Challenge Getaway XP in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test

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The Challenge Getaway XP is designed primarily for hardpack and dry gravel. With a continuous centre strip and side knobs at the edges, it has all the ingredients to make a classic fast-rolling contender. But how does the Getaway XP perform when it comes to puncture protection and ease of installation? Our test has the answers.

The Challenge Getaway XP is designed to shine on hardpack and light gravel surfaces, while the Gravine XP is intended for rougher terrain. In its XP (Xtra Protection) version, it promises a focus on high puncture resistance and strong durability, so it should be a solid option for long-distance adventurers and ultra racers.

Like its sibling, the Getaway is handmade, built using an open tubular construction. The treaded outer layer and load-bearing carcass are bonded together by hand, resulting in a flat tire profile that only takes shape under significant pressure during installation. Fitting it into the rim is therefore anything but straightforward. More on that in the test.

On the Run – The Challenge Getaway XP in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test

The combination of a restrained centre tread and more pronounced side knobs on the Challenge Getaway XP pays off on the trails. The tire blends good rolling efficiency with stable cornering support, and it’s hard to unsettle on gravel or hardpack. Only in proper mud do you really need to start worrying about loss of traction or a spinning rear wheel. In the dry, the Getaway XP impresses with smooth, predictable turn-in and very generous reserves at the limit. The transition from centre strip to side knobs is barely noticeable, with the tire leaning in progressively and consistently.

In terms of rolling resistance, it is around 2 W more efficient than the more aggressively treaded Challenge Gravine XP, sitting in the middle of the test field at 15.2 W. At the same time, it delivers top-tier puncture protection: maximum pinch-flat resistance, very robust sidewalls, and a high level of resistance in the puncture test. The weight of 665 g, roughly 100 g above average, is hardly noticeable in practice. The tire feels efficient, lively and comfortable, thanks to the damping properties of the tough casing.

However, the Getaway XP squanders what would otherwise be a strong shot at a test win due to its extremely demanding…