Advanced tread design:
A World Cup-proven tread pattern that rolls fast, yet maximizes traction and control.
Low rolling resistance. Silicium tread compound and intelligent tread design make this a fast tire on hardpacked terrain, yet it holds its own in loose conditions.
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 green and black tread compounds.
Submitted by
Matej
a Weekend Warrior
from Kranjska Gora, Slovenia Date Reviewed: August 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Very fast tyres, tarmac, all sorts of single tracks, but usefull more or less in dry conditions
Weaknesses:
No very good in wet conditions, you get a flat easily unless you fill it over 3 bars (up to 4) on a fully!, but then they only bounce around and you get no good grip at all. In 8 months they started to look like an old rubber starting to get more and more small cracks until I finally rip the rear one appart.
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Tioga, Schwalbe, Panaracer, Continental etc.
Bike Setup:
Elan Slyer, XT overall, Manitou sherman in front and Fox Float RL on the back with a Horst link
Bottom Line:
It's a very nice tyre for dry cross country riding, but if you like to drive crazy down the hill especially on the rocks keep away, you'll walk most of the time and spend time changing and patching tyres!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod
a
from upsyte ny Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
some offbeat .com
Strengths:
fast,great for reduced pinch flats even with low psi,sticky on dry pact and rock.
Weaknesses:
very squiraly on loose stuff, exremely short life span.
Similar Products Used:
Lol, lets just say Im a tire junky!
Bike Setup:
sugar 1
Bottom Line:
Race it and only race it a few times and do your preride b4 you decide. When they work, they rox as for the short time that they last. Not for train or rec rides at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Good traction, climbs well
Weaknesses:
Squirly on roads
Bottom Line:
For the price, this tire isnt too bad. I've had it for about 2 years now and have had no major complaints. I ride to work on pavement with it and at high speeds it tends to be a little unstable. On the trail, though, this tire does its job.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spangelsare Great
a Weekend Warrior
from Kirknewton Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Glentress Red
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Wiggle
Strengths:
Light weight and low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Not great in muddy or wet conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Michelan XLS, Conti Escape/Explorer
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS, Psylo SL, Hope Mono Minis, Hope/Mavic Wheels, SRAM XO shifters, X9 Rear Mech, XT Front Mech, Race Face Turbine cranks, Profile bars, stem. Race Face Pin, Flight Saddle, Time Pedals.
Bottom Line:
I used these tyres all year with the eclipse tubeless system and found them okay. They rolled quick and I never got a flat (until I had a blow out yesterday). They struggled in wet conditions, espeically in mud (had a very close testicle stem incident last week on a steep uphill wheel spin).
I have now got a set of Panaracer Trailrakers because I have got tired of coming off as my mates ride on in the mud and rain (we get a lot of that here).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Stickers
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: November 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Basically these are my (used on rear only) pythons for low-mid mud, fall leaves and such on trails that generally the pythons work very well on. They fit the bill well. Good grip on top layer 1/2 inch muck with somewhat firm soil underneath even when climbing tough stuff. On rear 1.95 version does well even with lower speed high torque and turning climbs. Everything else generally found on XC type trails not a problem. Very happy with mud clearing ability. The tire also seems to stab through and didn't pack up with wet partially decomposed leaves. Traction also good on rocks and wet wood.
Weaknesses:
Wished it was a little higher volume tire so that slightly lower PSI could be run. For a 150 lbs rider I'm using 33 lbs. No problems yet but I have yet to really slam into anything hard yet. I usually run python air lights at frt 26/rear 28 which some would consider low and have never had a low PSI type flat in their 2+ year life.
Similar Products Used:
Jones rear - POS. Hutchinson Pythons great all around tire except for mud, fantastic on hard pack. Very fast. and light Michelin Hot S - used as fall/spring mucky front tire. Fairly good, little heavy but will cut through the crap and bite down especially when run in rear mode on front. Nokian Extreme 296 - winter/ice, excellent. Recommend looking at the newer lighter version with kevlar beads and lower weight. Tires weigh nearly 1000g a piece. But nothing like studded tires when you need them.
Bike Setup:
NRS Air 2001 frame with CK hubs, ceramic 517, Sid Team fork and dis and dat and what naught.
Bottom Line:
Good tire! Fast, light, good when your light XC race tire needs a little more grip although you could easily run them all the time so good fall/mucky tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a Cross Country Rider
from kokomo Date Reviewed: May 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
fabulous tires! this is a follow-up to my initial review. i ride a couple of miles on pavement to get to a local park that i train at, so something that provides low-friction and wear resistence on asphalt is a plus. this tire does everythng right!
Weaknesses:
none, little hard to find, but otherwise performanc is top notch
Similar Products Used:
none, these tires exclusively now
Bike Setup:
2004 giant NRS air frame, crossmax wheels, XT/XTR derailleurs, easton components, crank bros. pedals, skareb fork, race face crank
Bottom Line:
buy these tires if you can find them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Maarat
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Extreme
Strengths:
Light weight, very low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
Not too grippy of wet surfaces
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Mosquito
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS
Bottom Line:
These tires start out perfect especially of dry trail conditions even on loose gravel fireroads. They also roll great on the road so this makes them perfect for the on-road stretch going to the trailhead. They start loosing traction after a few months of use when the knobbies start to give especially of wet surfaces. They would have the perfect all around tires except the they do slip unexpectedly and I have started doubting it and makes my riding sketchy and too cautious. Hey I need better tires!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Kokomo, IN Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
bike nashbar
Strengths:
i have only ridden on these tires a couple of times. i needed something light, UST, fast and durable on pavement and serious on off-road conditions all for a good price. these tires seem to work well.
Weaknesses:
none as of yet, i just hope they don't wear out so fast like my old Tioga red pheonix tires
Bike Setup:
EPX Terrashark frame, mostly XT drivetrain, easton bar and stem and marzoochi MX Pro fork, crossmax ust disk
Bottom Line:
good tires so far, fast on the street, corners well, light, good in grass and off road stuff. looking foward to how they handle
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Saietor Blackgreen
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Russia. Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
City and Countryside
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Bikemaster
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, good on asphalt, great on trails, sandy and dirty roads, in wet sh#t also. Good puncture resistance.
Weaknesses:
Unstable in turns on hardpack - difficult to keep high speed in the city.
Similar Products Used:
tried some other semislicks
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar X, LX/XT, Z2 atom 80
Bottom Line:
Got the last pair very cheap. Almost 1500 km passed - weared out just to note the wear, they gonna roll for many more thousands. Got 2 flats using "ultra thin" tyres. Went to "thin" ones - passed almost 800 km without any flats.
Tried CAAD3-based bike with Michelin Jet - despite the longer base it allows much sharper turns. Gonna go to Crimea - asphalt mountain roads with high-speed turns, so I buy Michelin Jet or other semislicks with small side knobs.
