"Optimized" Semi-Slick for Faster Riding on Hardpack to Intermediate Terrain.
New tread pattern for low rolling resistance with improved grip over traditional semi-slick (due to inclined sipes and taller, reinforced could blocks).
Very light - only 500 grams in 26" x 2.0" - thanks to new high density 127 tpi casing, optimized semi-slick tread pattern and lightweight folding Kevlar bead.
High level of puncture resistance, especially in the larger 2.0" wide size.
Superior grip and braking due to the unique directional inclined sipes, molded from new Silicium compound using a proprietary Michelin process.
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansing, Michigan Date Reviewed: November 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Poto
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
borrowed from a shop owner
Strengths:
Light weight, low rolling resistance, grip on hardpack and sand
Weaknesses:
Grip in mud
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones XR, Kenda Klaw, Kenda Klimax Lite
Bike Setup:
Fisher Piranha 1x9
Bottom Line:
These are great tires for everything other than mud. I never had any problem with these on hardpack from dry to damp, and these are amazing on sand. They are very grippy and they inspire a lot of confidence on sand, but beware of mud!
I rode on of these on the front on a drenched, torn up, and extremely muddy trail in a race (a mistake on my part, we were told that the trails were in good condition), and they were no better than slicks. They had no grip at all, whether it was on the straights or in the corners. I wiped out twice within a mile of riding, both on very broad corners that a proper mud tire would have gripped through. On the second wipe out, my front tire just shot out without any warning of losing grip, and I ended up breaking my leg because of the fall.
In short, use these tires for pretty much anything other than mud. They grip great for hardpack and sand especially, but they are downright dangerous when things get slippery.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Diggs
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa Date Reviewed: November 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Iceman-Vasa
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Fast fast fast, very versatile. Floats through sand. Green tread never wears out.
Weaknesses:
Mud
Similar Products Used:
Mythos XC slick
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mtn. Thin Air. XTR
Bottom Line:
I have a set with nearly a thousand miles on them. Yes, nearly a thousand offroad miles. In dry to damp conditions, these are awesome. They hook up amazingly well for the minimal tread. With use they get a fatter, rounder profile. They are amazingly supple, but require high air pressure to ride correctly. They have such a soft sidewall that anything less than 50psi causes the sidewalls to fold. Reviews about flats and pinch flats are idiots who don't know how to inflate a tire properly. I use mine religiously with tire liners and I have about one flat per year, and I ride in a wooded areas with three inch thorns everywhere. I've raced these several times in the Iceman and they rock on hard pack sand and float over loose, 6 inch deep sand. In fact, you can even spin these through deep loose sand on climbs. Its all about technique and using things as they were intended. Without a doubt this is the tire I keep going back to. After four years of riding this tire, the tread is hardly worn. Michelin changed the name of the tire, its no longer the Jet S, its on their website though. Not sure if the new all black version still has the Silicium compound. As far as climbing, if the trail is dry, these things climb over roots and rocks like a billy goat. 5 flaming turds for these, and I rate them as the best tire I've ever had the pleasure of owning. As the sidewalls are very thin fabric, I'd avoid them if you ride through rock gardens all the time. On dirt, they are without a doubt the fastest. Oh, and they are nearly as fast as a full slick on pavement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick P
a Racer
from Austin Texas Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Emma Long City Park, Kelly Creek Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
decent grip for an intermediate tire, good traction and low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
WEAK, incredibly weak -- will get you flats day in and day out
Similar Products Used:
Most other tire brands
Bike Setup:
Hardtail Gary Fisher Kaitai
Bottom Line:
This is advertised as a race tire for dry rocky terrain, and supposedly good resistance to punctures. Well, this is just NOT TRUE. Pinch flats are terrible with this tire. I've had at least for the last couple of races I've done, yesterday a rock cut the sidewall open, I replaced the tube and got back on track but 30 mins later in the race, I pinch flatted again.
Probably good for non technical trail, near road-like tracks. Make sure you put at least 35-40 psi into the tire or you are almost guaranteed to have problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Temecula Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
last one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
You will become a faster tube changer and patchmaster, they do roll good
Weaknesses:
it punctures when you look at it hard. it does not run true on any of my wheels I get flats from gravel.
