Advanced tread design
The new standard of performance in dual slalom competition. Ideally suited to the latest dual-suspension cross-country and freeride bikes.
Self-sharpening center knobs
Sawtooth-shaped for traction and braking power.
High-density 127 tpi casing
with lightweight foldable beads
Silicium Inside
Silicium is a natural elastomer modified and reinforced with silica, which combines low rolling resistance and impressive mud-shedding capability with remarkable durability. Silicium is used in both red and black tread compounds.
Submitted by
StarskyDawg
a Weekend Warrior
from Newcastle, England Date Reviewed: May 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Glentress, Scotland
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Brilliant climber, hooks up well on tight berms and is stable at both low & high speed. A good UK trailcentre tyre.
Weaknesses:
THE DAMN SIDEWALLS... 3 months or so normal riding, no stacks, minimal rock rubbing and HEY PRESTO - the sidewall starts to wear out. Why has this never really happened on any other tyres of mine! Then funnily enough, a slight contact with a rock and BANG, the sidewall splits and ends my ride... a long way from home. Oh and the tread wears out fairly quickly too.
Giant Reign2 with Avid Elixir's, Raceface Diabolus bar and 110mm stem. Now running Nevegal's f & r.
Bottom Line:
If Michelin sorted out the weakest sidewall in history, then I would consider forking out for another set of these tyres, as they roll well, corner well and climb well. They should be the perfect UK trailcentre tyre as they handle dolomite, sand, hardpack, fireroad stone and wet clag well.
But the longevity issues cripple their rating. Buy IF you don't have cash issues, DONT buy if you like a tyre to last a whole season... RIDE IT, LOVE IT, LIVE IT....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darrel
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, AB Date Reviewed: March 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Suicide Labrynth
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
USA
Strengths:
These tires are amazing!!! They grip really well all around and the colour is the best part of all.
Weaknesses:
None that I can think of
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Small Block 8, Maxxis Swamp Thing, Kenda Kenetics
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Jackal, Rock Shox Argyle 409, Sram X-0 drivetrain, etc...
Bottom Line:
For buyers and the guys that are complaining about weak sidewalls. Ever since these tires, I've never gotten a single pinch-flat like I did with previous tires. Maybe you guys should check your air pressure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Cranbrook Date Reviewed: July 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Pinkbike
Strengths:
Awesome colour, great traction in wet and muddy conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Kinetics
Bottom Line:
Love these tires. Awesome for climbing dirt and rock and wicked for going back down, awesome traction. I dunno whats wrong with people, the sidewalls havn't failed me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Racer
from bflo, ny, usa Date Reviewed: April 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
cool colour, durable, my tyre is going on it's second year of competition, works great in wet, technical climbs, isn't that heavy, sheds mud pretty good, made me a faster rider. you have to love the simplicity of a tubed tyre.
Weaknesses:
it might run a little narrow.
Similar Products Used:
all kinds of different tyres from about 1998 on.
Bike Setup:
french made hot s in the rear. 2.2". red. asian made michelin C4 latex tube. mavic crossmax enduro rim strip. presently being run with the pressure at 2 bar.
Bottom Line:
a great tyre. it's harder to come by but i wanted to help set the record straight about the virtues of this tyre.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, WA, usa Date Reviewed: February 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
pnw
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Wonderful LBS
Strengths:
Long wearing, best-of-all-mudder tread, fluffy size, handling, red color. Just Everything about the tread for an aggressive xc mountain tire.
Weaknesses:
I've figured out what the S in Hot S stands for! SH!T SIDEWALLS! This is the second Michelin to bankrupt on me prematurely due to sidewall failure, and the only brand to have ever done so.
Similar Products Used:
Several from just about every manufacturer.
Bike Setup:
Kona Caldera. Michelin Wildgripper tubeless front--another one that failed me when I'd ridden the same in the rear in the past. Keeping my eye on it.
Bottom Line:
I LOVE Michelin tires. They are the best for traction and handling in wet, muddy conditions and have a great feel, look and affordability. But, for gordsake STRENGTHEN THE DAMN SIDEWALLS ALREADY! I will not buy another Michelin until I read five flaming turd reviews here on a regular basis. I hate seeing such waste of potential as found in these holes. I'm giving these a very poor rating only because I hope it grabs Michelin's attention. I know I'm not alone here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike C
a Cross Country Rider
from Denville, NJ - USA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ring-Way
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Traction, size, tread design, cornering ability
Weaknesses:
SIDEWALL
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Specialized, Panaracer Fire XC
Bike Setup:
Airborne Ti hardtail, Kona Kikapu Deluxe XT, Thomson, King, etc.
Bottom Line:
I had two sets for the last two years so I figured that was enough time to evaluate the tires. Great dependable traction on climbs and in turns however the New Jersey rocky terrain tears up the sidewalls. First the threads show, then a bubble, then you're all of a sudden looking at the tube popping out. Last ride a power bar wrapper jammed in there saved my ride. I have a set of Maxxis Hard Drives on the way so we'll see how they do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Kefar Saba , ISRAEL Date Reviewed: November 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
beauty , grip , tracks down the soil in all conditions excellent , does not collect mud .
Weaknesses:
weak , side wall ruptured after 3 months only, of non-aggressive use of two-three rides a week.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC PRO , IRC mythos XC , specialized Roll X pro , panaracer Dart
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper 2004 M4 frame, Manitou Black , Fox Propedal , Time atac , Full Sram X7 2007 driveterrain and gears.
Bottom Line:
Bad investment. Wouldn't expect any tire to retire after three months only. All the bids on the sidewalls just popped , until few of them got torn up completely, causing me a deep hole in the inner tube (which finished it's life cuz of it).
A very bad purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Rainier, OR Date Reviewed: October 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Durable tread, sheds mud well, nice volume, I got them for free!
Weaknesses:
Anything other than mud is suicidal! The tread will not stick to anything wet. If there are rocks and its wet, you might as well be riding on a slick. I don't expect it to stick to roots, but the fact that it won't stick to an abrasive rock like basalt is just puzzling. It really feels like someone put a layer of oil between the tires and the rocks when riding on them.
If...and only if you ride where it is muddy but there are no rocks (at least Basalt), then they're not bad. They're OK for hardpack, but there are way better tires for that (my favorite is the Larson TT). The tread is very durable and sheds mud like water off a duck's back. But I believe this leads to their dismal performance on wet rocks. Once rocks get wet, these tires feel like their rolling on a layer of oil. I mean its scary how bad they are! I got them as a free demo set from Michelin, so I can't complain too much about paying for them. But I wouldn't recommend them to anyone who rides in the Pacific NW.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from memphis, tn USA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tour de Wolf
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Awesome mud shedding abilities, great cornering, wide for more traction, good shock absorbtion, and pretty light weight
Weaknesses:
red compound is not at all good for road use, and will wear down quickly if used for that
Similar Products Used:
Specialized tires, and panaracer (which is great also)
Bike Setup:
Specialized with cusom build.
Bottom Line:
I was caught in a surprise rain storm on the trail and these tires held up so well. I was far out, and the only way back was on the trail. In a matter of minutes the trail was flooded and my tires were about an inch in mud. These tires had such good grip it was amazing. The mud came off of them so easily. You could barley even see for all the rain, but my bike felt sold beneath me. People joke about the goofy red color, but it is funny to see them trying to pedal when their tires are caked in mud. I dont think you could buy a tire better than this if you looked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Everyday Rider
a
from Upland, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Tire bites nicely until the side blows out.
Weaknesses:
Sidewall blew out after 6 to 8 weeks of riding. Tire showed very little sign of wear otherwise.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Control Track, Continental Cross Country, WTB Weirwolf, Panaracer Fire XC.
Bike Setup:
Trek carbon hardtail w/ xtr/xt
Bottom Line:
I ignored all the reviews that mentioned the weak sidewalls on these tires. I thought, 'Who in the heck blows out sidewalls?' Silly me. I have never had a sidewall issue with a tire in over a decade of riding. Until now. My Michelin Hot S blew out while I was riding alone at dusk several miles into my favorite single track, leaving me barely able to limp home in the dark. Use this tire only if you carry a spare when you ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Somerset,UK Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005
Ok... Let's set the record straight. These tyres now have improved sidewalls which are thicker with a tougher nylon casing.They offer superb all-round hardcore trail performance,which is not suprising because they are a lighter slighter higher rubber duro version of Michelin's tried and tested Comp 24 tyre.DO NOT LISTEN to people jumping on the "Rubbish Sidewall" bandwagon. If you're looking for a hucking tyre for 20 foot drops then choose a proper 1400 gram downhill tyre like everyone else does.Overall these tyres are an excellent choice for your hardcore trail bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ming Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from HK Date Reviewed: November 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Flying Ball
Strengths:
No leak tubeless design Good stable design
Weaknesses:
- Sidewalls very thin!!! Note that if you live in rocky regions the sidewalls deteriorate very fast, actually start to shred. I'm a smooth rider so this should not happen. Also my friends have the same problems with sidewalls that are falling apart. - Rubber a bit hard for slippery conditions, tends to wash out underneath you - relatively high price
Similar Products Used:
- most everything
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Joker, Truth
Bottom Line:
If you live in non rocky areas and your riding is not of a technical nature then their fine. otherwise the Hot S is not good for wet rooted rocky areas.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
colin
a
from toronto, ontario Date Reviewed: October 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything in the don valley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
cycle solutions
Strengths:
excellent traction, good acceleration in dirt and great for trails, can handle some really steep hills and not skid out or anything meaning you can go fast.