But Comp S will stay for trails and forests - they are awesome! 4 for price, 5 for perfomance - there are no ideal things, but good things deserve to be called "perfect".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Mckean Co. PA Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
great wear, tire is still holding up great after a season that included many terain types
Weaknesses:
squirrely handling needs some getting used to
Similar Products Used:
many others
Bike Setup:
'98 CDale f500 with various upgraded components, headshok fatty
Bottom Line:
Got mine on closeout. These are an all around great tire, they work in all sorts of conditions. A little more aggresive grip would be good in climbs to give that extra umph and the handling was squirrely which took a little while to get used to. The green ones shed the mud great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny Cash
a Cross Country Rider
from Madision, USA Date Reviewed: February 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Great grip, Longlasting, reliable, Light, Great in terrain
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Giant Terrago
Bottom Line:
Theses tires manage all type of terrain. Great traction in any condition. Very long lasting, no signs of wear-out. Are a bit slow on asfalt but perfect for woods and rocky terrain. A reliable tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Kline
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa Date Reviewed: January 24, 2003
Liked the green look to the tire but that is about where the love affair ended. Only bought 1 tire and orginally used on the front. 1st thing I noticed was that it had pretty good traction (almost to much compared to my phythons) but w/ the traction came a high tendency to wash out in the turns if leand hard causing me eat it especially in soft sand. The tire never tells you when it is going to give just does it very quickly so you can't react. Swapped to the back and things got better but feels a little to fishtaily when ridding agggressive. The lackof side knobs is the reason for this. If you want a good set of michelins try the hot-s they are very aggressive and the rolling resistance isn't the best but they hook up real well and are very predictable. Bottom line this tire sucks for the front ok for the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: January 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
BD
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
Cool color, great traction in hardpack and wet soil.
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewall. Floats in mud
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey, WTB, Continental
Bike Setup:
Cannondal Jekyl 2000
Bottom Line:
I would not recommend these. The sidewalls are too weak. The sidewall blew out mid-ride forcing me to boot the tire with energy bar wrappers (I got another hour this way).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rex
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto, CA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Monte Bello
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclists
Strengths:
Good Traction, cool green color.
Weaknesses:
Sidewall tear
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey
Bike Setup:
Bridgestone MB-0, Ritchey Rims
Bottom Line:
Overall pretty good traction for the rear and good directional guidance for the front. Did not differ much from the Ritchey Z Max tires. I suffered tears on the rear tire sidewall and suffered flats from the casing eroding throught the inner tubes. Did not last as long as the Ritcheys. Will be trying Continental Explorers and Escape for the next set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn Vernes
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown CT Date Reviewed: November 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
None really
Weaknesses:
Wear way too fast, lose traction quickly, poor compared to other tires I've tried
Similar Products Used:
Conti Traction Pro/Comp Pro, Conti Explorer Pro, Panaracer Dart,
Bike Setup:
Sugar 1, Bomber, XTR
Bottom Line:
I can't recommend them. They wear out way too fast (appreciable wear on the rear after 3 rides!) and they lose traction quickly with no warning. This last fact caused a serious crash that put me out for three months. They work alright on dry hardpack, but so do other tires without the drawbacks. Ride through mud and you just churn the tire, no traction at all. If you're looking for a fast rolling tire the Conti Explorer Pro is a better bet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kent Ridgley
a Cross Country Rider
from Elk Grove, CA Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sly Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Average casing strength and ability to handle low tire pressure without pinch flats.
Weaknesses:
Cornering, rocks and roots
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptor, Mobster, Fire XC, Mesquito
Bike Setup:
2002 Kona Stinky Dee-Lux, Marzocchi Z1 Freeride w/heavy springs, Fox Vanilla RC w/700lb spring, Raceface, XTR, Chris King, Azonic
Bottom Line:
The 26x2.1 Michelin tires provided average climbing traction in hardpack and loose conditions, but was very unpredictable in corners and washed out often in hardpack and loose conditions due to the wide side lug seperation. On rocks and roots it was not confidence inspiring. I did not try these in intermediate to muddy conditions maybe they would perform better, but I doubt it. The tire worked best @ 33 psi front and 38 psi rear for a 208 lb rider. I do not recommend these for hardpack or loose conditions and I have a set with 95% tread I will sell if interested.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtb deb
a Cross Country Rider
from dublin Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
excel sports
Strengths:
light weight, good performance in most conditions.
Weaknesses:
sidewalls tear easily.
Similar Products Used:
irc mythos
Bike Setup:
ti hardtail, sid fork
Bottom Line:
it was a good all around performance tire for long cross country rides, but i cannot recommend this tire because i had to throw an almost new tire due to multiple rips in the sidewalls.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GJ
a Racer
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: September 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Capt Jack's
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
PerformanceBikes
Strengths:
low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
little traction on anything less than rock hard Weak sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC,
Bike Setup:
Fisher Paragon, XT, bla, bla, bla
Bottom Line:
On hardpack, these tires do go well...but wear very QUICKLY!! On anything less than hardpack watchout...on the front you'll lose the ability to turn, on the rear it feels like you're riding on a flat! I rode them on and off when I'd be going to some hardpack stuff, then quickly get them off. I trashed my first one just grazing a rock...sliced it wide open on the sidewall exposing the tube bubble from hell. Performance replaced it with a new one which has long since been sliced in the same way. I finally trashed the last one last week. Seems like the sidewall dries out and becomes brittle, then easier to tear?
I've had better luck with all around performance with a semislick!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adj
a
from England Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Karrimor
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Great tire for the summer, ie in the dry.
Weaknesses:
Non really, as long as you use them for what they were intended. Ie they are hopeless in mud but then they were not designed for the mud!
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Thin Air
Bottom Line:
If you want a very competent tire for summer use these are the ones. I will certainly buy another pair when these wear out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Racer
from San Diego Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the 30+ miles that crisX Bonita CA.
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Used on rear: Grabs & holds. never kicked up on me even on a fast technical singletrack DH section
Weaknesses:
haven't found one, since it is a 127 tpi casing it won't last long, so what, I won't use it for just tooling around San Diego streets
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones, WTB rapters
Bike Setup:
XT parts, Mavic rims, Jamis Dakar Sport frame
Bottom Line:
LOVE IT!!! I tested it today on a trail I do 2X/month. I gained another 2 mph. I was able to hold lines at speeds never reached before. I inflated it to only 40 psi (I didn't realize till I was done the trail) I want to try 48 psi & find more speed. The speed of a SemiSlick w/ the grip of a full nobbied tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Racer
from chicago Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
low weight about 450grams, low rolling resistance for a knobby, silica keeps mud from sticking. For a race tire, best all around. Good substitute for a semi slick with equal rolling resistance and better grip.
Weaknesses:
not cheap, prone to flats on jagged terrain for epic rides, tread wear, will wash out when turn on fast graveled terrian so practice your slide out routine before turns.
Similar Products Used:
irc mysthos, bontranger revolt, wtb nano raptor, panaracer fire pro
Bike Setup:
fuel 100 stock except for chris king headset and these tires.
Bottom Line:
I have the 2002 version, sub 450 grams. This is a race tire and not the best option for all around trail user although I do use them for that since I like to practice on the same tire I race on to get feel for characteristics. It is a great tire for midwest racing where you deal with some clay, fast dusty atv trail, singletrack, roots and rocks and creek crossings. I don't reccommend them for straight mud conditions. I've started using stans and stopped the flats and saved some grams. They wear fast and are expensive but are great for racing and grip better than a semi slick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stan
a Cross Country Rider
from N.Y. Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Rocks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very lite, tubeless type
Weaknesses:
traction
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer XC Pro, Maxis
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel
Bottom Line:
Scarey in mud and wet rocks and sand. The problem with these tires are the outside knobs, there just not high enough, unlike the panaracers. But the Michelins do roll very fast. Bottom line great race tires, but not all around. I found that if you lower your tire pressure to 25 to 30 you will get better traction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Beaverton, OR Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
+Fast, fast & fast. +Incredibly light. +Great traction in almost all terrain.