Similar Products Used:
conti town and country great but heavy
Bike Setup:
schwinn homegrown comp
Bottom Line:
I bought these tires to ride on flat hardpack trail, thats a no there, I had a flat on every ride. After that I used them for road riding only well in one month road riding only I had about 20 flats, this tire is a real joke. And please don't say For Racing only, like people can really have flats there. The worst tire ever. Well I got a new set of schwalbe tires in the mail, they have a kevlar belt like the Michelin should have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SuperSlinky
a Cross Country Rider
from The Rust Belt Date Reviewed: March 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Jack of all trades. A credible road and off-road tire. Lightweight, Michelin quality. Surprising long life considering the thin rubber.
Weaknesses:
Master of none. It would be hard to say if this tire excels at any one thing, maybe hard pack single track, which is what you find most around here. Poor puncture resistance, especially with the tubeless version.
Similar Products Used:
Too many to list
Bike Setup:
Titus Loco-Moto, Fox Vanilla, Hope/Mavic wheelset, etc.
Bottom Line:
This is my favorite tire, warts and all. I like to take my MTB on the road sometimes, and this tire makes my Titus a fiendishly good road bike. I avoid muddy trails, which is certainly this tire's weakest point. Punture resistance is dismal. The tubeless version especially will puncture with a dirty look. That is what prevents me from giving it the highest rating. Looks like they are out of production now, so it looks like I will have to find a new favorite tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bonjing
a Weekend Warrior
from Manila, Philippines Date Reviewed: July 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
VERY LIGHT! Easy on the pedalling
Weaknesses:
Prone to puncture by just a staple wire. Had to punctures, one is a staple wire and one is a small sliver of glass.
Bike Setup:
GTS M5 Frame, Avid Mechanical Discs with Speed Dial 5 Levers, SRAM Cassettes, Mixed Deore/XT Group
Bottom Line:
Even though I had two punctures successively, I still would buy this tires. They're very light and easy on the legs when pedalling. Great for qucik acceleration, including uphill (as long as the legs can take it). High speed cornering on asphalt/concrete roads is a breeze and you can feel that you still can control the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
urban lauski
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK Date Reviewed: June 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light, does what it was designed to do and very well.
Weaknesses:
Expensive.
Bike Setup:
Marin 'Peak
Bottom Line:
Tyres are sooooooooooo subjective and the 'right' tyre for everyone does not exist. Dial in factors like the conditions you are riding in, your weight, the pressures you run, your rims, your riding style... it's a headache.
If you're like me - XC hardpack, 120lbs and doesn't mind if the front end gets a bit squirelly occasionally - give these serious thought. Most of us are quite adept at changing tubes and 4 punctures last year seems reasonable enough. These things HATE glass shards - but they're easy to mount. When it's muddy, out come the Panaracers - no big deal.
Not the safest but certainly the fastest rubber you can get for dry XC hardpack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrei Lena
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Australia Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
cross country
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Canberra
Strengths:
Only good for bitumen
Weaknesses:
Just a crap tyre. Crap tyre wall, crap tread, crap width, crap colour (green), not puncture resistent at all, really hard to fit, absolutely useless off road - you might as well be riding on full slicks, does not counter-steer well.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Kinetics, Hutchinsons, Michelin Wild gripper Front S, Maxxis High Rollers, Maxxis Minion, Specialized Rocksters.
Bike Setup:
Specialized hard rock frame, LX drive train, Psylo SL fork, Velocity cilff hanger rims, Maxxis tyres.etc..
Bottom Line:
I hate this tyre. I call it names when I ride on it. This tyre is afraid of anything soft and bumpy. It is practically useless off road. Did I mention how crap this tyre is? Well its crap!!! I only keep it because I paid like 60 Australian dollars for it, and because it is ok on bitumen. I keep hoping that Jesus Christ can redeem this tyre. It is so crap. I have had so many pinch flats on it. I really regret buying it. Now - I am going off to have a cry!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Penguin On Prozac
a Cross Country Rider
from leicestershire, eng Date Reviewed: January 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
cannock chase or die
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
www.allterraincycles.co.uk
Strengths:
Very fast (the 1.6in v), high roll resitance, handle very good on hardpack. Michilen always dominate tyre sports don't they, and they also look minted with their green rubber and black side walls.
