Michelin tires thread!

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JerseyMojo
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7/27/2022 12:07pm
Unfortunately I didn't think to check when I first got them. I kind of hoping they are firm and they haven't gone off...
Edthorne
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7/27/2022 2:03pm
JerseyMojo wrote:
Unfortunately I didn't think to check when I first got them. I kind of hoping they are firm and they haven't gone off...
I'm not the most sensitive rider to bike set up, but I'm not oblivious either, and I've been running these tires for a good while (2-3 years) now and haven't noticed any issues like that. I will say they aren't the greatest cold weather tires, but in season I haven't had any problems.
JerseyMojo
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7/27/2022 2:05pm
Interesting. I’ll give them a go and see how they feel. I’ve got a DD Assegai and DH Dissector as backups.
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ebruner
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7/29/2022 8:23am Edited Date/Time 7/29/2022 8:24am
I've gone through two dh 34's in the bike park over the last year. Overall, I thought they were pretty good tires and I have few complaints. They lasted through quite a few bad life choices and got shit mixed through countless rock strikes at Mammoth, Northstar and Snow Summit. The rubber compound seemed to be a bit more firm then the typical 3c maxx grip maxxis, but it seems to potentially rebound slower (based on a finely calibrated thumb measuring device). Initially, I thought I'd be a bit let down by them (at mammoth in particular) because they seemed a bit narrow on my ex511s. Overall though, they tracked well, very similarly to how a 2.4 DHR2 DD/DH casing does but with better communication and feedback on grip levels.

My only real complaint is that both of the tires I ran had cracks where the sidewall meets the tread. One of the two had a bit of sealant weeping through this joint. admittedly less sealant through that crack then some maxxis tires i've had that just seem to sweat through the entire sidewall of the tire.

For 2022, I'm back to my tried and true maxxis. Even though I liked the michelin dh tires... I just can't get away from the DH/DD 3c Maxx Grip Maxxis goodness. The Assegai is just a beast and I can't get myself away from my 3 baseline pairings for different bike parks:
-3c MG assegai in front, always
-DHR 2 in back for general riding, pedaling and conditions/trails where I want rolling speed
-DHF in back when I want to get drifty and things aren't steep
-Assegai in back for when things get really stupid

I just like the versatility of the Maxxis range for slightly different conditions and the range of pairings I am comfortable with. I think in time, as michelin builds out there line and I become more comfortable on them, I could see running them long term. Also, I'm a sucker for those hot patch logos that are motorsport style, badass.





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Edthorne
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9/19/2022 8:50am
Has anyone here tried any of Conti's new tires? I've been running DH22/DH34 for a while now, and I'm interested to hear a comparison to the Kryptotals from someone who's ridden both.

I'm particularly interested in the difference in rolling resistance and durability/protection. I've seen a lot of people destroying Maxxis DH tires over the past year or so where I live, and I've really only had to replace my Michelins when they wear out. So I'd like to know how the casings on the Conti's compare on super rocky terrain where pinch flats and sidewall slices are going to be a common occurrence.
Primoz
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9/19/2022 10:47am
A friend of mine has a Xynotal. He commented it's about as hard to mount as a DH casing tyre while being the lighter casing, so it appears to be very tightly mounted on the rim. It's also bent/torn/crooked, possibly from mounting it (he usually mounts and removes tyres without any levers, so...). That can happen to more or less any tyre though, I've seen a few crooked Maxxis tyres too, but it does not instill confidence when a completely new line of tyres has this problem out the gate or from installation itself.

The most important thing, he was roughly 15 rides in on the tyre while I was on my ~5th ride with a dual compound EXO DHR2. I easily cleared greasy climbs where he just spun out. Going down over greasy roots I held my line (rear wheel included) while his rear was all over the place, slipping over small roots.

Looking at the way he's been riding with that tyre, compared to his usual skills and style while riding anything from Maxxis, it's pure garbage. Didn't test it myself, but given what I've seen, I'm sticking with Maxxis and waiting for the Wild Enduros to be in stock so I can try them out.
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madsam9
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9/20/2022 10:43am
I'm running the downhill casing Kriptotals (Fr and Re). They were pretty average to install with inserts. Durability is much better than Maxxis, especially when comparing the soft compound to a maxxterra. The supersoft I'm running in the front is wearing similarly to a maxxgrip assegai I had a couple of years ago, which is a good thing since they both hold up reasonably well. As for durability I never flatted, and in the process I managed to destroy an alloy rim (a shitty roval, avoid them at all cost) but the tire survived with no scratches, I later mounted it on a new wheel.
Rolling resistence is a little bit better than an Assegai/DHR2 combo. Grip is great and very predicable, the Kriptotal Fr feels more like an Assegai than a Minion as the transition between central and lateral knobs isn't sudden. The Kriptotal Re is also good and I didn't experience the lack of braking grip some reviews mentioned.
The profile is more square than round (my current rims are 30mm and 27mm wide).
All of this was in dry and dusty conditions, I probably got a couple of rides on them in the wet and on rocks and roots they felt better than the Wild Enduros I ran previously.
So in conclusion I'm quite happy with them, I'm definitely getting another set next year (this is the first time I'll buy back the same tires I had).