Weaknesses:
-Tread wears out quickly (swapped tires a week ago because of incredible amount of tread wear on my rear in less than 3 months!!! It's not like I'm riding DH on shale & broken glass) -Weak sidewalls. 3 months & I've torn sidewalls (along the stitch) twice. My LBS has been cool & swapped them for free. -Michelins are a little on the spedy side when you don't get them on sale or have friends at your LBS. -susceptible to pinch flats more so than other tires (I've tried to vary the tire pressure dozens of times)
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis, Fire XC Pro (awesome tire!!), & Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR drivetrain, PC-99 chain, XTR v-brakes & shifter/brake pods, Judy XC '01, Black Mavic 221's w/ XT hubs, Ritchey stem & pedals, on a $99 Acess frame (great frame, read my review)
Bottom Line:
I was ready to swear my life by these tires after the first couple of rides but the last 3 months has made me think otherwise.
I hate to carry spare tubes cuz I just don't pack all that much in (patches, tire lever, mini-pump, energy bars & water; the basics) and I will now have to cuz the sidewalls tear/split so easily. I'm not all that heavy (170 on a 5'4" frame), on a hardtail & have tried varying the tried pressure dozens of times (I get to ride 2-3 times a week).
I went to these tires after having my Fire XC Pro's for over 2 years with minimal tread wear & hardly any flats. I just couldn't stand the weight. It seems I will be going back to them soon if my latest tire gives on me.
God bless my LBS for being so kind as to replace my tires for free!
2 chilis for value because of the quick wear & weak sidewalls.
4 chilis overall cuz I have had so much fun on them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Roll fast with little resistance Great traction in hardpact to loose terrain.
Weaknesses:
Wear out quickly
Similar Products Used:
Specialized dirt control
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper comp
Bottom Line:
First I have to mention that I got these tires for $10 from Performance (spring catalog 02). I don't know if it was a misprint but they honored the price. I replaced worn out specialized dirt controls on my stumpjumper and the first thing I noticed was how fast these tires roll and how little rolling resistance there is. They offer great traction in hardpack terrain and are decent in loose dirt. I haven't had any problems with the tire washing out arround corners. These tires wear out quickly on rocks, but for $10 i don't feel like I can complain about this. Traction on roots and in sand/deep gravel is pretty poor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eddie
a Weekend Warrior
from HK Date Reviewed: June 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
fast rolling, light wt.
Weaknesses:
dont last very long, weak side wall, poor wet performance
Bike Setup:
cannondale, scalpel 3000 with all XTR, Marta brake.
Bottom Line:
the tyre has an arrow say front and one say rear on the sidewall. can somebody tell me should the arow front of front and rear wheels point the same direction. The dealer say for front tyre the arrow front point forward, and for rear tyre the arrow rear points forward. I have doubt!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a Weekend Warrior
from La Grande Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good for fast conditions
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls, I have had two blowouts with these tires, one on the front, other one on the back tire.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer, IRC
Bike Setup:
Klein Adept Pro
Bottom Line:
I have wrecked two tubes, one tire, and last but not least, two Mavic 517 rims. I did call Michelin up to complain about the above mentioned incidents only to be told that "no, we have had no complaints about this tire. As to me buying anymore Michelin products for my truck or bicycle the answerwould have to be no.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from London UK Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Chiltern Hills or Coed y Brenin
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
Light and fast
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls, poor lateral grip
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Panaracer, Continental etc etc etc etc
Bike Setup:
Spec S-Works. XTR drivetrain and brakes. Mavic rims on Hope hubs. Easton Monkeylite Thompson seat post kore stem
Bottom Line:
I have a cupboard full of part used tyres and I searched high and wide for I tyre I liked until I found these a few years ago. I used to love these tires. Fast and good(ish) grip. Evans Cycles suggested I try Panaracers after a huge wash-out/tree hug. I did and have not looked back. I now have Fire on the front with a Trailblaster on the back (a Mud in the winter). Don't get me wrong these are great fast tyres and probably make a great race tyre. However, for very litle speed penalty and certainly no weight, the Panaracers give more grip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spannerhead
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Incredibly fast accelerating grass/ light mud tyre. The best full speed blaster for XC use I have tried. Also dead fast on road.
Weaknesses:
The fastest tyre I have ever wrecked. Gets shredded in rocks. Needs high pressure, punctures about twice per ride.. Wears out faster than a fat man in a cat house. poor grip in big mud, wet/ roots etc..
Similar Products Used:
Most tyres.
Bike Setup:
LTS
Bottom Line:
This is my fave XC tyre if I am racing or want to conserve energy. It is expensive, but the best if you are going to be ripping through the grass or light mud/ dirt.
Believe me, this is a fast tyre by a long way.
Just don't take it on rocks or you will leave most of it behind on the crags as the knobs tear off and the sidewall gets shredded till your tube hangs out.
Hard to rate this tyre, lets just say if you don't mind replaceing it every third ride or keeping it for grass...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MountRealRider
a
from MOntreal Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Sheds sticky mud like no other
Weaknesses:
Not so stable ride
Similar Products Used:
All kinds of tires
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F2000SL, Bontrager Privateer
Bottom Line:
Kevlar green 1.95: Spring in Canada means a month of muddy wet riding, and the first race courses in the season are often mudholes. Theses shed sticky mud like no other, really. But I find them splippery on wet roots, and they go without warning. I have tried them in a pair, when the conditions are desperate. Still haven't found the right recipe, they shed mud but they slip unexpectedly on wet roots and rocks sometimes, and i'm not impressed when it is dry, better use the Pythons then. I wish I can sell them. Impressed with the mud shedding of that green coumpound, maybe in another thread.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Stow, OH Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Vultures Knob
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Stock on bike
Strengths:
fast, shed mud
Weaknesses:
no traction in mud
Similar Products Used:
Continental Explorer Pro
Bottom Line:
Absolutely zero traction in mud. Great for shedding mud.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scot Douglas
a
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002
Does anybody know if the newest UST tires are noticeably smaller than the old UST Comp S version? I mounted the set last night and they are TINY! I don't have my old set to compare them to, but they were fatter. Seriously, the new Comp S UST tires are skinnier than my: Conti Twister pro 1.95" Ritchey Speedmax 1.9" Maxxis Wormdrive 1.9" and barely bigger than my Specialized Extreme 1.7" tires. I'm pretty disappointed, expecting a 1.95 tire and getting (about) a 1.75"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Coen from Holland
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland Date Reviewed: March 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Woodsy Weesp
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Well, just performs excellent in every condition possible, is my opinion/experience.
Weaknesses:
well only one i can think of is that when i ride on asphalt my bike sounds like a motorbike...so everyone i pass quickly stops at the side thinking there is a motorbike riding on the bicycles path.
