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Review: Challenge Baby Limus 38mm Tires Aren’t Just Great For Cyclocross 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR header
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Masters, get your wallets ready; Challenge Tires has just added another popular tread to the 38mm category. That’s right, now you can get the Baby Limus in 38mm in the Challenge HTLR casing. The supersized Baby Limus exceeds the cyclocross category in its voluminous casing, transforming this comfortable and capable cyclocross tread into a fast-rolling gravel race companion. Meet the new Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR tread
(All Photos: Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)

What is the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTL

R? 

Do you know the Challenge Baby Limus tire? If not, let me introduce you to it. The Baby Limus is a modern Grifo tread (save your comments or anger until the end) and a mixed-conditions tire that leans slightly toward the muddier side of life. In Challenge’s words, “It offers something for everyone.” 

Why is it named Baby Limus? Challenge has a deep mud tread called the Limus (highly recommended). The tread pattern was very successful. The Y side knobs worked their way into a dry/icy conditions tire called the Chicane with the help of former British National Champ Helen Wyman. That tread was also very successful, the template was clear when Challenge looked to create an all-arounder tread. 

Challenge Pro-only Team Edition Red limited cyclocross tubulars, Chicane, Dune, Koksijde
The Challenge Chicane, Dune, and Koksijde in Team Edition Tubular Casing (Image: Challenge)

In a nutshell, the team worked backward from the Limus mud tire and turned down the volume on the tread size and thickness. The Baby Limus features the same side Y-shaped knobs as the Limus but replaces the center tread with a lower profile and tightly packed Y pattern. This downsizing shortened the transitional knobs in the process, giving the tire an excellent round profile compared to the flat-top Chicane. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR side

Aren’t All Cyclocross Tires 33mm?

Yes, but no… for the riders racing the UCI fields, the tire size is capped at 33mm. This means the rider and team also dabble in the 30-32mm treads, but 33mm is the most common size. Don’t even try to sneak one by the UCI, either. They measure every tire (worldwide) to make sure they are compliant. If only they were this hardline about doping…

However, if you’re NOT in the UCI fields, you can use a 38mm (and up) for masters and so on. The 38mm sizing is approved for the USA National Championships and offers a nice mix of comfort and speed for most riders. Hence, the explosion of 38mm treads coming into the cyclocross market. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR weight

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR Details

  • Casing: Challenge Handmade Tubeless Ready Casing (HTLR) Cotton
  • TPI: 300
  • Rim Type: Tubeless and Hookless
  • Size: 38mm
  • Measure size on 25mm rim: 38.20mm
  • Weight: 445g
  • Price: $86.00
Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR tight packed

Review: Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR

Challenge Tubeless Cyclocross Tire Setup

For some, the Challenge cyclocross tires can be challenging to get on the rim (see what I did there?). I was also in this category of installers. That is until I brought it up with the Challenge team, and they explained politely: “You’re doing it wrong.” Now, it’s not that I was putting the tire on wrong. I didn’t use the correct order of operations that Challenge asks you to implement when installing these HTLR tires. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR mounting

It’s not a trick; it’s a process. The HRLT tires are flatter and softer than the nylon tires. This cotton casing makes them highly noodley and hard to manage while installing. So, Challenge asks you to start the installation like this: 

This is my fifth time using this method to install new Challenge HTLR tires, and it’s always easier. That said, the initial install is the only time mounting the tire can be tough. After that, they are much easier to mount without using a tire lever. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR full bike

I’m running the Challenge Baby Limus 38mms on a pair of Forge + Bond 45mm wheels with a 25mm internal width and hookless bead. The tires pumped up to a precise 38.20mm when fully inflated and didn’t require any special tubeless whispering while seating. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR center tread

Ride Impressions – Challenge Baby Limus 38mm

My first rides on the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR were on the road and on our local cyclocross courses and single track. I’m familiar with the Baby Limus tread, and it’s a favorite of mine for slightly muddy races. The Baby Limus tread excels, whereas a Grifo tread might not have the grip for off-camber features. The Y side knobs allow for more grip and crawling, and digging when compared to the Grifo dotted side knob. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR tread sunlight

