight environment.
At the core of this innovation lies a flexible butyl layer that extends to the rim line, distinguishing it from conventional textile reinforcements. This unique attribute allows it to deform and flex in sync with the tyre’s movement, effectively maintaining a seal against air leakage.
In addition, a robust, abrasion-resistant coating encircles the tyre’s bead providing a connection between the tyre and the rim. This fortified layer is able to withstand the friction generated by the rim, ensuring a sustained airtight seal over time.
According to Hutchinson, the combination of AIRSHIELD anti-air loss technology and HARDSHIELD puncture protection introduces the possibility of running the Challenger Tubeless tyres without sealant…
‘Opening up the world of tubeless to those that previously avoided the technology due to perceived difficulties in set up and maintenance. If a puncture was to occur, just install an innertube and repair the tyre at home for a mess free tubeless experience. Alternatively, pair with Hutchinson Protect’Air Max Sealant to unleash unrivalled levels of puncture resistance, perfect for ultra-endurance riding and all-season training.’
The construction of the Challenger Tubeless is based on a triple layer 127 TPI carcass matched with a new Hutchinson Endurance Bi-Compound. The central tread measures 2.3mm thick, offering further puncture resistance, and a claimed 10,000km real world lifespan.
The Challenger Tubeless is available in 25, 28 and 32mm versions, weighing in at 385g, 400g and 450g respectively. Hutchinson adds that the €59.99 / £59.95 price tag makes it a cost effective upgrade designed to last for an entire year’s riding.