Similar Products Used:
uhm that was ages ago so i dont really remember what tire it was
i havent got any probs with this tire, performs very well on every sort of terrain, i even ride 60 km/h on the asphalt with these tires (ihave them front and rear). I can actually say its a great allrounder for a MTB. On grass(excellent), sand(fair), mud (a little less good),rocks (good),asphalt(surprisingly good for such a high traction tire) it performs quite well. I think, if you´re not into one terrain and need one type of tire, this is the best tire money can buy. I gave 2x 4 flamin chillis cuz there is (almost) always a better product in the future
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ronbo
a Cross Country Rider
from prescott, az Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
my driveway
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
skinny, light, fast
Weaknesses:
easily punctures, tears and wears
Similar Products Used:
pythons, mosquitos, panaracer somethings
Bike Setup:
gunnar rockhound, x-fly 80, UST
Bottom Line:
well i had problems with this tire as written earlier. i e-mailed consumer relations and got a reply back the next business day. they gave me a number to call and they were very nice and understanding. we talked through the situation and they're exchanging the comp s and jet s for a bigger, more agressive front s and xl s. that's the best i could've hoped for. if the new tires hold up and work good, i'll seriously consider buying from michelin again just because of the excellent customer service. thanks peggy.
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Submitted by
Rod
a Cross Country Rider
from Locust Valley, NY Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any at Blue Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$43.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Tubeless Version: great traction, climbing ability and cornering. Light weight
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 1, Mavic Crossmax UST Disc
Bottom Line:
Out on these at least 15 times so far. No leaking what so ever, even after five days of sitting idle. Great traction, cornering and climbing. Along with the Crossmax's, they have made me a stronger rider.
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Submitted by
Andre
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Low wear, runs well on paved roads, very fast downhill.
Weaknesses:
Terrible traction in dirt, loose rocks and soft mud. Tires slide out on hard turns. I also had a number of flats until I finally installed some liners inside the wheels.
Bike Setup:
2000 GT i-drive XCR 3000 with Shimano Hydraulic disk brakes
Bottom Line:
I don't recommend these tires. They are very fast on downhills (almost too fast...), yet provide no traction going uphill. I have to slow down on every turn as I can't trust the tires to keep me on the dirt path. They wear out very slowly, though. I've had them for almost 2 years and over 500 miles in a mix of XC and pavement, and they are still good in terms of wear (and I use the brakes A LOT). I did bend the rims of my front wheel, however, once as the tires did not keep a bump away from the rim. I fault the sidewalls for this, as I think they are not strong enough.
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Submitted by
Ric
a Cross Country Rider
from LA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Westridge/whiting loops
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Light weight, excellent climbing grip, fast
Weaknesses:
Yes, sidewalls! A little skittish in the fast corners.
Similar Products Used:
Pythons ust
Bike Setup:
'01 Homegrown,XTR,sid sl,xmax ust,titans,ct2
Bottom Line:
I read the reviews before buying, but bought them anyway. Picked up a great deal on Ebay, $40 for the pair of 1.95 ust's, so I figured, great! On my first ride, on the first loop, on a not so technical, but slightly rocky descent, the rear tire blew. After surviving the initial shock, I looked to find a 1" tear in the sidewall. I've successfully made that descent many times with the Pythons. I still like the comp's, but now realize their limitations (need to run more press.). One last thing though, I did feel a big impact. So who knows what would've happened with the Pythons. Other than that, they felt fast and grippy. Also, the X-max's were great - still straight and true!!
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Submitted by
babar VIP
a Cross Country Rider
from sunnyvale Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Tubeless version tested here: excellent grip and rolling. very impressive in the downhills comparing to the python. Weight 664g and 682g measured.
Weaknesses:
hard to fix on the wheel ( as many tubeless tires)
Similar Products Used:
hutchinson Python Tubeless
Bike Setup:
Commencal VIP SID SL, Xmax UST, easton and XTR components
Bottom Line:
If you are using the right tire pressure you will be sure that this tire is for you. excellent cornering and climbing. A good surprise comparing the Lite S that I used a couple of years ago.
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Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Relatively light weight Low Rolling Resistance Great traction on hardpack
Weaknesses:
Wears fast Terrible cornering traction in mud or loose surfaces Easily cakes with mud. Does not shed it well either.
Bottom Line:
Use only in dry hardpack conditions. I have the 2.1s and they just don't have any reliable grip on loose soil or mud. Also, these tires attract much more mud than it sheds.
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Submitted by
fisherman
a Cross Country Rider
from landenberg, PA Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Allamuchy
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
low rolling resistance, smooth over rocks, etc.
Weaknesses:
front end grip in loose corners
Similar Products Used:
2.1 WTB Raptors, Specialized Mt. Baldy
Bike Setup:
Sugar 1, SID SL, XTR, Racelite Tubeless
Bottom Line:
I just got a new bike with racelite tubeless - been on about 10 rides so far and the tire are fast as heck over hardpack conditions, very little rolling resistance. Only complaint is cornering grip on the front tire - if the conditions are loose at all (leaves, mud) it wants to slide out like a champ - never had this problem with the WTB Velociraptors (these are 1.95s vs the 2.1 raptors I had)
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Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from co springs co Date Reviewed: December 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
weight
Weaknesses:
a whole passel of 'em
Similar Products Used:
numerous
Bike Setup:
kona pahoehoe xtr/bomber z3 etc
Bottom Line:
these babies would be great for a greenbelt and that's about it. sidewalls so thin as to make them utterly unsuitable for technical riding. completely scored/gouged up after 3-4 hearty rides. pinch flat like all get-out. after scoring a couple of these for "60% off!" at performance and thinking I was getting a great deal it dawned on me that these things really do, in fact, suck and that I'd be getter off w/ my stock tiogas then these ride-killers.
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Submitted by
Ryan Petersen
a Cross Country Rider
from kalamazoo, MI 49006 Date Reviewed: November 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
yankee springs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
very fast on hardpack. good grip.
Weaknesses:
slide in loose conditions. Need some rides to get full traction out of them.
Similar Products Used:
hutchinson, panaracer
Bike Setup:
01 homegrown factory
Bottom Line:
I really like these tires a lot. There are many reviews saying they aren't durable but I have never had a problem with them. I'm 6'4" 190 and they are still holding up after a very long season. Around 800 miles on them. Wearing down but that will happen. I ride hard and trust these tires. I feel faster on these tires than others I've riden on in the past.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001
This review is for the TUBLESS version. These tires rock for the type of riding here in Okinawa. I tried some Hutchinson Pythons twice expecting some improvement over the Michelins, but all I got was one hell of a hair raising experience. Braking in steep technical situatins is where the Michelins really stood apart from the Hutchinsons. I don't know how or why, but the Michelins grip better and roll faster than the Pythons. I dig 'em, too bad they're $45-$50, but I'm sticking with them.
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Submitted by
Ray Michalski
a Cross Country Rider
from Rohnert Pk. Ca. Date Reviewed: November 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Marsh/cobblestone Annadell S.R.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Universal
Strengths:
Roll fast,corner great, no wash out's like some had.....
Weaknesses:
Bead on rear broke but I was able to remount tire lower preasure and limp back to trail head.....
Similar Products Used:
Panaracers and stock Schwinn tires .... both not to bad
Bike Setup:
Schwinn S-10 Sid front fork and XT-Bontrager wheel set....
Bottom Line:
GREAT tire fast grips well, had no trouble with pinch flats or side walls. My weight is 175 and I run these at 35/37 with no problems......I'm just glad the bead on the rear didn't give away 5 min. earlier bombing down a steep single track.... still running the front with no problems and a WTB VelociRaptor on the back....this tire was scary when new but after wearing down corners much better.....I'll buy Comp S again if I find a good price..... A friend who always ran 28-30 psi. Trashed 3 sets of Michelin side walls. He also hit rocks like he was a down hill rider...