On the road, I was happy with the rolling sensation. I expected them to be more sluggish than the Grifo 38mm I traded them out for. However, they were just as quick and moderately faster. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR bike back

Cyclocross Riding

I’m slowly becoming a convert to the 38mm cyclocross race tire. I’ve reviewed (and am currently racing) the Challenge Grifo 38mm tubular tires and have trained on the Grifo HTLR 38mm tires for some time. The extra bit of comfort and rolling speed is definitely an upside. Those riders that are super adjusted to the 33mm tread could feel a slight lag in cornering response, but the rolling comfort should balance that out. I especially like them for courses that have less than pristine conditions.

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR logo

If you’re riding a very bumpy course with lumpy grass sections, you’d love the 38mm suspension-like feel. They are slightly heavier than the 33mm version, so they will add some rotational weight to your setup. But all in all, they are a more comfortable tire option with minimal penalties.

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR casing

On the Cyclocross Course

The Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR on the course felt just as fast as the 33mm HTLR version. Where it outshines its 33mm brethren is in bumpy courses and rooty/rocky features. The additional tire volume is such an advantage for smoothing out the course, especially in wooded and single-track trail-style features. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR full side

As for pressure, I went for 18-20psi, depending on the course and demands for the day. For the road and gravel, 20-21psi was a good combo with the F + B wheels. When riding the grass in slightly damp conditions, the 18-19psi range was better. Like any tire or component, it’s up to your riding style and comfort level with the “squish and squirm”  of a cotton tire. You’ll be OK with lower if you’re used to a tubular. If not, aim higher and go down slightly if you’re trying to achieve more grip. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR logos in hte sun

No Burping Please 

The downfall of tubeless tires (compared to tubular) is burping and the tire ripping off the rim. So far, I’ve not burped one off the rim on any Challenge tubeless tires I’ve reviewed and ridden. I’ve had rims grab some grass off a course but never jump off and lose enough air to cause an issue. So, they passed the “will it stay on the rim?” test for me with flying colors. 

Are there any drawbacks to 38mm cyclocross tires? The only ones that I have encountered are narrow rims and frame clearance. The 38mm casing will fold on narrower rims when leaning hard into corners. Upping the pressure can remedy this folding, but you don’t get the performance you want from the tire. So, it’s a trade-off. I would say a great performing tire/rim combo, would be a 21-25mm internal rim width paired with 38mm tires. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR clearance

For frame clearance, double-check your maximum tire clearance and account for mud. If you have an older cyclocross frame, the clearance will be tight, so do your research before committing. I have a Cannondale Super Six EVO, and the frame clearance is bonkers high. Most new (2020-current) frames should be able to clear a 38mm tire, OK, but again, check those specs before dropping $170+ on new shoes. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR header clear logo

How About Gravel? 

I took the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR on some gravel and was happy with the ride quality. I usually reach for narrow 40mm grave tires for my race bike (course dependent), and the 38mm ride was comparable in quality (it’s only 2mm). 

The Baby Limus tread is only offered in a 33mm (and now 38mm), so it was never an option for gravel. However, after spending some time on groads (nothing too chunky) with the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR, it’s a great gravel option. Plus, it would eliminate a redundant 40mm tire from the tire quiver for most riders. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR close up

The tread is fast rolling and pairs well with most fine to medium-style gravel. It tends to flick and spray some fine gravel to riders on your wheel, but thats their problem. 

How About Puncture Resistance? The Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR is puncture-protective in cyclocross conditions. I haven’t had issues with gravel, but I haven’t put them through the gauntlet of the toughest PA gravel, so I’ll save that ruling for another time. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR sun

Final Thoughts – Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR 

If you’re looking for a cyclocross (or lighter gravel) tire that is a true jack of all trades, the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR is it. The 38mm HTLR casing gives it a nice, supple feel on the cyclocross course and a refined feel on the road. It’s a larger tire, with that said, some frames will limit its use, but it’s a true performer on bumpy, rough courses. 

Currently, it’s limited to the tan-cotton HTLR casing, and the top tier of Challenge HTLR tires is the Red Team Edition casing.