Weaknesses:
knowing michelin might cease producing these
Similar Products Used:
wildgripper in white, panaracer smoke / dart
Bike Setup:
easton elite ultralite, deore lx trans, avid sd .2.1, flite, fsa orbit uf, mavic x517 and these miche's
Bottom Line:
If you want a great harpack for summer use then get these puppies, theyre not designed for heavy winter mud as the tread is not nobbly. I have the 1.6 inch width which makes them fast tyers on tarmac, so theyre ideal for the commuter who also likes to go off road from time to time. Im impressed by the handling in the wet, at first i was hesitant because they have low profile tread, but its ok. They also stop well, as the rubber is very stick & grippy. I got them very cheap at just £26 uk sterlings a pair , so i give them 5/5 for value, i hav'nt had them long enough to know durabilty but i give um 4/5 (5\5 on dry hardpack) for perfomance since they 're better off the bike in the muddy British winter months. Oh yeah.. lock the wheels up if you park in town... that nice green draws attention to people that they're nice miche's. :P
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jase
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003
I got this tire for the front wheel for its low rolling resistance and the fact that a lot of my riding is done on tarmac and hardpack.
This tire works great for its intended purpose, which is hardpack. But when it rains a little and you're in the rough, it doesn't really provide much confidence for those hairy switchbacks in the more downward direction.
When I take it on the trail nearby which has sharp rocks, roots and ruts, so far, i've managed to blow the tire more than I would like. This could be due to the low pressure I run (35psi) or the fact that the sidewalls aren't the greatest.
It is however great on hardpack, which is its intended purpose, so if you ride a lot of smooth rolling hardpack trails it will work great. So considering they work great for what they're made for and not so great for what they're not made for(and considering the fact that i shouldn't be using them for what they're not made for.), 4 chillis here.
Found them a bit steep in the financial departement. 3 chillis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jan Mertens
a Cross Country Rider
from Asse, Belgium Date Reviewed: October 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mount Parnitha, Greece
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
magazine
Strengths:
Very fast, good grip for a semi slick, good cornering, easy to place and to repair, a lot of fun...
Weaknesses:
punctures easy, stay concentrated in turns on loose surfaces, do not use in mud or wet stones & roots (but do not forget that it`s not designed for it)
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Ritchey, Hutchinson
Bike Setup:
gary fisher suger 2+
Bottom Line:
The perfect tire where for it`s designed, the best semi slick you can find
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ma ge si
a
from Shanghai Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Flying Ball HK
Strengths:
Fast rolling, light weight, good on hardpack and no problems on sharp rocks. Tread holds up pretty well for looking so thin.
Weaknesses:
lousy in gravel, slides as outer lugs are to small, forget about any little bit of mud.
No side wall bollocks. Surprising on sharp rocky sections, only 1 flat till now, as lots of trails are paved with former houses (China countryside). Slides in gravel even in straight line. Great for hardpack or road, nice speed. Not for slippery stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Local shop
Strengths:
Durability, longevity, rolling resistance, & ride.
Weaknesses:
Cost. But then again every $20-35 tire I've prucahsed has lasted around six months before meeting its maker. Little too much lateral roll in the sidewalls while cornering.
Similar Products Used:
Geax Revert, Mich. Wildgripper S, some crappy Kenda's
Bike Setup:
Giant frame, 120mm Manitou X-Vert w/heavy-duty spring set, XT/XTR, RaceFace Prodigy CS & BB, Kore stem, cheap wheels
Bottom Line:
I must have 1500 miles on these guys now consisting of hardpack (mostly limestone and a pinch of dirt) and daily road use. I am genuinely amazed at by their treadlife. The rolling resistance is great for asphalt, but they still afford a reasonable amount of purchase on slippery-ass limestone trails. Aside from a twig that managed to impail itself through the original rear tire (how the hell it happened I have no idea), I am complaint-free. I've recommended these tires to friends seeking a good commuter tire, and they've had similar positive feedback. I would without question continue purchasing the Jet S. Matter of fact, just ordered some for a new cyclocross bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allen Coulonge, Jr.
a Weekend Warrior
from New Orleans Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Fast rolling tire, feels good on the street or on hardpack.
Weaknesses:
SIDEWALLS ARE REALLY WEAK!!! DO NOT BUY THIS TIRE!!! YOU COULD GET HURT!!!
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager AC, Panaracer Fire XC pro, No other semi slicks.