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Submitted by
Ozzie Mountain Biker
a Cross Country Rider
from Blue Mountains Date Reviewed: October 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any and all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Locally in NSW
Strengths:
Good tread and trail feel. Flash Colour
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls, prone to rip and puncture. Quick to wear. Expensive set against poor durability.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson & Conti
Bike Setup:
NRS, Light and fast
Bottom Line:
Michelin have let me down for the last time. I have had sidewalls go on the old Sprint and Lite S and now ripped open a Comp S.
The Australian importer will not warrant any of this, they say it is just bad luck. Maybe, maybe indeed. In Oz these tires cost $90 Australian, that’s $45 USD. Too expensive to just pack up.
I have run Hutchinsons now for over 1000 kms and have had no problems. Same trails, same pressures etc etc.
Shame, good tread patterns but poor durability and poor customer service & back-up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Awooble
a
from Faulconbridge NSW Australia Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
St Helenas, Blue Mtns
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great grip, low rolling resistance, light-weight. A really good allrounder that's good for cross country use and can also be used with reasonable confidence on rocky, technical terrain.
Weaknesses:
snakebite, SNAKEBITE!! AAAHHHHHH!
Michelin should change the name to "Michelin XS Snakebite Pro".
Similar Products Used:
rubber whatsits
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX860
Bottom Line:
I must admit I love the handling of these tyres. They're fast for cross-country use yet also have a good level of grip on moderate downhills and rocky technical terrain. Having a good round profile gives them excellent feel while cornering fast on hardpack, but as some others have said their grip can give up suddenly with no warning if you try and push them too hard. Over-all the best all-round tyre I have so far tried.
BUT!!! I've had these tyres for about 10 weeks and 700km and have had something in the order of 15 pinch flats in that time. Granted, my favourite riding is on fast rocky terrain so you would expect a fair amount of pinch-flats, but not the amount I'm getting! I'm also running the rear tyre at 45PSI, which is the hardest I'm prepared to go. Any harder and rock-strewn trails start to feel like ball-bearing strewn trails! I only weigh about 70Kg (about 160lbs) too.
Also the rear-tyre's side-wall has a nasty gash and is nearly bald after only 700kms (450 miles for you American folk).
Bottom line: If you never get pinch-flats and ride mainly smooth terrain then these tyres are fast, grippy, confidence inspiring all-rounders. If you ride terrain that is conducive to getting pinch-flats, forget about it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
felipe garcia
a
from el paso Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
the tire sucks big time. all mich tires are horrible.
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
2001 homegrown
Bottom Line:
bad, bad, bad, i have only had bad experiences with mich. i raced on these tires and because of long race i wanted a low resistance, lite tire. my damn mistake. i bursted the side wall and had a total of three flats. thanks michelin tires.
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Submitted by
Greg
a Racer
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cheyenne Trail in Palmer Park, anything in Cheyenne Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Fast rolling, lightweight
Weaknesses:
No control in anything remotely loose:washout!! Tread wears out very fast.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC
Bottom Line:
This tire is fine for hardpack, but it'll wear out quickly. On the loose stuff, it's ok on the rear only. On the front it washes out very quickly in anything loose displaying a terrifying lack of control.
2 chilis 'cause it'll work on the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zahid
a Cross Country Rider
from chestnut ridge NY Date Reviewed: September 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
performance bikes
Strengths:
really low rolling resistance. fast, fast, and fast. unbelivable traction and grip.
i have them and you dont. HAHAHAHAHAHA! im only serious!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mokomoko
a Racer
from SF, CA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
the tire is FASSSST, really, but it also got really good grips at everything
Weaknesses:
it wears out really fast, but the trade off is that you got unbeatable grip and low rolling resistence.
Similar Products Used:
IRC's and HUtchinson
Bike Setup:
cannondale Jekyll 3000SL, full XTR.
Bottom Line:
BUY THIS tire, trust me, its great, especially performance are selling it for 20bucks each, yeah, they wear out fast, but ALL racing tire tend to do the same anyway. but this tire are good at all condition you can find at any race course
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marcel pretorius
a Weekend Warrior
from south africa Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Umhlanga
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Dave Diseman Cycles
Strengths:
Lightweight and good all round grip
Weaknesses:
weak sidewall
Similar Products Used:
This is my first product
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 1
Bottom Line:
I used these tires offroad several times in dry and once in muddy conditions and the performance was satisfactory. I have also been training on the road but the front slid out on oil recently. Unbeknown to me the rear tyre was damaged and burst the following evening with such force that the one side of the tyre was displaced from the rim. The tyre is effectively a write off after only one low speed spill on oily tar! I may give Michelan another try.
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Submitted by
Bruce McLean
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura, CA Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Tires came with bike
Strengths:
I thought they were pretty good. Then...
Weaknesses:
...all hell broke loose, along with the front tire.
Similar Products Used:
All kinds of tires
Bike Setup:
Brand new Schwinn Homegrown Comp
Bottom Line:
I was on my fourth ride on the new bike. The tires had given me no problems on my previous rides. Riding downhill today, I leaned into a corner - on hardpack, not going very fast, not leaning too hard - and there was no grip on the front tire. Nothing. It just washed right out. Whammo, into a bush, back wheel taco'd from the tumble. I've ridden a lot of tires and they almost always let you know when they're going to let go. I've had a lot of front end slides, but never a washout like this. Scary.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elvis Karate
a Racer
from SW Mich Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Portage Schwinn LBS
Strengths:
It was narrow enough to fit in my frame
Weaknesses:
Everything. This tire is total useless crap
Similar Products Used:
As far as Tubeless Hutchinson Mosquito
Bike Setup:
Older Ti hardtail. Bought tire because it was most narrow available
Bottom Line:
This is the worst tire I have ever ridden ever. Not only was it terrible to mount but it is useless. It doesn't climb,corner or track well. And it rolls sloooww. It just doesn't hook up on any surface. Maybe pavement but I didn't try. I have tried differnt tire pressures and nothing can help this piece of crap. I went back to using the old Hutchinson that was to wide and rubs against my chainstay because at least that is rideable unlike this pile of crap. Michelin owes me $40 or a new tire that isn't this one. They are lucky there isn't negative Chili's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michele
a
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Weight, grip, size (1.95)
Weaknesses:
Nothing big
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Super X, Panaracer Mach SS
Bike Setup:
Fuel 100 w/rolf propel tubeless--stock except for these tires and Speedplay TI frogs
Bottom Line:
I grew to HATE the tubed Super Xs that came on my Fuel because of their lack of traction and was looking for the best tubeless option as an upgrade.
I knew I wanted to go with one of the UST partners and Specialized keeps having those d@mned recalls. (I didn't go with the H. Pythons because they had a similar knob to the Super Xs, weighed more and they were wider than what I wanted.) SO, After checking out the other limited options I went with these and they are a HUGE improvement over the Bontis. Yeah they have more friction but that's because they have a more aggressive, stickier knob. This is the old catch 22 that you just have to live with. In the end I'm faster anyway.
Now I can climb those loose technical climbs with power, descend w/confidence and fly through sand.
