Masters, get your wallets prepared; Problem Tires has simply added one other in style tread to the 38mm class. That’s proper, now you will get the Child Limus in 38mm within the Problem HTLR casing. The supersized Child Limus exceeds the cyclocross class in its voluminous casing, reworking this snug and succesful cyclocross tread right into a fast-rolling gravel race companion. Meet the brand new Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR.
What’s the Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR?
Are you aware the Problem Child Limus tire? If not, let me introduce you to it. The Child Limus is a contemporary Grifo tread (save your feedback or anger till the top) and a mixed-conditions tire that leans barely towards the muddier aspect of life. In Problem’s phrases, “It affords one thing for everybody.”
Why is it named Child Limus? Problem has a deep mud tread known as the Limus (extremely advisable). The tread sample was very profitable. The Y aspect knobs labored their approach right into a dry/icy situations tire known as the Chicane with the assistance of former British Nationwide Champ Helen Wyman. That tread was additionally very profitable, the template was clear when Problem regarded to create an all-arounder tread.
In a nutshell, the workforce labored backward from the Limus mud tire and turned down the quantity on the tread dimension and thickness. The Child Limus options the identical aspect Y-shaped knobs because the Limus however replaces the middle tread with a decrease profile and tightly packed Y sample. This downsizing shortened the transitional knobs within the course of, giving the tire a wonderful spherical profile in comparison with the flat-top Chicane.
Aren’t All Cyclocross Tires 33mm?
Sure, however no… for the riders racing the UCI fields, the tire dimension is capped at 33mm. This implies the rider and workforce additionally dabble within the 30-32mm treads, however 33mm is the most typical dimension. Don’t even attempt to sneak one by the UCI, both. They measure each tire (worldwide) to ensure they’re compliant. If solely they had been this hardline about doping…
Nonetheless, should you’re NOT within the UCI fields, you should use a 38mm (and up) for masters and so forth. The 38mm sizing is authorized for the USA Nationwide Championships and affords a pleasant mixture of consolation and pace for many riders. Therefore, the explosion of 38mm treads coming into the cyclocross market.
Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR Particulars
- Casing: Problem Handmade Tubeless Prepared Casing (HTLR) Cotton
- TPI: 300
- Rim Sort: Tubeless and Hookless
- Dimension: 38mm
- Measure dimension on 25mm rim: 28.20mm
- Weight: 445g
- Worth: $86.00
Evaluation: Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR
Problem Tubeless Cyclocross Tire Setup
For some, the Problem cyclocross tires might be difficult to get on the rim (see what I did there?). I used to be additionally on this class of installers. That’s till I introduced it up with the Problem workforce, they usually defined politely: “You’re doing it improper.” Now, it’s not that I used to be placing the tire on improper. I didn’t use the right order of operations that Problem asks you to implement when putting in these HTLR tires.
It’s not a trick; it’s a course of. The HRLT tires are flatter and softer than the nylon tires. This cotton casing makes them extremely noodley and arduous to handle whereas putting in. So, Problem asks you to begin the set up like this:
That is my fifth time utilizing this methodology to put in new Problem HTLR tires, and it’s at all times simpler. That mentioned, the preliminary set up is the one time mounting the tire might be powerful. After that, they’re much simpler to mount with out utilizing a tire lever.
I’m operating the Problem Child Limus 38mms on a pair of Forge + Bond 45mm wheels with a 25mm inside width and hookless bead. The tires pumped as much as a exact 38.20mm when absolutely inflated and didn’t require any particular tubeless whispering whereas seating.
Experience Impressions – Problem Child Limus 38mm
My first rides on the Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR had been on the highway and on our native cyclocross programs and single observe. I’m acquainted with the Child Limus tread, and it’s a favourite of mine for barely muddy races. The Child Limus tread excels, whereas a Grifo tread won’t have the grip for off-camber options. The Y aspect knobs permit for extra grip and crawling, and digging when in comparison with the Grifo dotted aspect knob.
On the highway, I used to be pleased with the rolling sensation. I anticipated them to be extra sluggish than the Grifo 38mm I traded them out for. Nonetheless, they had been simply as fast and reasonably sooner.
