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HomeCyclingEvaluation: Problem Child Limus 38mm Tires Aren't Simply Nice For Cyclocross 

Evaluation: Problem Child Limus 38mm Tires Aren’t Simply Nice For Cyclocross 


Masters, get your wallets prepared; Problem Tires has simply added one other fashionable 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 comfy and succesful cyclocross tread right into a fast-rolling gravel race companion. Meet the brand new Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR. 

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

What’s the Problem Child Limus 38mm HTL

R? 

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 provides one thing for everybody.” 

Why is it named Child Limus? Problem has a deep mud tread referred to as the Limus (extremely really helpful). The tread sample was very profitable. The Y aspect knobs labored their approach right into a dry/icy situations tire referred to 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 seemed to create an all-arounder tread. 

Challenge Pro-only Team Edition Red limited cyclocross tubulars, Chicane, Dune, KoksijdeChallenge Pro-only Team Edition Red limited cyclocross tubulars, Chicane, Dune, Koksijde
The Problem Chicane, Dune, and Koksijde in Workforce Version Tubular Casing (Picture: Problem)

In a nutshell, the group labored backward from the Limus mud tire and turned down the amount on the tread measurement 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 superb spherical profile in comparison with the flat-top Chicane. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR sideChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR side

Aren’t All Cyclocross Tires 33mm?

Sure, however no… for the riders racing the UCI fields, the tire measurement is capped at 33mm. This implies the rider and group additionally dabble within the 30-32mm treads, however 33mm is the commonest measurement. Don’t even attempt to sneak one by the UCI, both. They measure each tire (worldwide) to verify they’re compliant. If solely they have been this hardline about doping…

Nevertheless, when you’re NOT within the UCI fields, you need to use a 38mm (and up) for masters and so forth. The 38mm sizing is authorized for the USA Nationwide Championships and provides a pleasant mixture of consolation and pace for many riders. Therefore, the explosion of 38mm treads coming into the cyclocross market. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR weightChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR weight

Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR Particulars

  • Casing: Problem Handmade Tubeless Prepared Casing (HTLR) Cotton
  • TPI: 300
  • Rim Kind: Tubeless and Hookless
  • Dimension: 38mm
  • Measure measurement on 25mm rim: 38.20mm
  • Weight: 445g
  • Worth: $86.00
Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR tight packedChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR tight packed

Evaluation: Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR

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 group, and so they defined politely: “You’re doing it mistaken.” Now, it’s not that I used to be placing the tire on mistaken. I didn’t use the proper order of operations that Problem asks you to implement when putting in these HTLR tires. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR mountingChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR mounting

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 laborious to handle whereas putting in. So, Problem asks you to start out the set up like this: 

That is my fifth time utilizing this technique to put in new Problem HTLR tires, and it’s at all times simpler. That stated, the preliminary set up is the one time mounting the tire might be robust. After that, they’re much simpler to mount with out utilizing a tire lever. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR full bikeChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR full bike

I’m operating the Problem Child Limus 38mms on a pair of Forge + Bond 45mm wheels with a 25mm inner width and hookless bead. The tires pumped as much as a exact 38.20mm when totally inflated and didn’t require any particular tubeless whispering whereas seating. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR center treadChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR center tread

Trip Impressions – Problem Child Limus 38mm

My first rides on the Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR have been on the street and on our native cyclocross programs and single observe. I’m aware of the Child Limus tread, and it’s a favourite of mine for barely muddy races. The Child Limus tread excels, whereas a Grifo tread may not have the grip for off-camber options. The Y aspect knobs enable for extra grip and crawling, and digging when in comparison with the Grifo dotted aspect knob. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR tread sunlightChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR tread sunlight

On the street, 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. Nevertheless, they have been simply as fast and reasonably sooner. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR bike backChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR bike back

Cyclocross Using

I’m slowly changing into a convert to the 38mm cyclocross race tire. I’ve reviewed (and am at the moment racing) the Problem Grifo 38mm tubular tires and have educated 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 are 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.

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR logoChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR logo

In case 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 comfy tire possibility with minimal penalties.

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR casingChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR casing

On the Cyclocross Course

The Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR 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. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR full sideChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR full side

As for stress, I went for 18-20psi, relying on the course and calls for for the day. For the street and gravel, 20-21psi was a very good combo with the F + B wheels. When driving the grass in barely damp situations, the 18-19psi vary was higher. Like all tire or part, it’s as much as your driving fashion and luxury stage with the “squish and squirm”  of a cotton tire. You’ll be OK with decrease when you’re used to a tubular. If not, intention greater and go down barely when you’re attempting to realize extra grip. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR logos in hte sunChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR logos in hte sun

No Burping Please 

The downfall of tubeless tires (in comparison with tubular) is burping and the tire ripping off the rim. Thus far, 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 soar 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 slender rims and body clearance. The 38mm casing will fold on narrower rims when leaning laborious 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 important performing tire/rim combo, could be a 21-25mm inner rim width paired with 38mm tires. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR clearanceChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR clearance

For body clearance, double-check your most tire clearance and account for mud. If in case you have an older cyclocross body, the clearance might 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 have the ability to clear a 38mm tire, OK, however once more, verify these specs earlier than dropping $170+ on new sneakers. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR header clear logoChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR header clear logo

How About Gravel? 

I took the Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR on some gravel and was pleased with the trip high quality. I often attain for slender 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 just provided in a 33mm (and now 38mm), so it was by no means an possibility for gravel. Nevertheless, after spending a while on groads (nothing too chunky) with the Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR, it’s an important gravel possibility. Plus, it will get rid of a redundant 40mm tire from the tire quiver for many riders. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR close upChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR close up

The tread is quick rolling and pairs properly with most superb to medium-style gravel. It tends to flick and spray some superb gravel to riders in your wheel, however thats their drawback. 

How About Puncture Resistance? The Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR is puncture-protective in cyclocross situations. I haven’t had points with gravel, however I haven’t put them by way of the gauntlet of the hardest PA gravel, so I’ll save that ruling for an additional time. 

Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR sunChallenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR sun

Remaining Ideas – Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR 

In case you’re on the lookout for a cyclocross (or lighter gravel) tire that may be a true jack of all trades, the Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR is it. The 38mm HTLR casing offers it a pleasant, supple really feel on the cyclocross course and a refined really feel on the street. It’s a bigger tire, with that stated, some frames will restrict its use, nevertheless it’s a real performer on bumpy, tough programs. 

At present, it’s restricted to the tan-cotton HTLR casing, and the highest tier of Problem HTLR tires is the Pink Workforce Version casing.

Will we see any 38mm tires within the TE Pink casing? Solely time will inform. Till then, the Problem Child Limus 38mm HTLR is essentially the most well-rounded, voluminous cyclocross tire that I’ve ridden. 

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