The discrepancies between my personal experience and Primoz's might be related to the different compounds and possibly different terrain(?) I'd personally recommend them, at least in the dh version.
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Edthorne
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9/20/2022 11:31am Edited Date/Time 9/22/2022 7:04am
The Xynotal looks to me to be pretty similar in tread pattern to the Dissector, so I'm not surprised it's not the grippiest tire out there on roots etc.

Demoing a rim and having the tire hold up is a good vote of confidence! Definitely the kind of thing that's kept me on the DH22's for so long. I'd also say that the rolling resistance comparison is a good thing. I've pedaled a friend's Range with Maxxis Assegai/DHRII, and it felt a whole lot more sprightly than mine with the DH22's. Though I can't recall if they were DD or DH casings..

Based off all of that I think I'll give em a go!
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Primoz
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9/20/2022 1:45pm
I've run the Aggressor quite a lot and just recently switched to a DHR2 for the first time. The Aggressor has much shallower tread and I don't think it's THAT squirmy to be honest.
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9/20/2022 11:39pm
Primoz wrote:
A friend of mine has a Xynotal. He commented it's about as hard to mount as a DH casing tyre while being the lighter casing, so...
A friend of mine has a Xynotal. He commented it's about as hard to mount as a DH casing tyre while being the lighter casing, so it appears to be very tightly mounted on the rim. It's also bent/torn/crooked, possibly from mounting it (he usually mounts and removes tyres without any levers, so...). That can happen to more or less any tyre though, I've seen a few crooked Maxxis tyres too, but it does not instill confidence when a completely new line of tyres has this problem out the gate or from installation itself.

The most important thing, he was roughly 15 rides in on the tyre while I was on my ~5th ride with a dual compound EXO DHR2. I easily cleared greasy climbs where he just spun out. Going down over greasy roots I held my line (rear wheel included) while his rear was all over the place, slipping over small roots.

Looking at the way he's been riding with that tyre, compared to his usual skills and style while riding anything from Maxxis, it's pure garbage. Didn't test it myself, but given what I've seen, I'm sticking with Maxxis and waiting for the Wild Enduros to be in stock so I can try them out.
If your friend is using the Endurance rubber I am not really surprised. I got a chance to look at the whole line up at a Cycling fair last summer and while the Soft and SuperSoft seemed very promising, just by touch you could tell that the Endurance was hard, fast rebounding and plastic-y. It is by no means equivalent of riding the tire as casing will come into play and some rubbers are deceptive but it usually is a decent indicator when you know what good rubber feels in hand.
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Primoz
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9/20/2022 11:55pm
It does indeed seem to be the case that he is running an endurance compound (we both usually run exo casings and dual compound rubber when it comes to Maxxis).
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Verbl Kint
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9/22/2022 3:24am
With Schwalbe dual ply tires nowhere to be found and MaxxGrip varieties out of stock, I decided to get a Wild Enduro Racing Line pair instead (about $145 in price). Did a road test and these are definitely sticky and heavy meats.

The other pair available were Conti Argotals but I went with Michelins instead as these were about $25 cheaper and are probably more versatile.

I went with the racing line since the lighter casings were unavailable. I also prefer using DH casing tires as opposed to thinner ones with inserts. Will be riding a rocky and muddy DH track this weekend so we'll see if they're as good as the Magic Mary's I used to have (ultra soft front, soft rear).

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9/22/2022 9:04am
Verbl Kint wrote:
With Schwalbe dual ply tires nowhere to be found and MaxxGrip varieties out of stock, I decided to get a Wild Enduro Racing Line pair instead...
With Schwalbe dual ply tires nowhere to be found and MaxxGrip varieties out of stock, I decided to get a Wild Enduro Racing Line pair instead (about $145 in price). Did a road test and these are definitely sticky and heavy meats.

The other pair available were Conti Argotals but I went with Michelins instead as these were about $25 cheaper and are probably more versatile.

I went with the racing line since the lighter casings were unavailable. I also prefer using DH casing tires as opposed to thinner ones with inserts. Will be riding a rocky and muddy DH track this weekend so we'll see if they're as good as the Magic Mary's I used to have (ultra soft front, soft rear).

I ran the racing lines for a bit this summer, found that the front is noticeably slow rolling even compared to a 3CG assegai. Also reminds me of a shorty, in that the front holds a great edge on corners until it abruptly doesn’t. Grip on rocks left a bit to be desired too compared to maxxis.
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Verbl Kint
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9/26/2022 3:34am
I ran the racing lines for a bit this summer, found that the front is noticeably slow rolling even compared to a 3CG assegai. Also reminds...
I ran the racing lines for a bit this summer, found that the front is noticeably slow rolling even compared to a 3CG assegai. Also reminds me of a shorty, in that the front holds a great edge on corners until it abruptly doesn’t. Grip on rocks left a bit to be desired too compared to maxxis.
Settings: 18 psi front, 20 psi rear with no inserts; rider weight is 145 lbs in full gear.

