Challenge Criterium Clincher Tyre

Somewhat confusingly, the Criterium (a normal clincher) is called an 'open tubular'. It's handmade for the Italian company and has a 300tpi carcass that's reinforced under the tread with 'resistant fabric'. This provides a level of puncture protection as good as most.

Despite this and the much-higher-than-quoted weight, this supple, file-patterned tyre rolls well: there's little to choose between the Challenge Criterium and other fast, all-round road tyres, such as the Schwalbe Ultremo and Conti Triathlon. As the Criterium name perhaps suggests, it's a sound choice for your road bike, where the high-ish price will be mitigated by peace of mind and decent product lifespan. For time trialling, however, there are seconds to be saved using lighter (and generally less tough) alternatives.