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900 w/ Full XT/XTR Group, RockShox Duke XC, Cane Creek WAM Ti Crono Wheels, Eggbeaters, Syntace Bar Stem Combo, Selle San Marco Arami saddle
Bottom Line:
Run, do not walk away from these tires. I was riding on a bike path today around a park at about 18 miles per hour, went over a little bridge and had the Front tires sidewall blow out on me throwing me over the bars. Lovely landing with a shoulder and face grind. I thought that maybe some of the other posters were full of crap about the sidewall problem, but they were not. It scratched up my front rim real bad (kudos to Cane Creek for a tough product, still in true.) By the way, these tires only had 18 miles on them and yes I know how to put tire on and to check the bead. I was running them at 45 psi when this happened. DO NOT BUY THESE TIRES!!!! I will never buy Michelin again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Racer
from Irvine Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
El Preito Pasadena
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Great traction for a semi-slick. Feels super fast compared to a knobby tire. Quiet.
Weaknesses:
wears easily, poor traction in sand- almost feels like you're floating
Similar Products Used:
too many to name
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Unicoi, Crossmax Wheels, SID SL, XTR
Bottom Line:
This tire worked great at the Sea Otter. There couldn't be a more perfect tire out there for the course. I didn't lose any traction anywhere on the course, held my line around every turn, and felt like I had road tires while circling the track. Great racing tire in hard pack conditions though beware of sand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john mateeya
a Racer
from Fonthill,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: April 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
ALL OF EM!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
bike fit canada paid 60$ canadian
Strengths:
Great grip on hardpack and not too bad on soft stuff.
Weaknesses:
Although it has not happened to me, i have heard that these tires have a reputation of the sidewalls exploding. I was riding once with a friend that had these tires and all of a sudden, BOOM!!! the sidwall exploded on the flat at fairly low speed, which was wierd becuz we had just went through a rough bumpy section.
these tires are very good in hardpack, but are a little more difficult in the soft wetter terrain. On the road there pretty fast with higher pressure, but i dont trust them with over 50 psi because i have heard plenty of stories, and seen the sidewalls explode on these tires.
SO I GIVE THESE TIRES FIVE HOT TAMALES!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$57.00
Purchased At:
Sporting Life (CAN $)
Strengths:
Very durable, after two plus years of riding I have yet to wear the tread down. Looks good with green and black. Smooth and quiet ride (no tire hum or vibration).
Weaknesses:
After a few rides the green center tread looks dirty, but otherwise, no complaints. Little pricy, but no different then any other good bicycle tires.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis, Hutchinson Python gold and Mosquito Gold, Michelin Sprint and Sprint S.
Bike Setup:
"Super Raliegh" Totally custom built 1999 Raliegh Micro-Lite - XTR, Race Face, Chris King, Mavic.
Bottom Line:
Overall this is a good tire. The build quality and durability is the same as that found in Michelins other tire lines for both bikes and autos. The green center tread is a nice touch and looks good when clean.
Highly recommended for those looking for a solid XC tire, and they are available in black as well.
Well worth the $57 Canadian (plus 15% tax). Long lasting tread-life, and good looks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremiah Russell
a Racer
from Russell MA USA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sanderson Falls
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Gravity Warehouse!!!!!
Strengths:
Rolled fast Good Traction Light
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats way to easy, like every other ride I was running like 50 psi too! weak side walls
They corner slightly better than your typical semislick, which isn't very good
i might of kept using them except on like my 5 ride with them they just exploded and left a large whole in the side wall.
buy the comp s tires, better traction, more for you money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anders
a Racer
from Sweden Date Reviewed: October 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Michelin tent at a race
Strengths:
Very low rolling resistance Only one puncture in one year of xc-racing
Weaknesses:
These tires wears out quite fast, but i already knew this so i purchased two pairs at the same time Does not have the durability of the ordinary (black) jet tire
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Speedmax, Michelin jet and a few others
Bike Setup:
Merida Matts 990SX Full XTR
Bottom Line:
I dont agree with the riders who say that this is a weak tire. I have used it for both training and racing and in one year i´ve had one puncture on two sets of tires. And i´m not the lightest rider around (I weigh around 160lbs). But the tire is not the lightest around an now when i have worn out my second pair i´m thinking about trying something lighter. But i think this tire is ideal for what it´s done for and strongly reccomend it for everyone who wants to ride fast. Maby it´s not the best in muddy conditions but this year has been realy dry and I have only decided for a tire with larger knobs once.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light weight, low rolling resistance, excellent traction
Weaknesses:
Durability?