Will we see any 38mm tires in the TE Red casing? Only time will tell. Until then, the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR is the most well-rounded, voluminous cyclocross tire that I’ve ridden. 

ChallengeTires.com

Interested in more cyclocross tire talk?

Check out our Best Cyclocross Tire Guide

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26 Comments
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Andrew
Andrew
22 days ago

I’m torn between agreeing that those 38mm tires look like they’d be great for CX *AND* simultaneously feeling like 38mm tires are against the point – that the sport is all about using tires that are sub-optimal for the job at hand!

David
David
21 days ago

What sort of bike would be consistently faster around CX courses than a CX bike?

jack curzon
jack curzon
21 days ago
Reply to  David

I’d imagine straight handlebars would improve control for a start! 😉

David Cox
David Cox
20 days ago
Reply to  jack curzon

I was thinking same thing about those bars.

Ben
Ben
18 days ago
Reply to  jack curzon

Frishknecht used to ride cx with straight bars, i think its still within the rules but not sure.

Ben
Ben
20 days ago
Reply to  David

A cyclocross bike with 40mm tyres?

wwm
wwm
20 days ago
Reply to  Andrew

and you can go back to rim brakes.

Antoine Martin
Antoine Martin
22 days ago

33mm is enforced where i race, such a pita. A lot of 33 don’t even pass because wider rims makes them baloon above 33. Your so much at risk of destroying a rim and the bike are just not as good as they should be.

Alan
Alan
22 days ago
Reply to  Antoine Martin

Cx, imho, is a test of bike handling as much as speed. To finish first, first you have to finish, so using discretion and judgment wrt lines & speed are crucial

Or, you could go mountain biking

wwm
wwm
20 days ago
Reply to  Antoine Martin

When I started 28c is all we had.

carbonfodder
carbonfodder
22 days ago

@jordan: you have the width listed at 28.20mm in the bullet section, might want to update that

DefinitelyNotJim
DefinitelyNotJim
22 days ago

Several of your references are for HLTR, not HTLR (TubeLess Ready?) as is correct.

Iamchrisone
Iamchrisone
21 days ago

Is the tread any wider than the 33mm version? As far I read, the actual tread width of the Limus and Griffo 38mm is the same as the 33mm versions. In theory that means less side traction right?

Patrick
Patrick
20 days ago

Same question. The tubulars had the same tread glued onto a larger casing and it kind of neutralized the cornering knobs too much for me. Thanks for the write up and great pictures!

Andrew
Andrew
21 days ago
Reply to  Iamchrisone

If this is the case, this would mitigate my concern about larger tires ruining the ‘spirit of CX’ – 38mm tires in ‘cross might not be so bad if there was a known tradeoff in grip 😛

Josh
Josh
16 days ago
Reply to  Iamchrisone

Looking at the Grifo side by side they are the exact same tread so I assume the same here. You end up with the casing being wider than the tread so they lose grip when you lean the tires over.

Ben G
Ben G
20 days ago

This is great, just ordered a set. I wish tire companies would make the dry tires in bigger sizes and then the muddier ones in tighter range of smaller sizes. A Chicane in 40 and 45, Baby Limus in 35, 38 and 40, Limus in 33 and 35. More volume for softening bumps, less volume to get into the mud more. I’ve been using gravel tires in early season last couple years. Glad I live somewhere where promoters don’t care about a 33c rule.

Dinger
Dinger
17 days ago
Reply to  Ben G

You can get the Chicane in sizes. The tread is curiously different from size to size.some have a finer file tread, some have more or less shoulder knob height.

FWIW, the lower cost vulcanized TLR versions are pretty oversized from label (33c = ~36-38 depending on rims) and work really well.

wwm
wwm
20 days ago

I wish these were available 10 years ago.

D C
D C
16 days ago

The top question I have is one that is almost always left out of articles like this: is this available and if not, when will it be? Based on the fact it’s not challenge’s website, seems like this is essentially vaporware until next year and we’re just reading a press release?

D C
D C
9 days ago

Thanks for the reply! Looking everywhere and cannot find. Any tips?

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