Weaknesses:
this tire is absoulut garbage for roads (well not that bad). doesnt brake well on the road.
Similar Products Used:
tioga factory directs, some other tires i dont know what they are, kenda kolassel D.H
Bike Setup:
aluminum hardtail, manitou six sports, axiom platform petals, easton handlebars, bontrager stem, trek saddle, hot s on the back and a tioga factory direct as my front tire
Bottom Line:
excellent if you are doing trails, the grip is amazing, i like the size cause it doesnt interfere with my deraler like the kenda kolassels do, do not buy this tire if you are riding roads alot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hud
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: April 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
lysterfield
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Ray's
Strengths:
Lots of grip in all conditions, squarish profile for big contact patch. Kevlar bead. Look good.
Weaknesses:
High rolling resistance, terrible on the road, not cheap.
Similar Products Used:
Wildgripper X comp 1.95
Bike Setup:
Standard Raceline EXT Expert, but with psylo XC's and the tires!
Bottom Line:
More of a mild downhill tire. Not the best tire for good conditions, hardpack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from brisbane Australia Date Reviewed: April 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
pro-am
Strengths:
dose not ware easly when used in right contitions, looks cool, dose grip well, good tread design, cheap,floats over mud
Weaknesses:
weak side walls, not good on cement and gets pinch flats so easly, hard to find the wright pis pressure, is a B@$#H to get off
Similar Products Used:
contential, maxxis
Bike Setup:
DMR tralistar, sun rhyno lite XL rims, XT hubs, LX rear mech
Bottom Line:
this product has lasted me 1 and a 1/2 years and is wearing low it is great if you can get it cheap but i think it is over rated and over priced, dont buy this tyre if you only ride on cement or ashvault only buy this tyre if you do riding on soft dirt, hard pack or mud
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Timo
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: January 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Cycles in ABQ, NM
Strengths:
Great traction, pinch flat protection, moderate weaght penalty
Weaknesses:
Rips and tears happened fairly easily
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Specialized Enduro Pro
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade
Bottom Line:
Tire performed very well when riding in mild conditions, but it just could withstand rock gardens or other sharp objects. This tire failed in 2 months of use, with multiple tears and rips in the sidewalls.
The pinchflat protection is a plus, but the tires just could not withstand New Mexico riding.
Guess they are ok for the french.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dom G.
a Racer
from ottawa ontario, CANADA! Date Reviewed: December 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
CYCLE LOGIK!!!
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
forgot what a weakness was after using these tires
Similar Products Used:
pretty much every michelin tire out there, irc's, panaracers, specialized, tioga, and kenda (1 or 2 sets of each)
Bike Setup:
K2 Razorback Team SL Frame, mostly xt/xtr, CrossRoc Wheels, Thompson post/stem. AND Enduro FSR (craxy xc setup)
Bottom Line:
This tire is one of the best tires. I race and these tires have lasted for ages, sidewalls show some wear after about 1000+ km of hard xc singletrack up and down, but held up well until november when one tire got a small break in it (quickly fixed with a tire boot). Tread wears after a while so u gotta rotate the tires every 6 or 7 months. BEST TIRE without having to go tubless (better than any tubed). 2.1 FOR XC USE ONLY!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, N.S.W, Australia Date Reviewed: November 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
red hill grizlies glory
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$48.00
Purchased At:
castle hill bikes
Strengths:
Great traction, good in wet, sand , hills, rocky decents, sandstone great all rounder. dosent wear much if used offroad. Never had a pinch or flat,
Weaknesses:
wears fast on pavment and concret
Bike Setup:
raceline expert hardtail
Bottom Line:
Great traction all rounder, buy it the last ages and are predictible.Great traction, good in wet, sand , hills, rocky decents, sandstone great all rounder. dosent wear much if used offroad. Never had a pinch or flat great free ride xc tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fort William DH track, Scotland
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
ATB
Strengths:
grip, puncture resistance
Weaknesses:
pinch punctures
Similar Products Used:
Continental Vertical Pro, Nokian Gazzalodi Dual
Bike Setup:
Cove hardtail, Mavic D321s, single front chainring, Hope dics etc.
Bottom Line:
This is my tyre of choice for any task. They are some of the cheapest tyres around in the UK and in terms of grip they outclass my Nokian Gazzalodi Duals which I payed over $100 for the set. I noticed it staight away on a really quick corner that flys over a sudden dip, getting the bike unweighted. the Nokians would drift out on the dusty surface which was kinda fun but scary, these just bite.
I dont put in alot of miles so I've had the same set on for well over a year but I can only remember one puncture that wasn't my own fault for flying into sharp rocks with low pressure in the rear tyre.
With the right pressure they stood up well to my trip to the world cup DH track up in Fort William. I even put in a time, on my hardtail, with which I wouldn't actualy have come last in the Mens Pro Elites, like 79th out of 80 or somthing, i was well proud!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Aussie Trails rock, too many!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Club Sponsored Shop
Strengths:
Very good climbing ability and braking control. Allows a fair bit of forgiveness at high speeds. Raced on many surfaces and they pick up well in most conditions.
Weaknesses:
Corner speed can wash away on different surfaces. Not may weekness I have found. They feel heavy at times but timing over laps and courses would not back this up. If the rider has little experence with tyre pressure, the max performance wont be felt. I found like with other tyres there is prob. about 2-3 psi range of ideal setup pressure.
Similar Products Used:
Hutch / Gold Mich / Gripper comps
Bike Setup:
Scarple 1000
Bottom Line:
I think this product is for the rider who wants a tyre to be very suited to changing conditions. People who are finding tyre damage possibly are riding with little control or poor riding style (when damage occurs) but ya can't blame the tyre, expecing alot out of a light weight tyre is hard. Good value if you generally like the feel of wider tyres
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tarek
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Great Looks,Aggressive Tread design
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls wear out prematurely
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer FireXC
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX, XT, Formula B4 gold
Bottom Line:
Everyone keeps teling me how great these tire looks, but when riding in wet conditions,I'm the one who slides the most. This tire sheds mud as if it was Teflon coated but thats about it. Hardly no traction on slippery uphills and sidewalls are too thin. Canadian Price for this tire is expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton CA. U.S.A. Date Reviewed: February 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any East Bay Park Trail.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
LBS.
Strengths:
Red color looked good on my bike. Light weight for a tire of this size.
Weaknesses:
Slow rolling,ultra fast wearing and slippery when the rocks in the trail are wet. Sketchy at partial lean angles.
2003 Specialized FSR xc. with Mavic F519 rims and DT hubs, Easton Carbon Fiber Riser Bar.
Bottom Line:
I had some Wildgripper Comp S' on my bike before and loved them. My intentions when I bought the Hot S' was to improve an allready great ride. I had high hopes for these tires, but ended up very disappointed with them. I don't see how they could wear even quicker, have less traction and be so much slower than my Wildgrippers were. The tread was worn out in only 300 miles of riding. The Hot S is also much less predictable than the Wildgrippers when riding hard, even though its billed as an extreme cross country tire. For the first time, I've bought a tire that I feel is so bad, I don't know who to recommend it to. I am amazed, that the same tire company could have designed both the Wildgripper (which is good) and the Hot S'(wich is bad).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hell's Freerider
a Racer
from Massachusettes Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great Tred Design, Color (i got the red), Extremely durable, sturdy ride, strong
Weaknesses:
wear down quickly
Similar Products Used:
too many to remember
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky Primo, XTR, Raceface
Bottom Line:
Great set of wheels. With my tires before i would blow out a tube at least once a week. ive only blown out the Hot S twice in 2 years! AWESOME. If you don't have some... GET SOME
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, MA, USA! Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
www.jensonusa.com
Strengths:
good grip in dry
Weaknesses:
horrible in mud or wet surface
Bottom Line:
These tires are really good in dry. But don't use them in mud or wet surface.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Giannis
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens Greece Date Reviewed: October 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Imitos
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At:
Tsirikos
Strengths:
Great grip
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls are thin, very thin
Similar Products Used:
WTB
Bike Setup:
GT Tempest
Bottom Line:
In less than a month my rear new red Michelin blew out!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
great climbing traction, provide good cornering once thet wear in
Weaknesses:
hard fast cornering feels borderline sketchy when new, wears fairly quick
Similar Products Used:
Team control/master, Smokes, Z-max, Continental comps, cross-country
Bike Setup:
Raven-xt/xtr, Avid
Bottom Line:
When tires were new they never felt solid on fast downhills. Always felt like either the front or rear wanted to slide. It was always one or the other never together, and if you got slightly off-line in a corner the front end would wash instantly. Now that the tires have worn quit a bit; I can rail through the corners. They steer great, hold a line at speed, when the back slides; it slides predictably. I have no complaints about them now. However, they really don't deserve a 4 rating. More like a 3.5-3.75, but since I can't rate them that...........