Bottom Line:
I've used this tire on the rear of my hard-tail for the past 12 months. This tire provides surprisingly great traction considering the shallow tread pattern. I'm 100% satisfied with the traction performance. Much of the riding has been on hardpack, sand, and scree. The rolling resistance is remarkably low too. Half of my miles were on dirt/crushed rock/asphalt bike trails. I suspect the puncture resistance isn't that great, but I'm running spin-skins. Flats haven't been a problem.
After about 1000 miles this poor baby is showing many fibers in the sidewalls and has some seriously flat spots on the tread. I'm afraid it's one sharp rock away from 'POP'. It's time to retire this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louie
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hardwood Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Ski's & Bikes
Strengths:
Very Fast on hardpack, Cool Looking Green, Light Weight, OK in sand, Again these puppies look Cool!
Weaknesses:
Very Weak, Flatens by staples or twigs, Side Wall will tear very very easily, loss of tracktion off road.
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar, XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
Only Buy these tires if you plan on racing, otherwise expect to go through alot of tires they don't last. Trust me I went through 4 in 3 months and the're not cheap. Keep spares these things can go at any time, and they're not repairable. Handles OK but I don't really trust them going fast off road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Bryn Mawr, PA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
www.speedgoat.com
Strengths:
Extremely fast. Durable.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
S-Works OEM Tires
Bike Setup:
Using this tire in the rear (it has arrows for what direction the threads should be facing) with the Michelin Comp S Light in the front. '99 S-Works M4
Bottom Line:
Outstanding Tire for speed and weight. Great Puncture resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ice Man
a Weekend Warrior
from Libertyville, IL Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
DesPlains River
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Great on hard pack and not bad in loose stuff. Great cross country tire
Weaknesses:
Punctures, punctures, punctures
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Wildgripper Sprint
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel
Bottom Line:
I loved my Wildgripper Sprints, however after 1,000 miles I developed 5 pin flats in 2 rides. All the rides were on crushed stone and hard pack trails. I replaced them with the Jet S and got 2 flats my first day out after 40 miles. The small stones went right through the tread. I sent them back for a set of Specialized Hemisphere EX. No problem in 400 miles on the same trails. I'm done with Michelin!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Pyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Oslo sport shop
Strengths:
Light weight, good traction
Weaknesses:
To many punctures, flimsy construction
Similar Products Used:
Wildgripper Sprint, Hutchinson Mosquite Light
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F1000SL
Bottom Line:
3 punctures in 400 km. At the 700 km mark the rear tire departed the rim in a loud explosion on an asphalt road at low speed. I dont know why. Moments before I was decending a hill at 70 kph, and losing the tire at that speed would have put me in the hospital.
I am a 240 lb. rider and ride 50/50 asphalt and forest roads. This tire should have been an ideal one, alabeit it is a bit expensive. But expensive or not, it is obviously too flimsy for me and I have now moved on to another make.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver City, New Mexico Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
CD South, Gomez area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This is for the green UST version: *relatively light *rolls fast *grips well for a semi-slick *one of the easiest UST tires to mount *hold air very well for UST
Weaknesses:
*Like all semi-slicks, its not good for loose climbs
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson UST Pythons, Michelin Comp S UST (green and black compounds), Panaracer Trailblaster UST
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Tanasi w/XTR group, Bontrager Mustang Rims on Chris King hubs
Bottom Line:
I've put about 280 miles on these tires and they look like they have a lot of life left. I used these tires on the Continental Divide North trail from the Gomez parking lot to Pinos Altos and back by Translator Pass. This route has a lot of loose rock climbs and descents with a lot of potential for flats. While these tires aren't a good choice for that route, I was impressed that I didn't flat them. I also used them on trails around Moab last month, where they are a good choice.
I like these tires and will be using them again.