Downsides? These tires were a b!tch to get on and the air goes down a wee bit after a few days. I wouldn't want to have to fix them on the trail. But I can run them crazy-low and get lotsa traction. I see below that they rip for some people but haven't for me yet. Maybe they won't be prone to it as much since they're tubeless. Then again if they do on the trail--I'M SCREWED!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damon
a Racer
from Sylmar, CA USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
5 Points
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came With Bike
Strengths:
They Climb Good
Weaknesses:
They dont downhill at all. Washes out everywhere. On loose conditions, they really suck.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Trailblaster, Maxxis Larsen Mimo, Nokian Gazzoladdi (YEAH!!)
Bike Setup:
01 Schwinn Homegrown, Next LP Cranks, Easton bar/Stem, Piece of sheit wheels.
Bottom Line:
They are good for rolling plains. Where i ride, (uphill alot and then a fun downhill to finish it) they suck ass. Loose condition is the worst for these tires, but they do real well on hard pack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Maxwell
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Just like everyone else has been saying: These tires are effective, not practical. I ripped my rear tire after the first month. However, when they're rolling, they're fast! The soft, pliable compound allows these tires to grip almost everything, but also contributes to their early demise. They're great if that extra edge and speed are worth having disposable tires.
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Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenixville, PA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Red/White, French Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Hookup OK on most terrain.
Weaknesses:
Tread cuts UNBELIEVABLY easy. Tire life is pitiful. Customer support is non-existent.
These tires simply suck. They suck badly. Did I mention that they really suck? They also blow. Blow bad. The tires bite, as well. Sometimes with traction, but generally, just biting. When they're not sucking or blowing. Awful, awful rubber compound for durability. I ride rocks, not sand and hardpack. Real stuff. Hard stuff. Pointy stuff. Stuff that most tires can handle just fine, but these can't. Going back to Hutchinson Pythons. They work. Suck-free. Blow-less. Sans-bite.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin County, USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
rather not say...
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Excellent rolling resistance. Very fast tire, grips & corners well. The 1.9 is pretty light @ 520g.
Weaknesses:
Some pinch flats. Most my fault for not running the correct psi.
Similar Products Used:
Hot S, IRC Mythos & Missle, WTB
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Sub 22, Disk Brakes, Hugi hubs, all XTR, Atom Race
Bottom Line:
Don't buy this tire if you don't can't keep the psi just right. Thios tire will pinch flat in a hurry if the psi is too low. Otherwise, this is a great tire in most conditions except very loose rocky terrain. It can get hinkey in the loose stuff, but whar tire doesn't?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Chambers
a Racer
from Grand Rapids, Mi Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Yankee Springs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Roll nicely, grip very well
Weaknesses:
hmmmm.....
Similar Products Used:
Conti twister, WTB Nanoraptor
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Mt Tam frame, Velocity Areo Rims, Chris King Hums & Ti spokes, Bontrager Race Lite cranks
Bottom Line:
I race a lot, expert/elite, both XC and some endurance events (24 and 12 hour). The terrain I usually ride varies from hardpack to rocky to sandy to mud. Michigan has it all! I needed a tire that had low rolling resistance, floats over sand, sheds mud well and grips like crazy. These do all of that. I experimented with Nanoraptor 2.1s and liked them, but they didn't corner well, and in real mud they were pretty slipery. I tried panaracer fire XCs, but they wore fast and didn't do it for me in the mud. I also gave up on Conti Twisters after countless flats.
I borrowed a set of Comp Ss for the season opener this spring and fell in love with the tires. They corner surprisingly well and finally give me the confidence I want in tight single track. I've raced them in muddy conditions too and they grip very well, with little slip-age, except on the slickest and slimiest of uphills.
If this was the last tire I could buy I'd be happy forever!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MOKOMOKO
a Racer
from SF, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
marin rules...
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
FAST.....good compounds and good grips. best all around racing tire i've tried
Weaknesses:
don't ride them on road that much... they would wore scary fast (on road), but they are (pretty) fast though
Similar Products Used:
conti exploer, Michelin Lite S. all of them are great. but i am interested at trying the new phython gold too.. i heard they are...
Bike Setup:
a mongoose HT cheap frame with some high performance goodies. well i gonna buy a jekyll later though...
Bottom Line:
GET the green ones, they feel a bit smoother than the black compound, i am not saying the black ones are bad. but they are not pretty with the tan sidewall anyway. you can really corner on these tire-hard, i never missed a coner on these tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Captain Danger
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol, UK Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Shed mud well
Weaknesses:
Not very grippy in loose terrain
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC pro (good), panaracer dart/smoke
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar, LX/XT, SID Race
Bottom Line:
These tires seem to shed mud very well, and are not too bad in muddy conditions either. Where they really fall down is on loose terrain, where they just spin round. I used the 1.95" version, so the bigger 2.1"s may be better. Fairly unimpressive overall....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: May 11, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Fast rolling. Great in all conditions.
Weaknesses:
price, weak sidewalls. color(green).
Bike Setup:
schwinn homegrown elite
Bottom Line:
I love the tires, great traction in mud,sleet,sand. They are fast rolling tires with a smooth ride. I've had one problem with the sidewall blowing out on the rear tire. I tried running it at a lower psi. and paid for it big time! Michelin has a quality issue with the sidewall on these tires. I've heard they have fixed the problem for their 2001 tires, I hope so. I would buy them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cory
a Cross Country Rider
from MN Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Roll fast 1.95's don't look it but they corner very good Shed mud times of favorite trail will decrease with these tires Brake, accelerate and climb like a champ
Weaknesses:
Expensive when compared to some other tires
Similar Products Used:
Continenetal explorer pro/twister pro combo, Moab, panaracer XC firepro
Bike Setup:
Homegrown Pro - Flight seat and avid single digit Ti brakes, hey it's new
Bottom Line:
I have not had any pinch flats or sidewall problems at all, I run 55-60 psi. I like these tires as much as the continentals I had on my old bike. The panaracers rolled very slow and caked up with mud very easily. I give 5 turds for these tires because I think alot of people have rated these tires way too low.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan O
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
GreenBelt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Cothrans Bike Shop
Strengths:
Rolls very well on hard pack, corners well.
Weaknesses:
Not good on anything wet
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Hot S
Bike Setup:
Frame, Tires, Seat post, Seat, Handle bar, Brakes & Shifters
Bottom Line:
These tires are good for racing they are not meant for everyday riding. Tires have been replaced twice. Because the sidewalls are thin the riding pressure creates the Kevlar bead to bunch up in certain areas pinching the inner tube causing blowouts. Same weak sidewall also allows warping of the tires. Use your discretion. Racing: OK! Everyday Use: NO!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from MI Date Reviewed: April 27, 2001
1.95 seems a bit narrow, but works well. green with tan sidewall is ugly, needs careful attention to pressure to extract the most performance. the 2.1 is heavy at 640g.
Similar Products Used:
all of them. just tried the mosquito airlight and they performed excellently...BUT, there was a "hop" in them that i could not get rid of (YES, my rims are true), and i tried 3 different sets. bummer.
Bike Setup:
big sure, angry fork, xtr, etc.