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Rusnak
a Cross Country Rider
from Beaverdale, PA. USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Scotia
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great grip. They held the terrain wonderfully. I was really impressed.
Weaknesses:
The sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Contential, Hutchison, WTB, Kenda
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyl
Bottom Line:
This tire was about 4 or 5 months old. Not a lot a mileage on it either.I bought them conected to a bike off a buddy who had barely used them. Now I know why. The sidewall blew out the first day I used them. I no sooner fixed it so I could ride it (amazing what duct tape and Goop will do) then the other side decided to blow out about 4 days later. Another buddy of mine purchased this tire and all we heard was how great it gripped. That lasted about a month, till his sidewall went. There is tons of tread left, but the sidewall just seemded to disappear. This tire doesn't last for anything. Loved the traction, but the threadcount needs to be raised before I would ever recommend this tire to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Schirmer
a Cross Country Rider
from Saugerties, NY Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
ingston Cyclery
Strengths:
Great Traction when climbing and in loose conditions. Handle rocks and roots pretty well.
Weaknesses:
Slow on hardpack.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones AC
Bike Setup:
Trek 6700-mostly stock-changed stem and switched to flat bar-Cane Creek ergo control bar ends.
Bottom Line:
Switched from the stock Jones AC on the advice of my local shop. The Jones AC was great on hardpack but once you got them in the mud you were finished. The improvement with the Michelins is amazing. Most of the trails in this area are a combination of hardpack, mud, rock (lots of it), roots and, in the fall, leaves. I needed a tire that could handle all these conditions. The Michelin has excellent traction when climbing. It sheds mud quite well. It is slow on hardpack but I'll take the trade-off for better all around traction. I haven't used it that long and I don't do extreme stuff so I can't comment on durability or pinch flats. I will post another review later if I experience problems. It is a little pricey but I would highly recommend this tire to anyone doing XC riding in mixed conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robert flood
a Racer
from denver Date Reviewed: September 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
colorado trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
rei
Strengths:
great grip on just about every condition especially climbing,great plush feel, no doubts about how much rubber is underneath you, great at lower pressures for rockier trails, not likely to pinch either
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy and bulky,slow for hardpack or pavement makes a sound like a fan at high speeds there is so much wind resistance coming off of them, rubber shredded pretty easily eventually ripped a hole through the top of them which was their demise, I ride alot of rough trails though
Similar Products Used:
specialized,panaracer,continental
Bike Setup:
schwinn moab,psylo sl,xtr drivetrain & hubs,mavic F519s,monkeylite risers,use carbon post
Bottom Line:
great tire for adverse conditions or rocky rides, very very stable tire due to excellent tread design and width, you sacrafice a little in the way of speed and weight though, thin casing prone to damage by sharp rocks (especially on the front range)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
emilio galarde
a Cross Country Rider
from oaxaca, mexico Date Reviewed: September 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
rocks, cactus, sand
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
rei, salt lake
Strengths:
very very good grip, very comfy, looks!
Weaknesses:
soft sidewalls, i don´t like them in wet roots, looks!
Similar Products Used:
panaracers, velociraptors, etc
Bike Setup:
gary fisher marlin. alivio, rock shock etc.
Bottom Line:
i have used these tires in so many diferent conditions: rocky mountains twisty singletrack, moab´s slickrock but mostly southmexican terrain (not only sand, cactus and cerveza like you guys might think). they got so amazingly soft and fragil sidewalls! mix that with grippy treads and you have rims kissing the trail when turning, or else you put more than 60 psi. when i first saw these i thougth they were cool because of their color, but now i am so freaking tired of them i´d like to paint them black. i´d recomend them for everything but extreme drops, turns etc. they work well as extrem xcs
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Sudbury, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Simics
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Outside Store
Strengths:
-I haven't pinch flatted since using them -hook up well on rock faces and outcrops, but then again what tire doesn't?
Weaknesses:
-wear quickly -don't hook up in most conditions -do not shed mud until it's dried out and you're spinning home on the road -turn into slicks in even the slightest bit of dampness -better tires can be had for cheaper
Similar Products Used:
-Geax Grid 200 (excellent tire but wore VERY fast) -Velociraptors -Kona Scrath and Sniff Among others... -Specialized Comp (?)
Bike Setup:
-stock '99 blizzard
Bottom Line:
I've been very disappointed with these tires, they've seen a variety of conditions and types of terrain but don't perform well in any of them, except as I mentioned in the strengths, climbing rock faces. Performance in even slightly damp conditions is also very poor. If you're looking for a tire that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions stay away from this one. The only condition they haven't seen is sand, maybe they work well there??
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder CO Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
The best gripping tire in loose conditions that I have ever ridden. I have them on the front and rear now and can climb just about anything. Can descend very fast in sandy conditions and hook corners fast.
Have not had any sideall problems.
Weaknesses:
Wear kind of quick, but they are a soft tire, and that is what you would expect. Horrible on pavement. Noisy on hardpack or pavement with a little too much rolling resistance.
Bike Setup:
22+ lb Specialized S Works M4 with XTR
Bottom Line:
Buy these if you want a tire that sticks to rocks and plows through sand and all terrain. Best climbing tire I have used, especially in steep loose conditions.
Don't buy them if you want them to last 2000 miles or ride on pavement a lot.
Performance has them for 29$, they are well worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary C
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Shore Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cathedral Pines
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Byron Lake
Strengths:
Great all around performer.
Weaknesses:
Unexpected sidewall blow out
Similar Products Used:
Specialized team contol & master. WTB velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Trek-marzocchi air Long travel - xtr -xt -thompson seatpost and stem - king headset - hayes hydraulics
Bottom Line:
Ran the front @35 psi and the rear @ 50 psi (Clydesdale)Went to the hardware store to drop off some screens for repair, came out and while on my bike rack the tire exploded. Ripped tube etc. Thought someone through fireworks at me. Went to bike shop -- tire appeared good tried to reseat the tire but the tire would not seat properly. Trying the Hutchinson python lights at bike shops recommendation. Michelins were the best tires I had ever used but, the sidewall blowouts concern me too much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zack Preston
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
I am here to review my spanking new 2.5 Hot S downhillers. I've run the 2.1's for over over a year, but I just scored a new set of the fat 2.5's (in red) that are now on the market.
It's a downhiller's dream come true.
Weaknesses:
Nada! Nulla! Nichts!
Similar Products Used:
Hot S 2.1's.
Bike Setup:
Custom Kona DH frame with all my goodies added.
Bottom Line:
This new fat version in the 2.5 size will satisfy all the demands a downhiller needs to hold the line, carve the curves and stay on the bike with confidence. Love the new balloons!
Fire up the BBQ for these Hot Red pieces of meat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Sacatomato, CA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
-incredible traction in almost all conditions -predictable, smooth handling -reasonably light for a general purpose tire -looks fantastic
Still my favorite all rounder. I have had the same problem as others with these tires in that they are rendered inoperable B-4 their time. On two seperate occasions I was unlucky enough to experience the "catastrophic sidewall blowout" in the course of a ride and another time was lucky I caught a glimpse of an inner tube tumor bulging out of a crack in the sidewall as I was descending at terminal velocity. After every failure I swore off these tires, but have always gone back because there simply isn't a better all purpose tire. It has an aggresive tread and a remarkably large volume allowing you to run lower pressure w/out the risk of snakebites. Even at very high psi the ride is forgiving, due to the soft rubber compound. They do tend to wear quickly if ridden on pavement, but as a bonus the traction actually improves as they wear, yielding shorter and sharper knobbies. I actually wore a rear tire to a semi-slick center tread in the course of one afternoon outing at Slickrock, but damn if they didn't grip the tarmac. The soft rubber also offers a very compliant ride, the tires don't break lose so much as predictably drift as corner knobs tend to fold and roll over in high speed banking turns. This progressive yielding characteristic of the tire takes some getting used to, but once you get the feel for it you'll practically float down fastest singletrack. Not to mention these tires are gorgeous. Everyone will comment on how big and red they are, especially when wet. Not cheap, but worth every penny if you don't prematurely blow.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jordan
a Weekend Warrior
from Kincardine, Ont., Canada Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
Grips well in all conditions. Roots, rocks, mud, sand, are all no problem. Stand up to everything I throw at them, and I throw a lot! Can ride them at low air pressure. Never a pinch flat. They are even bigger than the 2.1 they state.