Cyclocross Driving
I’m slowly turning into a convert to the 38mm cyclocross race tire. I’ve reviewed (and am at present racing) the Problem Grifo 38mm tubular tires and have skilled on the Grifo HTLR 38mm tires for a while. The additional little bit of consolation and rolling pace is certainly an upside. These riders which might be tremendous adjusted to the 33mm tread may really feel a slight lag in cornering response, however the rolling consolation ought to stability that out. I particularly like them for programs which have lower than pristine situations.
When you’re driving a really bumpy course with lumpy grass sections, you’d love the 38mm suspension-like really feel. They’re barely heavier than the 33mm model, so they are going to add some rotational weight to your setup. However all in all, they’re a extra snug tire choice with minimal penalties.
On the Cyclocross Course
The Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR on the course felt simply as quick because the 33mm HTLR model. The place it outshines its 33mm brethren is in bumpy programs and rooty/rocky options. The extra tire quantity is such a bonus for smoothing out the course, particularly in wooded and single-track trail-style options.
As for stress, I went for 18-20psi, relying on the course and calls for for the day. For the highway and gravel, 20-21psi was an excellent combo with the F + B wheels. When driving the grass in barely damp situations, the 18-19psi vary was higher. Like all tire or element, it’s as much as your driving fashion and luxury degree with the “squish and squirm” of a cotton tire. You’ll be OK with decrease should you’re used to a tubular. If not, purpose greater and go down barely should you’re making an attempt to realize extra grip.
No Burping Please
The downfall of tubeless tires (in comparison with tubular) is burping and the tire ripping off the rim. Up to now, I’ve not burped one off the rim on any Problem tubeless tires I’ve reviewed and ridden. I’ve had rims seize some grass off a course however by no means leap off and lose sufficient air to trigger a problem. So, they handed the “will it keep on the rim?” check for me with flying colours.
Are there any drawbacks to 38mm cyclocross tires? The one ones that I’ve encountered are slim rims and body clearance. The 38mm casing will fold on narrower rims when leaning arduous into corners. Upping the stress can treatment this folding, however you don’t get the efficiency you need from the tire. So, it’s a trade-off. I’d say an excellent performing tire/rim combo, can be a 21-25mm inside rim width paired with 38mm tires.
For body clearance, double-check your most tire clearance and account for mud. When you have an older cyclocross body, the clearance shall be tight, so do your analysis earlier than committing. I’ve a Cannondale Tremendous Six EVO, and the body clearance is bonkers excessive. Most new (2020-current) frames ought to be capable to clear a 38mm tire, OK, however once more, verify these specs earlier than dropping $170+ on new footwear.
How About Gravel?
I took the Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR on some gravel and was pleased with the trip high quality. I normally attain for slim 40mm grave tires for my race bike (course dependent), and the 38mm trip was comparable in high quality (it’s solely 2mm).
The Child Limus tread is simply provided in a 33mm (and now 38mm), so it was by no means an choice for gravel. Nonetheless, after spending a while on groads (nothing too chunky) with the Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR, it’s an excellent gravel choice. Plus, it will get rid of a redundant 40mm tire from the tire quiver for many riders.
The tread is quick rolling and pairs properly with most tremendous to medium-style gravel. It tends to flick and spray some tremendous gravel to riders in your wheel, however thats their downside.
How About Puncture Resistance? The Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR is puncture-protective in cyclocross situations. I haven’t had points with gravel, however I haven’t put them by means of the gauntlet of the hardest PA gravel, so I’ll save that ruling for an additional time.
Ultimate Ideas – Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR
When you’re searching for a cyclocross (or lighter gravel) tire that could be a true jack of all trades, the Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR is it. The 38mm HTLR casing provides it a pleasant, supple really feel on the cyclocross course and a refined really feel on the highway. It’s a bigger tire, with that mentioned, some frames will restrict its use, but it surely’s a real performer on bumpy, tough programs.
At the moment, it’s restricted to the tan-cotton HTLR casing, and the highest tier of Problem HTLR tires is the Pink Staff Version casing.
Will we see any 38mm tires within the TE Pink casing? Solely time will inform. Till then, the Problem Child Limus 38mm HLTR is essentially the most well-rounded, voluminous cyclocross tire that I’ve ridden.
Concerned with extra cyclocross tire speak?