Bottom Line:
i had trouble with the hutchinson mosquitos, so i threw my old 1.95 comp-s's back on. (when i tried the comp-s previously they were good, but felt unpredictable at the cornering limit).
i used less pressure this time--35psi, and the difference is astounding. they cornered and climbed much better, and still rolled very fast. i retested them today on a very twisty, rooty trail. they performed flawlessly. if i had to gripe, i would say that the front sometimes felt like it was going to wash in the looser corners, but it never happened. i purposely stuffed them hard into the corners, to see what would happen. they passed the test.
also, they brake much better than the pythons (30 psi) that i have been running lately. still love the pythons, but the michelins just might edge them...
michelin sent me a 2001 bike tire book, and it looks like they revised the sidewall (made it stronger), and changed the silicium formula a bit. supposed to be grippier. the impoved versions all have black sidewalls with white michelin lettering.
i will keep these on for the summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laci again
a Cross Country Rider
from Hungary Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
shop in Budapest
Bike Setup:
This and that
Bottom Line:
I have to correct myself. I wrote that buy Comp instead of Comp S if you want all-black tyre. There IS all-black Comp S so buy that and not the green one and give five chillis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laci
a Cross Country Rider
from Hungary Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
shop in Budapest
Strengths:
Climbing, rolling, cornering etc
Weaknesses:
I have not found yet.
Similar Products Used:
Irc Mythos, some WTBs and several cheap tyres.
Bottom Line:
I haven' found any weaknesses and had no problems with my tyre yet. And it's much better than the Mythos. But Comp S is for real XC and XC racing so it's a little light-duty and not perfect. This is why I give 4. You, who love the tyre but hate the weak skinwall I advise buying the Comp which has the same tread but has black rubber-covered sidewall. It's a little heavier (60 grams)but cheaper too and no chance to mar that brown belt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a
from Jefferson City, Mo Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The name brand.
Weaknesses:
They're worthless.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors, Specialized Hard Rock'r, Maxxis MOFO XC
Bike Setup:
Fisher Level Betty, Marzocchi Z1 CR, Rock Shox Deluxe, XTR V-Brakes and levers, XTR Rear Deralliuer and XT Front with LX Shifters, Ringle RPM Wheelset, Azonic 1.5" Bars, ODI Ruffian Grips, FSA Headset, Race Face Crankset
Bottom Line:
They absolutely do not hold up in wet conditions. The sidewalls cracked all the way around after one month of wet conditions. Don't waste you money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Fambrough
a Weekend Warrior
from Plano, Texas Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Erwin
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came w/bike
Strengths:
Good grip, fast roll
Weaknesses:
Subject to pinch flats, noticed some slippage in extremely dry, loose rocky conditions.
Bike Setup:
GT XCR i-drive
Bottom Line:
Ripped sidewall while going down a rocky descent. Bang! That was all she wrote. Tried to repair, but looks iffy. Any recommendations on a good XC tire set-up that's virtually flat proof? Most of the riding I do is tight single track through the trees, with a few ravine type crossings, and loose rocky hills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crash Often
a Weekend Warrior
from Oak Park, CA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chesebro
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$44.00
Strengths:
When they contain air, great rolling resistance and traction.
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats, sidewall tears, you name it ! You better like fixing flats if you use these tires !
I really have a love / hate relationship with these tires. When they are not pinch flatting and ripping out the sidewall they are the best tire I have ever ridden. Great rolling resistance and surprising traction. They also have a nice soft ride. Unfortunately I could rarely finish a ride without the sound of air escaping from my tire, or looking down and seeing the innertube trying save itself from it's ultimate fate by escaping out the hole in the sidewall. I tried putting in more / less air. Different inner tubes. I even tried changing the freakin' bike I used them on. I'll say one thing for them, they are consistent. Maybe I just got a hold of a couple of bad batches, but there is NO WAY I would ever buy another Michelin tire unless it came with a money back guarantee !!! To add insult to injury they're also very expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from Woodstock, GA USA Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Bikeworld
Strengths:
-Sheds mud well -Great breaking -Predictable cornering -Relativly low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
-Comparative price -green color
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire xc Pro 2.1 Panaracer Smoke and Dart Classic Kevlar Bontrager St2 Front and rear
Bike Setup:
Specialized M2 xt/xtr mix Race Face cranks Bontrager valiant rims laced to XTR hubs
Bottom Line:
Every tire has strenths and weeknesses for a particular terrain or course and these are no exception. I have found that these are the best tires out right now for my particular riding style and terrain. In GA we have roots, sand, and clay often on the same ride. These tires role fast, absorb shock and brake and corner very well. The fire XC Pros made me feel like I had a flat in the rear because of the rolling resistance. I have never ridden anything that sheds mud better than these. Mine have held up pretty good(no street riding)and I have had no trouble with sidewall failure. I run 40 psi front and rear and weigh 185lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry B
a Racer
from St. Louis, MO,USA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Rolls FAST! Almost an alternative to a semi-slick!
Weaknesses:
weak side walls
Bike Setup:
a frame, some wheels, a shock, saddle, handlebar, and someother parts.
Bottom Line:
I would give these tires a solid 5 flaming dung heaps, if the freaking side walls didnt rip so easily. I always end up throwing these things away long before the tread wears out, because my tube ends up poking out the side.
However, I guess its a trade off for the light weight.
Good traction though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimm Beau
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
SART
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light; provides good overall traction; mud shedding; works on virtually any terrain.
Weaknesses:
Cost; color; narrow
Similar Products Used:
See review immediately before this one
Bottom Line:
It's necessary for me to amend my previous review. Since I upped the pressure to what's indicated on the sidewall I've had zero problems. Due to VERY soft conditions, I was running them below 30 pounds....MY bad! MY mistake! MY error! Durrrr!!! Currently running them between 40 - 50 pounds ---- and they are working great. Sorry Mich.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimm
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light; provides good overall traction; mud shedding; works on virtually any terrain.
Weaknesses:
Flats; expensive; flats; snake bites; flats; weak sidewalls; flats; wear quickly; flats; extra "mushy" at low PSI; flats; prone to flats.
GT XCR1000/LE: ceramic Mavic 517's laced to XTR hubs
Bottom Line:
Don't seem to be able to survive real world riding. I've used at least 7 different MTB tires and none have been soooooo prone to flats (especailly snake bite/pinch -- 3 during one 25 mile ride?!?!?). I wore out two sets of Panaracers without having a single snake bite/pinch flat. Nor did I get any with the Bontragers or WTB tires. The Wildgrippers do just that -- grip like wild. They do provide plenty of traction under most condtions and they are fast-n-light. If they were as durable as the WTB's, they would replace the XC Pros as my favorite tire. The Wildgrippers are MUCH lighter than the WTB's and provide similar traction qualities as the XC Pros....but, stopping during a great ride to fix a flat (AGAIN!!!) has gotten old. I really wanted to like these tires....but, they'll be replaced > with XC Pros.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mika
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great traction, very low rolling resistance, work both front & rear.
Weaknesses:
Collects leafs and branches. 2.1 weights a lot more than Michelin says. But, most important; lasted only 6 months in easy use when riding once or twice per week!
I was happy with these until same happened to my tires that happens to every S-tire: The sidewalls break. My friends warned this would happen, but I wouldn't listen... Well, this was my last pair of Michelins. You would expect these would last a bit longer!
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Z-Max, Velocirators, Schwinn Moab tires, Continental Explorer Pro
Bike Setup:
...is changing constatly, but FS is the way to go.