Looking at some of the other reviews, I wonder if the green compound might cut more easily if it gets wet. All the riding I've done on them has been in dry conditions with virtually no mud.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mathias Terheggen
a Racer
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: April 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Alps at Graubünden
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Stadler Bike Center
Strengths:
very fast, amazing grip for semi slick, seals well (UST)
Weaknesses:
no puncture resistance
Similar Products Used:
Conti Explorer Pro, Conti Vertical Pro
Bike Setup:
Giant XtC Team frame w. custom setup (Mavic x-max disc ust rims)
Bottom Line:
A great tire, with an amazing grip on soft and wet ground for a semi slick (needs low air pressure) and very low roling resistance it would be. Only what good is a fast tire if you lose the minutes inserting an inner tube. I had four flat tires in four weeks till I changed for a Conti. And all quite big cuts resulting in an immediate loss of air. For all those riding off road, this is not an option. For all those staying on asphalt touching gravel from time to time it is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ronbo
a Cross Country Rider
from prescott, az Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
iron furnace, cooper's rock
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
fast, handles/grips excellent, great design
Weaknesses:
week sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
kenda krisp, pythons, mosquitos (all tubed)
Bike Setup:
gunnar rockhound, x-fly 80, UST
Bottom Line:
ordered complete bike from lbs with tubeless wheels. didn't know too much about the available tires so i trusted the owner to pick some out, but specifically said "no semi-slicks!"--dumbass, i got this on the front (2.0 black). oh well, i was to be riding dry, rocky/sandy stuff. well it's the rocky part that was a problem. not cause they didn't perform well--they just can't handle the abuse. i got a puncture cut on the sidewall the first ride. i've never even had pinch flat, let alone a puncture flat with tubed tires. so either there's a problem with the durability of the tire or the whole UST system. the tire didn't blow all the way but it leaks slow and the tear is getting thinner and bigger with every ride. i don't think you can patch a sidewall rip with the threads and all. i would give these 5 chilis if not for the week sidewalls. but i'll be nice and give it 4 cause michelin rates them for hardpack and intermediate use, and it's the best semi-slick design i've seen. if'n you want semi-slicks i would try these in the tubed version. i would think twice about getting them in tubeless, and i would think three or four times about riding them on rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Torn Shirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheel Tango
Strengths:
fast, ugly green color
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
None. Replaced my stock knobby Bontragers
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500, wellgo 813, Specialized saddle
Bottom Line:
Bought these tires for the Subaru Iceman and they rock. During the first ride I could feel the extra speed. After many training rides and the eventual race, these tires still have the little hairs hanging on. Makes me think they're going to last an acceptable amount of time. They are fast on the hard stuff and float through sand much better than my old knobbies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark B.
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Slickrock; the Edge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
Performance web site
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance; lightweight; Good traction for a semi-slick; good turning control; no flats despite lots of miles.
Weaknesses:
None discovered yet. I'm concerned that they may wear fairly quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager revolts (didn't like); Panaracer ss (liked handling and low rolling resistance, but not the weight).
Bike Setup:
Sweet Ti Seven Sola, XTR, Chris King headset, Marzocchi Bomber, Mavic 517 with Chris King hubs. Its all more than I deserve -- but I'll keep it anyway.
Bottom Line:
I rode this tire for the first time in Leadville 100 -- it performed great. I probably wouldn't ride it on endurance rides with high incidence of flats -- such as Brian Head Epic. I say that even though I haven't flatted yet despite some hard riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Lang
a Cross Country Rider
from Asia Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any trail.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
See below review.
Weaknesses:
See below review.
Bottom Line:
After almost 2100kms on these tyres, the sidewall finally tore on a trail (which had gouged my Panaracer's months before). These tyres have never given me any reason to complain. Would I buy another pair? I already have them installed :-) Now, if only they could be sub 400gms.................
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Lang
a Cross Country Rider
from Asia Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any trail.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Great Acceleration. Willing to roll. Good traction in all but the most severe conditions. 490gms is pretty good.
Weaknesses:
Not really a weakness, but if it could weigh 390gms it'd be heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Regarding semi-slicks; Tioga city slickers, Continental Town and Country, Armadillo's, Minotaurs, several Wildgrippers and others.
Bottom Line:
This is by far my favourite semi-slick. The others that I've tried are either quite grippy but heavy or non grippy and light. These others are also very terrain/weather specific. With the Jet S (green compound non-ust version) I am able to ride over a very wide range of conditions with confidence. Either it's the new tread design, or new compound (or both) but to have a tire that is both very willing to roll AND grippy (and lightish) is quite rare.
My average speed also increased 2-3kmh after using these. As for durability - they are lasting much longer than I expected - 1420km's and still counting. These tyres are quite pressure specific - I find running them a little softer than usual to be best. But thats just my opinion.
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Submitted by
Jimmy A
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
Cykloteket
Strengths:
Real fast and good grip!
Weaknesses:
price
Bike Setup:
Specialized hardrock.
Bottom Line:
I´m really impressed by how fast this tire are, and the grip is very good to be a semi-slick tire. Just buy them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from NH Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Rolls fast, awesome forward bite, very managable side bite. Handles roots and rocks quite well. Front braking is most impressive. They are available in black.