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewalls, but I have noticed no problem despite being a freeride, large drops and low air pressure and no problems.
Similar Products Used:
You name it I've probably tried it.
Bike Setup:
freeride hardtail.
Bottom Line:
This is a great product. I dont know whether I am lucky, but I have put these through hell and they have stood up great. The thin sidewalls are nothing to worry about. These grab roots and rocks better than anything else I've ridden. The silicon knobs seem to be a real break through. Buy them today!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bigjay
a Cross Country Rider
from usa Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Great all around trail tire. Increased volume cuts down on pinch flats. Grippy tread while still having pretty good rolling resistance (considering it's a full tread tire).
Weaknesses:
Have slipped on wet roots - but don't think many other tires could grip in those conditions and still provide all around results
Similar Products Used:
Too many - Several Continentals, Team Master/Control, Back Country, EnduroRaptors, VelociRaptors - others
Bottom Line:
Good all around tire. Have done a couple of endurance races (12 & 24 hour team races) and have been happy with these tires. Don't have to worry about bringing multiple tires to be able to adapt to different course conditions, or in case the weather changes. Feel pretty confident with em.
Have ridden in rocky conditions without the sidewall problems a couple of folks have mentioned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
roger brown
a Weekend Warrior
from spring hill tn Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
sun n ski
Strengths:
It grips great
Weaknesses:
Heavy, Sidewalls are starting to crack
Similar Products Used:
IRC Kenda
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar lx/xt w race face
Bottom Line:
I love the grip on the tire I do feel like I am riding a tank. My sidewalls are cracking so the reviews before me concern me about o blowout. Oter than that I must say I love them compared to the IRC mythos 1.9s I was using. I love the black wont ever buy the red. I might try the zed next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mat Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from Green Bay Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great traction/control on trail surfaces. Excellent looks just for the record.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls are thin, you will notice immediately. Ripped sidewall in three weeks.
Bike Setup:
GT XCR 5000 all stock parts changed to SRAM mix.
Bottom Line:
Don't buy them unless you just want to put them on a special set of wheels for occasional use. If you ride aggresively especially in the city I guarantee they will break. If you doubt me at least buy them from a reputable company that will exchange them with ease or refund them. I recommend www.rei.com, you may pay a little more but it's well worth the service. 100% satisfaction gauranteed, and they don't pull tricks on you. I am forces to provide merely one flamin chili, because what good is a tire that's ripped? Shame on you Michelin you can do better than that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
S V
a Cross Country Rider
from Belgium Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Grand Raid Godefroy
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Grip !! My Dual Suspension bike has completely changed by this tire. It bites into the soil, whatever that is. Only on tarmac, where there is no bite, it's a bit less, but the compound of the tire makes up for that. Climbs it's way up like no other !!
Weaknesses:
they say it wears ? Possible, but ok if you get such results. Who needs a bad tire that doesn't wear ? Give some, loose some...
Similar Products Used:
WildGripper( most of them ), Conti, Specialized, IRC's( they suck big time !!)
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Wow! That's a big 2.1 tire! I don't know how Michelin measures their tires, but they look to me to be more like a 2.2 at least. Incredibly light for their size and knob count. It's great going back to a full knobby, these things grip in mud, wet rocks and ruts, hardpack, you name it! And they roll faster than any other knobby that I have tried. I've used them in various conditions and they perform very well. 127 tpi is sweetly supple. Plus they have a max PSI of 80 lbs. for occasional urban assault outings. Definitely worth the money, too.
Weaknesses:
These tires do have a thin sidewall, but I haven't had any problems with tears, yet. Keep in mind Michelin lists these as XC competition, so they aren't super durable. Bigger sizes would be cool, as well as a thicker casing, and maybe lower thread count for more durability.
Similar Products Used:
Various Kendas, Velociraptors, Maxxis, and those cheap, crappy "off-road" tires they put on K-mart bikes.
Bike Setup:
Mongoose NX 7.3 (from Jenson USA $125!) LX,XT, Sram 7.0, arch rivals, psylo race and other stuff (it changes all the time.)
Bottom Line:
I honestly believe these tires are good in most conditions. I can't say they are quite an "all conditions" tire, just because they are a little delicate. But for an aggressive XC rider who wants to keep the rotating weight and rolling resistance down, these are a viable option. And they come in red!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WEST
a Cross Country Rider
from NY Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Stillwell loop
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
SEE MY PRIOR REVIEW
Weaknesses:
I just experienced the "gun shot" blow-out that people below were talking about. The sidewall blew out so loud that I actuall thought someone shot at me!
Bottom Line:
I really cannot complain about the tire. I had it for about 2 years. I switched tires alot but mostly used this tire for all around conditions. I just finished riding down a long, steep set of steps in Central Park. At the bottom of the steps, while on flat pavement the side wall blew out so loud that people around me stopped and a cop looked around to see if someone took a shot at me. There was no previous sign of wear. VERY SCARY!!! The tire works well but ...WOW... it blows out without warning. I will still buy another one because it works well (when it is not self-destructing)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CS
a Weekend Warrior
from WI Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
In the woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
work
Strengths:
GReat traction in all weather exspecially whe i run 25 psi
Weaknesses:
i got some used hot s and they worked great until i got like 6 slashes in my tires because of the thin sidwall otherwise a great tire
Similar Products Used:
other tires that work great
Bike Setup:
trek bruiser and some other crap
Bottom Line:
this tires works great for me they cost alot but all worth it to me!
buy this tire if you want something good that the tread lasts long on.
very good traction!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tino
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, NH Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the bloody finger
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
ITS RED!!, awesome traction in all conditions, sheds mud better than any tire i've ridden, looks great on any bike, hooks up to anything thanks to huge knobs on the outer part of the tread.
Weaknesses:
only offered in 2.1 inch width (i'd love to see 2.35 or 2.5 inch offered), sidewalls are way too thin for really hard riding, this results in torn sidewalls and flats, kinda pricey.
2001 RM Pipeline: Shimano XT, Race Face DH cranks, 24" Atom Labs TrailPimp rear wheel, 26" Rhyno Lite front, Marzocchi 5" fork, Easton Monkey bar, Azonic Shorty stem, Hayes hydro brakes
Bottom Line:
I had this tire on a couple of bikes and I loved the way it performs, but the sidewalls are just to thin if you plan on riding very hard. I've put quite a few tears in the sidewalls of the tire and you can only repair it so many times. If only Michelin would make a DH version of this tire with tougher sidewalls I could die a happy man.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laurent
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, CA Date Reviewed: February 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cactus Trail in Whiting Ranch
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
In France
Strengths:
Excellent traction on Rear, predictable lateral traction on front (does not suddenly "stall" when cornering)
Weaknesses:
High rolling resistance on paved road
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Comp, Ritchey Zmax
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro Expert, Hayes brakes
Bottom Line:
I have bought the wire bead version of this tire, which has thicker walls compared to the foldable counterpart (hot-S). From what I read here it seems the biggest difference is...the durability ! I have ridden these tires for almost two years and 1000 miles, and they are stil in excellent condition (no bulge, no visible tread...). When I bought my Specialized Enduro in 2000, it had some Spec tires with which I almost killed myself in descents because of the terrible directional characteristics. I replaced them with my (almost new) Hot, and it changed the behaviour of the bike as if it was another one! Safe, reliable cornering and braking.
Bottom line? if you like the tire, buy the wire tread version ("HOT"), not the lighter but more fragile HOT-S. A few more grams against better durability and reliability is a good tradeoff in my opinion...By the way, they should be cheaper, too !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Alpharetta, GA. Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Chicopee Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$48.00
Purchased At:
Roswell Bikes
Strengths:
Hooks up very well in gravel and loose dirt. Long lasting, but then I'm 15 years old and 120 lbs.
Weaknesses:
Gets clogged with mud very easily, then spins in mud. Doesn't clean itself very well.
2001 Schwinn Mesa GS frame, Marzocchi Z.4, Kore Handlebar and stem, Michelin Hot S in rear, Michelin XLS in front
Bottom Line:
I use the Hot S in the rear and it hooks up very well. I race in the Georgia state Series and this tire is very well suited to Georgia soil. The soil is very loose and tires like Hutchinson Mosquitos and Pythons, although very good in hardpack, just don't hook up. You need almost a freeride tire to race in these races and not spin; which is exactly what the Hot S is. Great tire, but overpriced and doesn't clean itself.