Rode through a rainstorm yesterday and the grip of the front tire is nearly as good as a Shorty, which is a good thing. The bad part is that it doesn't shed mud as fast as a Shorty so you will have to maintain a decent amount of speed to keep the mud off the tire. On wet rocks, I was generally fine but the rear tire definitely could not hold on as well as the front. Traction on off-camber sections in the mud for both front and rear tires was outstanding, probably one of the best I have ever tried.

I find the grip of the front to be better than a Assegai (MaxxGrip) in the slop. I would think using the Wild Enduro front as a rear tire can be warranted for conditions where a rider might potentially think about cut spikes or a Shorty. The Wild Enduro rear is clearly not as good in the mud but I think it should be better in drier conditions.

The Wild Enduro front reminded me so much of the Magic Mary (in ultrasoft) but I find that I could run lower pressures than the Schwalbe. It seems the key to unlocking the Wild Enduro Racing Lines is to go as low as you possibly can in tire pressure just because the casing seems to be far more robust.








shakazulu12
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5/19/2023 11:05am

Is there a "New" WE coming?  The product grid on their site reflects it.  But no news that I've seen.  

image-20230519110535-1

luisgutrod
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5/22/2023 7:38pm
Is there a "New" WE coming?  The product grid on their site reflects it.  But no news that I've seen.  

Is there a "New" WE coming?  The product grid on their site reflects it.  But no news that I've seen.  

image-20230519110535-1

new as in new stock must be... 

Primoz
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9/10/2023 1:18pm

Finally got a set of Wild Enduros and by the first impressions they seem very nice. No wet weather riding though, in the dry the grip is amazing.

I have moved to a set of Racing Line Wild Enduros now (did a solid for my Friend who bought them to replace the ordinary ones and was shocked at how slow they roll) and DAMN is that a slow tyre for pedalling :D

1
9/28/2023 11:03am

Thanks for sharing your experience with Michelin Bikepark tires, CheapOnDirt! It's valuable to hear how they compare to other brands like Maxxis. 

If you're looking to upgrade your ride beyond just tires, you might want to check out this post: Upgrade Your Ride: Explore the 15 Best Electric Bikes Today. Electric bikes are gaining popularity, and they can offer a whole new level of fun and convenience on the trails.

As for tire durability and performance, it seems like Michelin has its strengths, but it's always good to have alternatives like Maxxis and Continental in mind, especially when terrain and riding conditions vary.

If anyone else has more insights or experiences to share about Michelin or other tire brands, please feel free to chime in!

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Jakub_G
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9/28/2023 12:43pm
Thanks for sharing your experience with Michelin Bikepark tires, CheapOnDirt! It's valuable to hear how they compare to other brands like Maxxis.  If you're looking to...

Thanks for sharing your experience with Michelin Bikepark tires, CheapOnDirt! It's valuable to hear how they compare to other brands like Maxxis. 

If you're looking to upgrade your ride beyond just tires, you might want to check out this post: Upgrade Your Ride: Explore the 15 Best Electric Bikes Today. Electric bikes are gaining popularity, and they can offer a whole new level of fun and convenience on the trails.

As for tire durability and performance, it seems like Michelin has its strengths, but it's always good to have alternatives like Maxxis and Continental in mind, especially when terrain and riding conditions vary.

If anyone else has more insights or experiences to share about Michelin or other tire brands, please feel free to chime in!

AI should be banned lol

3
9/28/2023 2:40pm
Thanks for sharing your experience with Michelin Bikepark tires, CheapOnDirt! It's valuable to hear how they compare to other brands like Maxxis.  If you're looking to...

Thanks for sharing your experience with Michelin Bikepark tires, CheapOnDirt! It's valuable to hear how they compare to other brands like Maxxis. 

If you're looking to upgrade your ride beyond just tires, you might want to check out this post: Upgrade Your Ride: Explore the 15 Best Electric Bikes Today. Electric bikes are gaining popularity, and they can offer a whole new level of fun and convenience on the trails.

As for tire durability and performance, it seems like Michelin has its strengths, but it's always good to have alternatives like Maxxis and Continental in mind, especially when terrain and riding conditions vary.

If anyone else has more insights or experiences to share about Michelin or other tire brands, please feel free to chime in!

Jakub_G wrote:

AI should be banned lol

Skynet has already left for you.

1
Primoz
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10/3/2023 10:08pm

Running the Racing Line tyres in Trans Nomad was a godsend. I lost count the number of times I pinged the rim off a rock and no flats. Plus the grip was insane, tired in the middle of the stage I was making stupid moves in turns, but the front just gripped. A lifesaver.

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Jacker123
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10/7/2023 1:26pm
Is there a "New" WE coming?  The product grid on their site reflects it.  But no news that I've seen.  

Is there a "New" WE coming?  The product grid on their site reflects it.  But no news that I've seen.  

image-20230519110535-1

There are indeed images floating round of a new Wild Enduro tread pattern - they look ace, as well as the new dh16 (I think?) and I seem to remember seeing another tread pattern too but not 100 % on that.

Post a reply to: Michelin tires thread!

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