Weight Weenies

I'm wondering what's so different between the "tri" and the road versions ???

I bought some Challenge Triathlon 700 X 22mm 300 TPI open tubular tires for my daughter, and I must say I'm impressed with them.

I'm wondering what's the difference between these marketed tires ?
The casing looks to be the same. EDIT: I read the Tri version is made from superpoly, and the criterium is made from corespun cotton. What's the difference, different material (super poly made of polyester or cotton "coated" polyester) ?
The Challenge has the "diamond" thread all over the surface, just like the Continental Competition tubular.
The feeling is amazing with latex tubes.
I know some triathlon tubulars have butyl inner tubes so the athlete can inflate the tires long before the events and still have the correct pressure, but ...otherwise...
...What's the "catch" ? Are tri tires bad in any situation, like handling, or 90° cornering, etc...?

Aso,

What's the difference between

Louis

Hi,

I'm wondering what's so different between the "tri" and the road versions ???

This has mostly to do with IMHO silly regulations.
Latex inner tubes leaking air and so forth and rules demanding the bikes to be brought in x-hours before the race etc. leaving athletes with no choice but to use butyl inner tubes.

I'll gladly leave you to draw your own conclusions.

Ciao,

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The triathlon model is marketed for triathlons only, whereas the Criterium and Forte models are said to work for tris and road use ...
All have a latex tube...

Louis

I think the tread pattern is the only difference. Like tires even need tread...

In case you hadn't noticed, tire manufacturers have apparently learned that it's helpful to market to obscure niches, even though the product is essentially no different.

Michelin pro race ironman tyres were slightly lighter than the stock ones.

They were also sh1t.
Picked up flints like it was going out of fashion.
(got sent them by mistake by a large mail order company, used them for about a month, then bought the proper ones from the LBS)

The triathlon version come without sleeves.

MattSoutherden wrote:The triathlon version come without sleeves.

And a number painted on their arm......

tri versions apparently induce wobble - making safe group
riding more or less impossible

The triathlon version is the average in all aspects of the two. Grip, weight, and durability. Not good at any single one thing. Mediocre in all three...

^Lol

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