If you are a freerider, this is an awesome tire, or if you race where the soil is loose, try this tire, you will not be dissapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lachlan Wainwright
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: December 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Creek Track - Wollongong - Australia
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Spearman Cycles - Wollongong - Australia
Strengths:
Great Grip, Great feel on most surfaces, just a great tyre except for the side walls and beads. Great in mud, sand, roots, DH, cross country & technical uphill
Weaknesses:
beads, side walls, side walls, side walls, beads, side walls, repeat again and again and again
Similar Products Used:
Tioga, WTB & IRC
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX Team frame, Shimano XT, Mavic Rims
Bottom Line:
If you want to pay top dollar for a tyre and want a short life span buy it. If you heat the rims expect to blow out, if you rub the side wall expect to blow out. If they would make the same tread with stronger sidewalls it would kick bigtime. In Australian $'s they are expensive, one of the most expensive tyres overhere so you get a little frustrated when you use the tyre for one ride and blow it. Yet I had a tyre on the front for 15 months until I told someone how it had lasted campared to rear tyres, yep then it blew out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CHUCK COOK
a Racer
from NASHVILLE,TN.U.S.A. Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
LOCK-4. HAMILTON CREEK
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
JOLLY CYCLIST
Strengths:
GREAT HOOK UP IN MUD AND SHEDS MUD GREAT.IT LOOKS COOL-RED
Weaknesses:
HAVE NOT FOUND ONE YET......
Similar Products Used:
PANARACER XC PRO.IRC.CONT.
Bike Setup:
MARIN.PINE-MT.XT ALL THE WAY.CHRIS KING HEAD SET,PROFILE FLAT CARBON BARS,SELLE FLITE GEL SEAT,THOMSON SEAT POST,AND STEM,MAVIC RIMS,RINGLE HUBS,SPD 858 PEDALS.
Bottom Line:
I GOT THIS TIRE JUST FOR MUDDY RACES.IT SHEDS MUD GREAT AND HOOKS UP VERY WELL.I DONT CARE WHAT ANYBODY SAYS, THERE IS NO TIRE OUT THERE THAT WILL HOOK UP ON WET ROOTS.THIS TIRE DID GOOD ON THE FRONT,BUT IT ROCKS ON THE REAR.I REALLY PUT IT TO THE TEST TODAY.IT WAS A MUD HOLE OUT THERE.IT WAS A VERY ROCKY PLACE AND I HAD NO CUTS IN THE SIDE WALLS,OR PINCH FLATS.I RAN 40 PSI AND IT DID GREAT.IF YOU PLAN ON RIDING IN THE RAIN OR MUDDY COND.GO OUT AND BUY THIS TIRE. FOR DRY RACES,I RUN HUTCHINSON GOLDS.ON THE FRONT I RUN A MOSQUITO,AND ON THE REAR I RUN A PYTHON.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricardo Martins
a Weekend Warrior
from Sintra-Portugal Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
radical trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Brasil Bikes
Strengths:
Good looking.good grip.
Weaknesses:
tires sides ar very fragil.very eavy.
Similar Products Used:
michelin wildgriper 1.9
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX870
Bottom Line:
A rock blow my tire in 1 week.I write better in Portuguese. lateral traccion is note very good at speed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Haverhill Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Round, black, rubber
Weaknesses:
weak wear prone sidewalls, quick wearing on the rear, very poor corner grip, heavy, high rolling resistance
Similar Products Used:
Conti Cross Country (different bike), Ritchy omega
Bike Setup:
Intense Uzzi-sl enough said
Bottom Line:
Not a bad tire for the money and general riders. In rough, rocky, rooty terrain the rear tire takes a beating and it shows. Extremely thin side walls. No blow outs yet but the bare threads are visible on the sidewalls.
My big disappointment is that there is very little corner traction a speed when riding on bare forset floors single track. The tire frequently breaks loose. not very safe a speed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ft. Rock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Decent handling & rolling resistance. Handles ok in snow, mud
Weaknesses:
Price, Sidewalls are very wear-prone
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor, Intense CC tires, Continental Vertical Pro
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer, Hayes Disc
Bottom Line:
I had an extra set of these set aside after 3 rides-for a rainy day. Well, I mounted on on the rear of my Tracer about 6 weeks ago and had to replace it yesterday when my tub started bulging out of a small tear in the sidewall. The rest of the sidewall was showing significant wear, with the threads being visible the whole way 'round. I replaced the rear with the remaining Hot-S in my stash yesterday before a ride in NH. With my bike resting in a stand, the rear sidewall abruptly failed, causing a spectacular gunshot sound as the tube exploded. I examined the tire and found a .5" tear in the sidewall. I'm a 200# rider and run 50-55 psi in my Hot-S tires, er at least I used to... The Michelin Bike Tire website says "Well suited to today's newest dual suspension cross country & freeride bikes." about the Hot-S. I'm not convinced these are durable enough for much more than a few runs/race laps before needing replacement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Downhiller
from Evansville, IN, USA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Grips well in mud. Sheds the mud pretty quickly. They look nice.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls are very weak. Weight Price
Similar Products Used:
Panracer Smoke
Bike Setup:
GT I 1.0
Bottom Line:
Pretty good tire that grips very well in all conditions. I'm pretty happy overall but to keep them working I have had to use duct tape on the inside to cover up the splits in the sidewalls. The sidewalls seem to be very weak. But I have put around 1000 miles and there is little tread wear to speak of. These tires would be exceptional if you don't have to worry about rocks splitting the sides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drop'n'Dug
a Racer
from CT, USA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
valley bike
Strengths:
aggressive tread, hooks well
Weaknesses:
Side walls SUCK!!!!! suck, suck, suck, suck!
Similar Products Used:
WTB tyranoraptor
Bike Setup:
rm6
Bottom Line:
if you ride a lot, DO NOT buy these tires! You'll be replacing them ($50 each) every 3-4 months. Sometimes every few weeks depending on how many rocks your tires rub. Michellin must have thought that the tires sidewalls don't touch anything. A smooth, polished rock could put a tear in these pieces of crap. How many smooth rocks do you ride my?.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bülent K
a Weekend Warrior
from Holland Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
mtb shop
Strengths:
very good traction,on dry weather,stable in fast turns,the breaking power transmits the breaking force very stable and strong on to the trail,never had an flat or snakebite,low pressure riding(i ride1,5 bar fr,2,0 bar re) the wear of is extreemly OK(after 1500km on track stil going gripy)
Weaknesses:
the roling resistance of this tire is not good for cx riding,this is an 100% freeride tire,the weight of 650 gr, slippy on wet roots
Similar Products Used:
bontrager,continantal
Bike Setup:
vrx 400 ,race face parts,shimano xt/xtr drive,hope pro disc,chris king disco tech,threadles headset,,,,,,
Bottom Line:
first,this tire is to expensive($100 set) I like first to climb the mountain and then go DH,this tire is good for DH but when it comes to climing I loose to much energy and time (continantal vertical pro 2,3 climes and roles much much bether ) when the weather is rainy the tire has a very strong traction it sticks on the track,only watch out for slippy wet roots,Hot S does not like that,but with dry weather it feals like heaven, when the roling resistance wasn't so hi this would be an all conditions tire ,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PEete
a
from Boulder CO Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
a store
Strengths:
Excellent grip in mud, sand, most conditions. Can stand up and put a lot of torque on this tire without slipping.
Weaknesses:
The 2.1 seems much thicker than most 2.1's. Slow as hell on pavement. Don't know about durability yet. Cornering a little weak.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire X-C Pro
Bottom Line:
Good rear tire for muddy or loose conditions. Very high rolling resistance and a little sloppy cornering. Excellent for climbing though. The 2.1 seems more like a 2.3. Haven't had it long enough to know about durability but so far seems ok.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Xtreme Ryder
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great traction in loose conditions,rocky terrain,almost everything you can throw at it. Great on turns,downhill or any climb.
Weaknesses:
Thin Sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory DH-Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Marzochi Z4-XT/LX-Avid Machanical Disc w/Sun Rhyno Lite wheels
Bottom Line:
These tires are great for the freeriding that i do...The sidewalll can be a major problem because of how thin they are. I had a set of these tires on both of my bikes and all four now have slits in them(not little holes..but big slits!) They do RULE when the are not all busted apart...I guess stay away from sharp rocks and other objects that can puncture your tire.Bottom line...these tires are great just stay away from the sharp stuff!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack
a Downhiller
from NH Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
backside
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
grips loam like all good tires can be ran in either direction cornering is excellent lean the $ITCH way over light enought to be raced on a nasty xc course but good enough for just bombing around down the hill
Weaknesses:
wear might be a problem in 3 months or so ive had this tire for 2 months and so far so good
Similar Products Used:
tioga 2.1 DH good tire specialized controls good tires
Bike Setup:
01 straight sixer with flats and a bomber sooner or later bc my psylo is junk
Bottom Line:
good tire for woods ( loam ) riding. it comes in a 2.4 DH version also. good aggresive xc tire. not quite a freeride tire in the 2.1 width but it does make up in grip what it lacks in size and that makes me wonder about that 2.4....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason H
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia PA USA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Wiss
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
Excellent as front tire (haven't tried it in the rear), tracks beautifully, corners well (if at the right pressure)
Weaknesses:
if running at 45 PSI or higher will washout a lot easier and with little warning, a bit bulky, not good at all in the sand
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, Continental Explorer Pro, IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Haro escape frame, XT drivetrain and shifters, LX crank Judy XC fork, time pedals, Alien XCR seatpost, Hot S tire int the front, Conti in the rear
Bottom Line:
I'd recommend this tire to just about anyone as a front tire, like I said haven't tried it on the rear so I can't comment. A lot of you guys are complaining about fast wear, I've ridden this tire for about 290 miles since I got it in technical, rocky, muddy east coast trails and the little threads on the outside knobbies STILL haven't worn off. Run it at about 35-40 PSI and you won't have a problem washing out, corners like mad.
