Challenge Tires updated its road offerings for 2026, taking some of the tech they learned from their gravel tires (like the Gravine and the Getaway XP) and opening up a new endurace range. The 2026 offerings include three major road-tire additions: the all-new 4 Stagioni XP, the reworked Strada Pro, and the more accessible road-race Elite Pro. We’ve had some time to get to know the new tire line and have some impressions, but let’s discuss how we got here.
What’s New in Challenge Road?
Before the launch of the updated Challenge tire line, the Italian powerhouses’ road line was skewed toward performance only. Now, thats not a bad thing at all, especially if you like going fast. But the catalog had a lot of holes; it was lacking a true endurace, super cut-resistant road/all-road tire, a budget-friendly, voluminous road tire, and a needed general modern sizing refresh.
This update isn’t all the tires that Challenge offers for the road, but merely a “welcome the new members” kinda opening. They still offer the Criterium RS, Strada Bianca, and Strada OG. The tires we’ve been using for a long time and love for that near-tubular (or actual tubular) feel, one that is fleeting these days with high-nylon tubless tires.
Let’s meet the new members of the Challenge tires road team.
4 Stagioni XP — The All-Weather Performer
Challenge calls this its most versatile handmade tire to date — a tubeless-ready (H-TLR) model that can take the #@$% weather and road conditions. Stagioni means seasons in Italian, and this tire should be good for all 4 Stagioni. The 4 Stagioni XP features a 260 TPI SuperPoly casing and full-coverage Corazza Silver + Gold Armor (the same that you’d see in the Challenge gravel lineup), which wraps the casing bead-to-bead for better puncture resistance and sidewall durability.
The new Challenge SMARTHYDRO compound improves wet-weather traction without sacrificing much in rolling speed. Because sitting on your butt after a washout isn’t fast, and staying on your bike is.
Now – Easier to Get On The Wheel
The Easy-Fit Shape molding process makes tire mounting easier. If you’ve mounted a Challenge tire, it can sometimes feel like a wet noodle. This new easy-fit shape is a welcome change for anyone who’s ever fought a handmade bead into place. The Stagioni comes with tan or black sidewalls; the 4 Stagioni XP is available in 700×28C, 30C, 32C, 35C, and 38C widths, with most models being hookless-compatible.
- Price: $99.99 USD
- Weight: 394g (28mm) 411g (32mm)
- TPI: 260 TPI
- Sizes: 700×28mm, 30C, 32C, 35C, and 38mm widths
Strada Pro — Everyday Race Feel
The Strada Pro returns as Challenge’s all-purpose handmade road go-to. The Strada has a special place in many riders’ hearts, as the tubular that would quit. It was a solid all arounder and it came in a gasp..25mm (which was considered a near gravel size at the time). Now, it’s back with the same versatile tread, a slight compound rework, and puncture protection. The Strada now rolls on the Challenges’ SMARTPRIME rubber compound (the fastest in the Challenge lineup) and adds PPS Ganzo puncture protection for durability.
Challenge claims it delivers lower rolling resistance than the standard SMART compound, all while maintaining grip and lifespan. The new Strada is available in 25–35mm widths and tan or black walls.
- Price: $89.99 USD TLR / $79.99 USD clincher
- Weight: N/A
- TPI: 300 TPI
- Sizes: 25–35mm
Elite Pro — Accessible Handmade Performance
The Elite Pro brings the Challenge tubular-like feel to a broader audience, starting at $54.99 USD for clinchers and $64.99 USD for TLR versions.
The Elite Pro rolls on a 220 TPI SuperPolyester casing, SMART rubber compound, and PPS puncture protection. Challenge conceived the Elite Pro to strike a balance between everyday resilience and the ride that only a handmade open tubular can offer.
Offered in 28–32mm widths, this tire is tailor-made for riders who want to feel the difference of open tubular construction without burning through their race tires.
- Price: $54.99 USD clincher / $64.99 USD TLR
- Weight: 315g 28mm / 322g 30mm
- TPI: 220 TPI
- Sizes: 28, 30, and 32mm
First Impressions — Challenge 4 Stagioni XP
The 4 Stagioni XP feels like a robust tire when compared to others in the Challenge line. It has a puncture protection strip that’s easy to see on the tan sidewall versions, and it’s a bit heavier than the Criturum RS I usually ride.
The tread is a departure from the classic road-style design you’d see on most Challenge tires. The 4 Stagioni XP has a fast centerline with bits of syping for wet conditions and plyabilty in the rough bits.
Easier Mounting
Mounting the tires was easy, like no problems easy. There’s nothing more to say about it. The new Easy-Fit design will be a hit for home mechanics who might have fought with tires like this in the past. The Easy-Fit shaping allows the rider to mount the tire without the carcass inverting. It has a round shape, so you can get your hands on it better rather than wrestling with your fingers to push the outer. It’s a nice update, and much appreciated.
I opted to do all my rides on the 32mm tires and paired them with the new Zipp 303 wheels with a 25mm internal. The tires measured to a cool 33.3mm and kept inflation well over the first couple of days. You might ask why, but sometimes H-TLR tires take a bit to seal, and the cotton carcass can absorb some of the sealant, leading to pressure loss. I didn’t have this happen on any of the new Challenge tires. Im guessing the additional puncture protection had a role to play.
All About Ride Feel
The first ride confirmed what the spec promised: supple, smooth, and confidence-inspiring. Rolling across cold early-morning tarmac and wet patches, it behaved predictably and wasn’t particularly notable – something that I like in a test product. After a few rides, however, things started to pop up. The comfort and road feel were welcome sensations after spending a lot of time on thick-cased gravel tires this fall. It’s almost indescribable, but the near-tubular feel and ride quality feel warm and comforting.
I didn’t push the tires too hard on early-morning wet roads, but they did offer some confidence. There were no little squeaks or signs of grip loss, even when I was too brake-happy on descents. I would also attribute this to the tire carcass. The subbleness of the H-TLR is a definite advantage for Challenge tires.
Give and Take
Clearly, Challenge didn’t chase every gram, but these tires aren’t super heavy. Reinforced sidewalls and protective layers add weight and sometimes compromise the ride feel customers pay for —but not here. Compared to the Pirelli Cinturato All Road 32mm (around 350g) and the Vittoria Ride Armor 32mm (420g), they are right in the mix, with arguably a better road feel.
Initial verdict
The 4 Stagioni XP delivers a rare combination: ample puncture protection, genuine all-weather readiness, and a very positive ride feel. If you want a tire that will withstand winter grit, temperamental weather, and still feel like your race tires, the Challenge 4 Stagioni XP will hit that sweet spot.