Weaknesses:
Rear braking is sketchy, like the other semi's.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda, Bontrager semi's
Bike Setup:
Fisher hardtail
Bottom Line:
I have found this to be a great race tire and recreational tire. Performance is very sensitive to air pressure, which I think is a good thing. Once you match the pressure to your weight and style, theses things flat out hook up.
I just completed a 24hr race and my confidence in these tires grew every lap. I was attacking corners and roots more agressively each time around and the tires never let me down. I thought they were a little pricey when I bought them, but I was wrong, they were worth my money.
I will now give my first ever double 5 flamer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Feeley
a Weekend Warrior
from Speedway Date Reviewed: August 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
96th Street
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At:
Bike Nasbar
Strengths:
These tires love hardpack. The drier the trail the better they like it. Good tire on the rare paved trail ride.
Weaknesses:
Almost completely useless in the clay soil here when it is wet.
Similar Products Used:
stock Moab tires
Bike Setup:
Stock Moab 3 with Riser bar.
Bottom Line:
Great hardpack tire. Durable. Slightly expensive. You do have to get use to not sliding the rear tire. I just stay off the brakes more and trust the tires to hold. Don't go out on clay when it's raining.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ChippingCaliber
a Weekend Warrior
from Acton Vale, Cdn Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Coaticook/Bromont
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Vélo Mario Pontbriand, St-Pie, Qc
Strengths:
Very light, fast and no flats! It will make you rethink as to what a semi-slick can do. Michelin really did their homework here and it shows.
Weaknesses:
None, these tires are great.
Similar Products Used:
Wtb Racingraptors, OK on pavement, but worthless when compared to the Jet S.
Bike Setup:
SuperCaliber with Hayes hydro brakes, King disc Hubs and Headset.
Bottom Line:
Well I was a little sceptical to go back to semi-slicks, after my previous experience with the Wtb Racingraptors. After one 24hr race, and one 60km all day Raid, I can finally say that these tires will make you rethink semi-slicks. I have the 2.0 so they don't feel that much faster than my Panaracers FireXC. I have yet to get a flat with these and you can really push them once the ground is fairly dry. My bike has disc brakes so I guess that as gotten me out of a few sticky situations with these tires on. I'm very impressed so far and highly recommend them. Five Chilis here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shaggy
a Racer
from RockHill,SC Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all of em!!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
ULTIMATE BICYCLES
Strengths:
These tire's are fast as well as strong,super grip even in semi wet conditions, very low rolling resistance(i have the 1.65's), well their green
Weaknesses:
umm ride is a little harsher but that is to be expected with a 1.65 tire
Similar Products Used:
Kenda kozmik lites, hutchinson pythons, pnaracer fire wc's(1.8)
I was extremely immpresed with these tires, the first time i used them was in moist conditions and i was expecting the worst from past experiences w/ the kendas but just as i started to hit the wet rocks and roots i felt, well, i felt GRIP, another cool feature about these tires is that a few days after doing xc, i decide to go on a 30 mile road ride, and was able to keep aup a 19 mph pace w/ mountain tires JUst buy'em
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ayrton Peterson
a Racer
from Seattle, WA. USA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Surprisingly good traction. Low rolling resistance. Very supple ride
Weaknesses:
Rear tire braking (expected)
Similar Products Used:
First semi-slick
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude, Marz Z2
Bottom Line:
Great speed and surpising traction. Gotta really be on it in the loose stuff but the speed elsewhere is quite amazing. Chevron shaped sipes allow for great front end braking (seems very close to my full knobies on hardpack and good rear climbing traction. Drawback is marginal rear end braking but I a bit front brake user so this is not bad performance wise but it took a while before I stopped skidding the rear. Haven't raced on them yet but I am looking forward to it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan hull
a Cross Country Rider
from westerville,oh (usa) Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything fast
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
light weight, low rolling resistance, good puncture resistance, trendy green color!
Weaknesses:
none so far...
Similar Products Used:
continental explorer pro, hutchenson alligator gold, hutchensn python gold
Bike Setup:
2001 cannondale jekyll 900 sl, CT2 bar, xtr drivetrain, thomson post, flite gel saddle
Bottom Line:
these tires provide more traction than most semi-slicks and provide a smooth, supple ride. they also climb suprisingly well. if you demand speed - buy these tires - if you need lots of traction such as in wet conditions - don't. trust me, there worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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