If you ride in sandy conditions though look else where this isn't the tire for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Downhiller
from Fairbanks, Alaska Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Alder Chute
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Thes tires don't cost alot, and the look excellent on my red anodized rhyno lite rims with black powdercoated DT Swiss spokes.
Weaknesses:
The tread on them is not the greatest. The rear end washed out on my a number of times and quite a few of the knobs wore off on the first two rides. The compound is very soft, and I constantly felt unsecure with the knobs bending (if they didn't come off). The tires are nice and cheap (I now know why) and they look great, buts that's the extent of their usage. Usually it's rather dry here, but when it rains it pours. This tire was crappy in any condition.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis MOFO DH, WTB, IRC, Hutchison
Bike Setup:
Ellworth Dare, white brothers dual crown, mostly XTR, some race face, chris king, mr. dirt chain guide (awesome)
Bottom Line:
These tires are a decent buy for the weekend warrior. They would be more than perfect for simple street riding and XC. I do hardcore XC and DH, and ride almost 15 miles a day. I bought these tires thinking they would work, even though they are a soft compound. I was so wrong. They have weak sidewalls and a lame bead. Also, the rear tire treaf pattern runs parrallel to the ground, so washing out is a HUGE problem when leaning a lot. I am going back to Maxxis, and will never again ride anything else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Flume
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
Holy Spokes
Strengths:
Grips very well Inexpensive
Weaknesses:
High rolling resistence
Similar Products Used:
An old Ritchey that just started to disintegrate.
Bottom Line:
It's a soft tire, but a good one. The grip is excellent on dirt, but not perfect on gravel (no tire is). Keep it off the road when possible because it definitely has a lot of rolling resistance. I can tell I'm pushing a lot harder to get up to speed on the road. But on the trail it does a pretty good job. It ran like a champ in Keystone Canyon, a brutal ride for equipment. I almost went tumbling into a wash when some loose gravel gave way, but I slid the rear tire (I have this tire on the rear only) down a little, got on the pedals, and was able to pull out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Hooks up well on mud.
Weaknesses:
Slids out on wet pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Control&Master, MythosXC Slick
Bike Setup:
Specalized Rockhopper, with neat do-dads.
Bottom Line:
Seems to be a pretty decent beefy tire. It sheds mud nicely, but watch out for wet pavement, I ate sh*t last night when the front tire slid out. :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George Packer
a Cross Country Rider
from Putnum County New York Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Graham Hills Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Stock w/Bike
Strengths:
Traction Cornering Sidewall Tearing
Weaknesses:
Sidewall Tearing Broken Beads Holes in Sidewall Oh, and inferior sidewalls CUSTOMER SERVICE---GIVE YOUR BUSINESS TO SOMEONE WHO WILL LOOK OUT FOR YOU!!!
Similar Products Used:
Continentals, Hutchinsons, other Michelins
Bike Setup:
Stock from shop
Bottom Line:
Ok you figure out what is more important. Tranction, or durability. I mean sure, if you are made of money you can afford to replace these stupid tissue paper tires everytime they rip. I would rather spend $40 on Conti's and never worry about them tearing on the sidewall. I have already gone through two of these tires. I will now give my business to Continental. I have had good luck with their tires. AND don't EVEN try to call Michelin's gracefully-swift customer service. It is almost impossible to get their answering service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hoss
a Cross Country Rider
from Wooster Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Vultrures Knob
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Ernie's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great mud tire Color, if you like Red
Weaknesses:
Hard Compound Not recommended for technical single track with roots, rocks, etc.
Similar Products Used:
Cross Country, Leader Pro, Mythos, etc.
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Race
Bottom Line:
Not the most confidence inspiring tire I've used. Didn't hook up on technical climbs or log crossing like others I've tried and ruts were scarry with this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom james
a Downhiller
from kingston, washington, usa Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
nashbar.com
Strengths:
GRIPPY, rides alright on road but watch the corners, rides great on hardpack and loose terrain and corners awesome offfroad, climbs like spiderman.
Weaknesses:
tread is a bit soft, packs with mud easily, very low quality bead, broke 4 months into use.
Similar Products Used:
some other tires
Bike Setup:
wheels, handlebars, you get the idea
Bottom Line:
A really nice tire, great in fact,except for two things: 1. packs up with mud at times 2. this tire has a very weak bead, it developed a signifigant bulge in one side after 4 months of use. checked tire pres. etc. all where ok, just defective tire. called michellin, got no response. bought new one, ill review it later. overall very good on the dirt, corners really well, climbs great, has saved my butt on several corners. bad on pavement, has washed out twice on me so far. you can still ride it to work,but if you have wet pavement, FOR GODS SAKE STAY OF THE ROAD! YOUR LIFE PROBABLY DEPENDS ON IT!
3 flaming chilis value cuz it busticated itself so early on, thats it, everything else was great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GARY
a Cross Country Rider
from RODEO CA. USA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
sly pk res.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$22.00
Strengths:
works well on the back, good in grass& mud. front also good when conditions are damp. light BRAKES EXCELLENT.
Weaknesses:
front skips and and washes on hard pack and roots or when your low in a turn. side walls thin lots of flats
Similar Products Used:
irc mythos,wtb moto raptur2.4 so far awsome
Bike Setup:
bullit, jr.t magura hyd.rim brakes
Bottom Line:
I KEPT IT ON THE BACK GRIPS AWSOME USED A WTB 2.4 ON THE FRONT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe
a Weekend Warrior
from canada, quebec Date Reviewed: May 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
tire always clean good traction on most surface
Weaknesses:
high rolling resistance on the road must not be used on road
Bike Setup:
hardtail, Aluminum, XT/LX tire in the back
Bottom Line:
probably one of the best tire i ve ever use i found it good for all types of trails good for every rider unless you re always riding hardpack
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a
from NY Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
tryon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
traction, Reasonable weight, mud sheding
Weaknesses:
color (who cares?)
Bike Setup:
Mongoose, Judy XC
Bottom Line:
This tire is great, i can go faster now because i know these tires are hooking up. I didn't think it would do good as a front tire, but i was wrong. I hooks-up in the corners because of generous side knobbies. It sheds mud and snow well. An all-porpouse tire. If you like traction get these tires..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hickhuckster
a Downhiller
from hickory,n.c Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
pisgah national forest(all)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
lightning cycles conover n.c
Strengths:
grip,cornering,climbing,good weight for a full knob,comes in all black,workes everywhere i ride.
Weaknesses:
??? they wear if you ride urban assualt but i have other tires for that.they tend to roll over a bit if you dont land straight but i havent had many flatswith 45-50lbs
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire xc&dh, intensedh2.7&2.4, conti explorer,mythosxc, kujo's, and many many more.
Bike Setup:
dbr x-6 z-1 or lt-8,next lp,hope disc(super brakes and i've tried most)
Bottom Line:
these are by far the best tires that I have used to date.they corner great climb excellent,I'm not a weight weiny so I like the light weight of these tires.they hold in snow,mud,dry,rocks and if you air down just a little they work great on logs(riding down them) I only buy the same product if it really impresses me I now have these tires on my azonic ds-1 also. if you havent yet I highly recommend trying these tires you wont be dissapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DJ MACE
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT, USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dry Creek to Bobsled
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Sick wild grip, Very sure on singletrack, great trail response and excellent climbing with no slip! Hot Red Color
Weaknesses:
Price, low rolling resistance? Are you kidding me? Hot Red Color
Similar Products Used:
Specialized CrossRoads
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hard Rock w/Alivio and some XT upgrades, Softride suspension post.
Bottom Line:
This is the best trail tire I have ever used. I bought two at a closing local bike shop... would not have bought them at full retail although now I would. I used to have very SCARY rides on my specialized crossroads (The bike's original tire). My rear wheel would constantly kick out on loose scree while climbing, which would never happen to my friends. They all told me I needed better tires but I thought it was my technique. Wow was I wrong...
