Just in time for the official kickoff of cyclocross and the USCX cyclocross series, Challenge is introducing its fast Chicane tread in a 38mm tubular. Masters, get your credit card ready; the rush to pay will start in 15 secondsThe Chicane first appeared under Helen Wymans bike at the British Elite Nationals. Then it was a prototype of a Limus tread mixed with a Sprint center-file tread. (All Photos: Challenge)What is the Challenge Chicane?The tread is simple: fast through the center, with taller side knobs for cornering. That makes the Chicane a good pick for dry hardpack, fast grass, tacky courses, frozen ground, and light mud where you still want speed without giving up all your grip.Its a highly versatile tire, and many riders use it far beyond its dry-weather intentions. As a 38mm tubular, this might make the most sense out of Challenges new Master Blaster lineup (my name, not theirs).Why a 38mm?A 38mm will float over roots and uneven terrain, and in dry conditions, thats a good thing. The 38mm Limus tubular didnt really get that. Because for mud, its best to stick with a narrow tire to dig down into the earth not float. Most professionals (with three-four sets of wheels in a van) will size down and run a 30mm tire for the mud. But I digress.For a lot of early-season cross racing, that is a pretty useful place to be.300 TPI Handmade CasingThe Chicane Pro tubular uses Challenges 300 TPI Super Polyester casing. Is a higher TPI better? For tubulars, yes. 300 TPI means the casing uses 300 polyester threads per inch, with finer threads packed more tightly together. That lets the tire flex and conform to the ground more easily at low pressure. This flex and suppleness is exactly what you want from a cyclocross tubular: more grip, better bump absorption, and zero chance of burping (but you can roll the tire with a crap glue job). The tradeoff is usually durability, but for race-focused tubulars, that extra suppleness is a big part of the appeal.The Chican Pro Tubulars use Challenges SMART rubber compound and PPS puncture protection between the tread and casing to minimize flats.Inside is a latex tube with a 48mm valve stem usually long enough to not need a valve extender.Pro vs. Team EditionChallenge also sells a higher-end Chicane Team Edition Handmade Tubular.The Team Edition moves to a 320 TPI sealed corespun cotton casing and Challenges softer SMARTsoft compound. The Pro sticks with the 300 TPI polyester casing and standard SMART rubber. Both weigh in around 420g for the 33mm tubular version.What should I choose? The Team Edition is the softer, more race-focused option. The Pro should make more sense for riders who race often, train on the same wheels, or just want something a little more durable. If you want the 38mm however, you have to roll the Pro Version, as its not available in the Team Edtion.Challenge Chicane Pro 38mm Tubular PriceThe Pro Series tubular is $99.99, while the Team Edition is $129.99 and isnt available in 38mmLook for a full review as we get racing this season, but let it be known that tubulars arent dead, and neither is cyclocross.Challengetires.com