One disadvantage is that I ride my Mt. Bike to work (two miles on asphalt) and then ride the trails from there, so unless I want to change wheel sets at work, I'm kinda stuck putting the soft michelin wildgripper compound on asphalt. We'll see how long they last. As for rolling resistance, they're advertised as 'low' which may be true for trail use, but on asphalt I feel like I'm riding through mud. It's probably due to me going from a general purpose tire to a very specialized tire and using the tire where I shouldn't. The point is, if you do a lot of road riding, this tire is not for you (and there is no way that anyone can tell me that 2 miles is a lot, when I can easily log 10 miles in an afternoon trail ride from work.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Olson
a Cross Country Rider
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001
Conti XC, Conti Pro, Specialized ground/master control
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude pro with a '98 sid
Bottom Line:
I ride in East Texas where the ground is covered in loamy (loose) soil. The (only) trail that I ride consists of 20+ miles of singletrack with several steep climbs. Performance wise, these tires are the best that I have ever used. They give me the needed traction for climbs and just enough slide to keep my line in tight turns. These tires are fun when you want to keep pushing the limit on your capabilities. Though, I have yet to try them on fast straight aways. Sadly, they wear away quickly. I ride a hard tail and the rear tire is showing most of the wear with splits in the sidewalls. The front tire is doing fine. Therefore, someone with an FS rig might gain some more mileage from them. For the performance, they're worth the money but the low wear life will make you want to shop around for something else. The downside is that I couldn't find anything else that I felt I could trust. So, I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy another one to replace the rear tire. Hopefully, the newer models will be built a little tougher.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
West
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: February 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Stillwell loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great Traction! Really hooks up on the climbs, shreds through the flats.
Weaknesses:
I could live without the red color on the tire but, hey, it was free. I did not notice the advertised "low rolling resistence". It slowed me down but in mud and snow, who cares about speed?
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Master, Conti Twister.
Bike Setup:
INTENSE TRACER, Psylo SL, need I say more?
Bottom Line:
Wow, I cannot imagine a better tire for mud and snow. Last week, I rode my favorite trail on the Conti Twister and had a very hard time. The tire choice was my mistake, I should not have been riding a semi-slick in mud and snow regardless of what Conti says. This week, in worse conditions, I used the HOT and was MUCH, MUCH happier. The tire really hooked up on everthing. The bite was amazing and it inspired total confidence. The retail price is high so shop around the internet for a deal. Mine was free so I can't complain. I cannot see riding these tires when it is dry but in the muck, ride them and be happy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gary agostini
a Cross Country Rider
from rodeo Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
sly park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
sf
Strengths:
tracks very well on grassy wet hard fast turns, performs well with high air presure
Weaknesses:
tends to skip hard in ruts or lips of sorts. lots of flats
Similar Products Used:
irc mythos
Bike Setup:
santacruz bullit
Bottom Line:
nice tire great on the back great on the front in mud or wet or loomy soil but a little scary on dry and rutted trails
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ones with no snow on them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
bokoo bikes
Strengths:
grippy, decent in mud, relatively light for an aggressive "freeride" type tire, works in nearly every condition I've come across
Weaknesses:
wears kinda fast, but not terrible. Floppy thin casing seems vulnerable to sharp rocks and such.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor, Specialized Team Control, IRC Mythos, many others
Bike Setup:
GroundUp steel hardtail w/ 4" XVert Super fork, Avid Mechanical Discs, other stuff necessary to make a bike work
Bottom Line:
I got this tire free to try out, so I can't complain about the cost. I only use this tire on the front because they don't make one in a 24" size. I'm currently running the tire "forward" in the direction indicated by the side arrows, but I've noticed in photos of pro slalom riders that they run the front tire "backwards". This makes more sense to me, because then the center knobs would have the ramped edge forward for less rolling resistance, and the square edge back for better braking. I'll be trying it this way when the snow melts and post a follow up review. I haven't had a single front flat or damaged the tire in any way in the 6 or so months I've been using this tire, but the trails I ride aren't very rocky. So far, this is definitly one of the best front tires I've ever used and I'll probably buy another when this one wears out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jakub
a
from London Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
grip.
Weaknesses:
weight, but the grip makes up for it
Similar Products Used:
all Michelins, and pretty much most XC tires.
Bike Setup:
XTR, Mavic X517 Ceramic, Magura HS33
Bottom Line:
it's pretty simple. these tires don't last long, but when you buy a tire you shouldn't be looking at how long it will last you but how much grip it will give you for the type of riding you'll be doing. I bought them back in mid summer and i can see the wear on my back tire but no problem just switch the front with back and i'll be all set. You have to give up one thing for another. if you want a michelin tire you have to remember that they make the softest tires, that why they work so well. since they are so soft they wear out. so if you know that you're not going to want to spend so much money on tires that wear out faster then other tires then don't buy them. but remember cheap tires don't give as much grip as these. I haven't been able to find any tires that work as well as any Michelin. When it comes to wheels and tires the french know what they are doing and they make the best stuff.
Oh one more thing if you're one of them people that buy them cause of their look and use them on the road a lot well then you just have to much money on your hands.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MikeeR
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: December 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Local technical trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Grip, grip and more grip
Weaknesses:
It wore out
Similar Products Used:
WTB's, Bonty', Hutchinson's
Bike Setup:
Heckler, Atom 80's
Bottom Line:
I can't believe some of the negative reviews for this tire. Like "I rode this tire for six months and it wore out". Yeah, right, whats the freakin problem? These tires grip as well if not better than any other medium weght tire I've used and eventually they wear out. That is when you go and buy another one. A quality tire from a class company, especially good climbing traction in rough rocky technical conditions. And if its too expensive, buy something cheaper and stop whinging. As with many quality products, that extra cost may only give you a small improvement in performance, its up to you whether its worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirtz
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: November 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Strengths:
Amazing grip on climbs, turns, Rocks, logs...anything you throw at it.Cool red color.
Weaknesses:
needs a little bit softer tread compound
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Semi slicks
Bottom Line:
These tires are amazing...Bought these after I realized the semi slicks I had weren't getting the job done with the leaves down. So these Hot S tires were the answer. They grip on everything but sometimes when wet can slip a little on roots and logs, but so do all tires. These tires couldn't slip even if I wanted them to. They are great on climbs and downhills with super traction on turns. I usually do big,technical climbs which have lots of loose rock and also slick rock...THESE TIRES EAT UP THESE TRAILS...BUY them if you can!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
-Awsome traction, accelerating and braking -Digs into the corners and holds you there -Sheds mud very well
Weaknesses:
-The sidewalls are very thin, and sharp rocks can gash them open.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Explorer Pro; Traction Pro; various Specialized
Bike Setup:
Trek VRX 300; Marz Z1-CR; Magura HS-33
Bottom Line:
This tire is awsome. It lets you lean into corners without any slippage, has incredible braking and accelerating traction, and sheds mud quickly. As for the thin sidewall, if you get a gash try using an innertube patch, thats what I did and so far, 60 miles later, I've had no other problems and the gash hasnt split open any more. One last thing, these tires arn't made for road so don't ride them on the road, you will have a bald tire in a matter of minutes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Downhiller
from Honolulu, HI, USA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hauula Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
BIKEFACTORY SPORTSHOP
Strengths:
Aggresive tread design, color, "tackiness"
Weaknesses:
Durability
Similar Products Used:
Continental Atlanta & Traction, Panaracer Smoke and Dart
Bike Setup:
CANNONDALE Super V, Raceface post
Bottom Line:
Excellent traction, well worth the money. If you can't afford these tires, perhaps you should stick to riding on the road, better yet...read mountain bike action and wish you were inside! But seriously, excellent tracking and cornering, good braking too. Only drawback is the durability with black being the more durable of the two. Picked them up for a good price. Handles well in damp singletrack conditions too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AJ
a
from Torrance, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Del Cerro
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good looks. Real grippy.
Weaknesses:
Haven't noticed one yet.
Bike Setup:
The Ultimate Schwinn Moab
Bottom Line:
These tires are great and good looking. They perform well on the trails. Buy em where you can get a price matched. I brought the price of mine down to thirty dollars each using an ad in a magazine. I saved $20! So can you if you can find a bike store that matches prices.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville Date Reviewed: July 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Awesome color, great traction, good in climbing
Weaknesses:
Nothing except price
Similar Products Used:
IRC MYTHOS
Bike Setup:
Suped up Nishiki Colorado
Bottom Line:
This is a great tire. The best thing is how the red color looks on a black or red bike. This tire has been a great upgrade. I only put it on the back because of the price and I do red a little on pavement which is not good with these tires. I run a simi slick on the front. This is a great tire. Go out and get one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leev Traxx
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville, TN Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Land-Between-The-Lakes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Holds curves really well. Great controll in front.
Weaknesses:
Seems to slip a little when wet.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Modified Mongoose
Bottom Line:
Put these on my partners Modified Mongoose. She loves them except when the trail is slightly wet. She slips and slows down a bit more. Otherwise they seem to grip well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robb Walt
a
from Phoenix, Arizona Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
way too many...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
fast rolling (similar to Fire XC Pro's); great cornering; all-terrain use. these tires hook up WELL in the wet, dry, and slickrock trails around AZ. haven't experienced any significant mud though (hey, I live in the desert!)
Weaknesses:
none so far. (maybe deep mud because of the small knobs)
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro, WTB Velociraptors, Desertraptors.
Bike Setup:
Specialized DH MAX setup for XC
Bottom Line:
GREAT tire for all-terrain use
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Redding Date Reviewed: June 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Color Mud Shedding Positive Grip on anything
Weaknesses:
Price Weight...
Bottom Line:
I bought one of these tires to replace my worn velociraptor and i have had nothing but a positive experience. I only installed it on the rear and it's working great. I installed it backwards by accident, but decided to ride on it anyway and it actually had better up-hill grip then with it installed the right way! gET THIS TIRE YOU WILL LOVE IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John in AK
a Cross Country Rider
from Wasilla Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Peters creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Hook up, mud shedding, COLOR!!!
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Raptors, tioga, Michelin Comp S
Bike Setup:
K2-4000 modified...
Bottom Line:
No tire beats the mud shedding capabilities of the Michelin Comp S tire, and these Hot S tires don't either, but they are very good. The reason I switched from the Comp S was to gain climbing and cornering traction, which I did in spades!!
Besides the high price and lack of closeout deals on this tire my only complaint is that the two center lugs, which are close together, pinch tiny little pebbles in there, and then release the pebbles into my frame, up in front of my face, into the air.. you get the picture. They're tiny pebbles though and don't hurt my paint... it's just a little annoying.
So far I've been very pleased with my michelins. I rode my Comp S tires while visiting Arizona and they didn't last on the hard rock, I imagine these tires wouldn't either, but hey, it's mud city in Alaska so no worrys eh?
Ride straight.
MCM #333
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Morrissey
a Cross Country Rider
from Townsend Massachusetts Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Leomister state forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light and handles well in moderately sticky mud and loose crap. Looks cool. Michellin backs up what they sell.
Weaknesses:
the price! I payed the same for tires on my car!!!!!!!! Had a casing problem that was quickly replaced by the factory.
Fisher joshua..Judy XL, Sun mammoth rims, xt drive, magura hs-33's, titec saddle,post stem and bars
Bottom Line:
Buy them on clearance if you can find them...there are tires that are just as good or better for a lower price. Buy them if you gotta have michellins and love their reputation for backing up what they make.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Johnson City, TN Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mud Hollow to Blue Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Traction is fine
Weaknesses:
Multiple Cuts in Sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos, Corratec Diamant Grip, Conti Leader Pro
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Dual Suspension
Bottom Line:
I cannot recommend anyone buy these tires. After 6 monts of usage, the inner tube poked through the sidewall on the rear tire. I thought it was just a freak occurance, and put a dollar bill in to finish the ride. Then on the same ride, somehting happened and caused the entire front tire to BLOW OFF THE RIM. This caused a serious crash. I'm not sure if was a pinch flat or the five cuts that were in the sidewall that were discovered after the crash. No matter, a tire should never blow completely off the rim!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Parman
a Racer
from Fond du Lac, Wi Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
can you say confidence? I was a little skeptical putting the tire in the front, i am sorry i waited so long to try it out
Weaknesses:
sheds mud... not... but what the hell are you doing riding in the mud and ruining the trails anyways Jim?
Similar Products Used:
wildgripper lite s, bontrager jones 49/53 Front specific, Revolt superX, Panaracer fireXC, Mach, some others...
Bike Setup:
'99 homegrown, manitou sx-ti, titec helbent cockpit, XT all around, Avid brakes, Icon crankset, Time Atac, Mavic221/Formula F , Mavic222/LX R,
Bottom Line:
hooks up well in any terrain.... most confidence i have ever had while decending.. love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FraserFras
a Cross Country Rider
from SK, CANADA Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
POWDERFACE
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
look really cool, grip well, shed certain kinds of mud well.
Weaknesses:
pavement is a no-no, but they aren't meant for pavement. Little pricey if you don't get a deal.
Similar Products Used:
continental traction pro(with the yellow strip), bontanger mud tires.
Bike Setup:
99' Klein Mantra, custom paint, stock everything else except fatt maggie bar ends, 2 Hot S.
Bottom Line:
These are wicked tires, they are deadly for free-ridind and the steep rocky climbs in the mountains. Have never had a pinch, one slow leak though. Side walls are okay so far. I ran 1 hot on the back and the continental traction pro on the back last season. It rocked for loose climbs and wet or really rocky conditions but that could just be the magic of the mantra. Speed is good for a really knobby tire and cornering kicks but. I bought another hot S to replace the continental. There nothing wrong with the continental, it's a great tire too, but I'm a nerd and I want to match better. I would recommend this tire to anyone who is going to use it on purely off road conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donal
a
from Uxbridge Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
red none of my mates had one aggressive looking (angry red) bigger than its 2.1 (fat angry red) lightweight for its size?
Weaknesses:
jolly expensive
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC front and rear and semislick rear
Bike Setup:
Marin Pine Mountain
Bottom Line:
Used this as a rear tyre, the tread pattern does not fit with my idea of what a front tyre should look like. It cleared mud way better than the previous IRC Mythos I was running (the less sticky compound Michelin use always seems to clear faster). Not a great tyre in the mud though.
It is now being replaced under warranty. A short while after I started using the tyre, fibres became visible intermittently around the skinwall where they were obviously under high stress. Eventually (and it took a while, I am quite a careful rider), the wall split. No rips or stone damage associated.
So to summarise, performance: alright durability: it didn't look very worn construction: lets just hope it was a bad batch, as they are replacing it under warranty after all. cost: I wouldn't buy it at that price again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Goddard
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Edale Circle, peak district & Coed-d-Brenin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Looks Cool. Is a really good downhill tyre for what is supposed to be a cross country tyre. Grips well in hard pack and on rocks
Weaknesses:
soory to say this, bu they are garbage in English mud. When the going gets thick and sticky, these tyres just clog up and don't shed the mud, or seem to be able to dig through it either.
Problem 2. The tyre is so ridiculously wide even for a 2.1, (Yeah right, course it's only a 2.1) that it rubs on my chain when it's in 1st gear. When the trye is full of mud, it then deposits this mud into the chain. Clever!
Marin Mount Vision 99 model. Manitou SXTi, with Fox Vanilla Air R on the back.
Bottom Line:
Great if you don't ever ride in mud, or if you don't ride a Mrin Mount Vision. Watch that clearence on the chain
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
decion
a Cross Country Rider
from san rafael, ca. Date Reviewed: February 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
cool looks, awesome side nobies, great traction
Weaknesses:
expensive
Similar Products Used:
velociraptors, ritchey's, panaracer smoke and dart, some tiogas
Bike Setup:
'99 element limited, z1 cr, xtr drivetrain
Bottom Line:
these tires are awesome. give excellent traction on loose stuff and corner like the bike is on rails. i have been riding the past couple of months in the wet and don't agree with the other reviewers gripes. the performance may not be the best on wet but i can't imagine that many tires do better. also, these tires shed mud pretty good. bottom line: if these tires are good enough for dave swetland in the movie "kranked 2" they are good enough for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Bloomsburg (central), PA Date Reviewed: February 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the NASTY
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Excellent traction,cushy ride, and cool red color.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls wore through in 3 months, needs softer rubber to grip rocks and logs.
Similar Products Used:
Wildgripper S, Sprint s, WG DH,Velociraptors,Z-max, Spec. Cactus 2.2's, Team control/Master, Dirt control.
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper w/Judy XC 3"
Bottom Line:
Great trail tire if you don't touch anything with the sidewalls. Lighter riders would probably be ok, but I'm 240 and destroy sidewalls on alot of tires(two sets of Cactus, and two WG).Michelin, Please add rubber to the sidewalls, and soften the tread compound.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fred Rufino
a Please Select
from Biscaia Portugal Date Reviewed: January 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
'heather'
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light for a freeride tire!
Weaknesses:
sidewall is not stiff enough, sucks in the wet,too narrow
Similar Products Used:
michelin comp 16, michelin DH soft
Bike Setup:
freeriding hardtail with 5in travel
Bottom Line:
They are fast excellering tires they grip ok in dry as long extreme speeds aren't your thing. Great trailriding tires but not good enough for more extreme terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robb
a downhiller
from seven springs pa Date Reviewed: December 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
put these on my 99 trek 8900. incedible. best tires. hook up and dont let up. even in pa mud. best xc tires ive ever ridden.sturdy at dh speeds, rides smooth as knobbies can on pavement. good on snow. highly reccomended.
Overall Rating:
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