Bottom Line:
If this tire would be lighter and last it wouild be my no1 choise, but now it's waaay down my list.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Shankland
a Racer
from Waterloo, ON, CAN Date Reviewed: June 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Camp Fortune Nationials
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
These tires grab onto most typs of terrain; Hard pak sand, grass, gravel, dirt, most wet stuff, very resistant to flats I race all year and had 1 flat(slow leak) Tires hook up well on pine needles if wet or dry, very good to turn on the needles too.
Weaknesses:
Any thing that is slippy (ie) wet logs, wet grass, wet rocks, Wet hard pak (very slippery) Tires are a little narrow for very rocky areas, larg rocks like Camp fortune push thin tires around violantly. Tires make for a noisy road ride and ware out pretty fast but not as fast as a Continential Traction Pro<-(wast of $50)
Similar Products Used:
All other tires were full out knob attak, never really a low profile knob or any semi slic.
Bike Setup:
2000 KOna Kula, michelins, bombers. Pretty much what kona gave me
Bottom Line:
These tires are really good for racing untill the race gets soupy of slippery take my word for it and get Hutchinson Pythons and Aligators
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from TC, MI, USA Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the XC loop i built
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
rolls FAST, mud can't touch it
Weaknesses:
collects leaves loose traction $mucho denero$
Similar Products Used:
panaracer schwinn moabs (crap)
Bike Setup:
'98 schwinn S-10 w/ a few changes
Bottom Line:
Excellent tire for most conditions. Rolls extremely fast, goes right through loose sand, sheds mud faster than ice melting on a hot skillet.
But I had a couple problems. Being a light weight, the tire has a tendency to skip a little going around corners at higher speeds. Not good while decending a long singletrack. It also has a bad habit of picking up loose dry leaves and depositing them in the brake pads in order to dry you nuts. That limits you to riding in open fields. Oh, yeah, it is expensive! Almost 50 bucks a piece on average.
Bottom line, if you border on being a clidesdale and can ignore the leaves, bust the bank, it's worth it. if you look like a european road racer, there are other tires out there that do just as well in mud and roll just as fast. Personally, I would like to keep my feather-weight ass in the saddle, and not rolling down the trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tristan Coutler
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus Ohio USA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cesars creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
*nice! *color (i like the green) *rolls FAST!! *sheds mud well *climbs well *hooks in the loose stuff and in the hardpack *climbs wet pretty good too
Weaknesses:
none so far. hope i dont have the same problems as others with the sidewall...
Similar Products Used:
Tioga XC-front and rear, Tioga Physco TT Limited, Kenda something-or-other
Bike Setup:
Schwinn s-20 carbon fiber FS
Bottom Line:
This is a really nice tire. Hooks well, predictable, FAAAAAST... but expensive! a set is almost 90 dollars! but worth every penny
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, VA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fairly light Sheds mud well Rolls fast
Weaknesses:
Casing is weak; easily punctured and damaged Prone to pinch flats Tread compound wears quickly
Similar Products Used:
Many others
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight
Bottom Line:
I initially liked these tires. I had switched from a pair of Hutchinson Pythons and the Michelins rolled almost as quickly with quite a bit more cornering and braking grip.
I am not pleased with their ability to withstand what I consider to be normal cross country riding abuse. The tread has begun to disintigrate after a few months and the sidewall has a couple of serious gashes. I ruined the rear tire after an unseen obsticle tore a three inch hole in the sidewall, while simultaniously blowing my tube with such force that it tweaked the tire right off the rim. Twas a freak accident, I know, but I can't help but imagine that it wouldn't have happened if I had been running a tire with a more resilient sidewall. On top of all that, they pinched quite a bit.
I want to like these but I don't, plain and simple. Spend your cash on something more durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan Osbourne
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, SC, USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
wonderful grip and handling.... fast rolling
Weaknesses:
pinch flat prone!!!! three flats in one ride. make sure you bring extra tubes and put kevlar liners in the tire. it helps!
Similar Products Used:
ITC, Panacer, Huntchinson, and WTB
Bike Setup:
Cannondale SV2000
Bottom Line:
wonderful tire if your careful and take some precautions
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Aiken Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Rolls fast hooks up well in loose dirt and sand light weight
Weaknesses:
Highly puncture prone. Just about anything will puncture the contact patch and sidewall. Have about 700 miles on this set and have gone through six tubes, counted 14 holes in the rear tire alone.
Bike Setup:
99 cannondale sv400
Bottom Line:
If your riding takes you through wooded trails where thorns and sticks are around, or if you need to ride on the road to get to the dirt, buy anything else!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great traction in mud and just on any trail with loose dirt and all that good stuff
Weaknesses:
none yet but i have only used them for 3 1/2 months
Similar Products Used:
IRC Kujo DH
Bike Setup:
Giant Dual suspention DH
Bottom Line:
The Kujo DH is a little better becuase it a bit fatter than this. I have gone through everything and the michelins have held up to it all. I sugguest these becuase they have a good price but still offer the trasction you need.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Racer
from Michigan Date Reviewed: December 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
fast, low rolling resistance, sticks well, versatile
Weaknesses:
green, 2.1 is HEAVY
Similar Products Used:
all of them...
Bike Setup:
heckler sl, all xtr, z2 x-fly, etc.
Bottom Line:
i have been curious about the michelin line for some time now. i have the axial pros on my road bike, and they are stellar performers (the silica stuff really seems to work). i waited for a tire that was better than the first generation wildgripper... the comp s meets my demanding criteria: it corners well, pedals/rolls easily, clears mud well, rolls through changing conditions without a hiccup, and never frightened me. i am running the 2.1 on the front, and 1.95 rear at about 45 psi. the rear weighed 535g, the front was 640! ouch. despite the weight, i am very impressed.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BRIAN ALEXANDER
a Cross-Country Rider
from CENTREVILLE ,VA Date Reviewed: October 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ANY
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
GOOD WET TRACTION STOPS WELL
Weaknesses:
NONR YET
Similar Products Used:
REVOLT SS ONZA PORC CLASSIC
Bike Setup:
STUMPJUMPER FSR XC MANITOU SXE SPIN RIMS (ROCK)
Bottom Line:
I LIKE THE MICH'S GOOD WHEN WET, NOT SO GOOD ON PAVMENT, BUT THA TS OK. LOVE COLOR ,GRREN WITH BLACK SPINS, AND SILVER STUMPJUMPER LOOKS GREAT.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross-Country Rider
from Louisville Ky Date Reviewed: October 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast rolling with good hook-up in corners. Hook really well on roots
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls, sidewalls, sidewalls. These have split the sides (Notice 3 month duration, it's all they lasted). Plus they have worn down quicker than any tire I have rode
Similar Products Used:
Moab, Tioga XC, Panaracer Fire XC(1.8's) which are the best.
Bike Setup:
Klein. Tires were 1.95's
Bottom Line:
I can't spend 70$ every three months for tires. If you can get them you'll like the ride. If not get the Panaracer Fire XC's
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Irwin
a Cross-Country Rider
from St. Joseph, MI Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Fort Custer, MI
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Rolls Fast Round Profile Light Weight New Black Color
Weaknesses:
Pick up leaves
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Darts Velociraptor Wildgrippers Conti Cross Country
Bike Setup:
C-dale Raven
Bottom Line:
So far these tires have been great. I am not known for two wheel drifts, but these tires seem to hook hard in the corners. We have a wide variety of dirt that goes from sand to soil to clay and I haven't had any problems at all. This summer has been exceptionally dry for us, so the sand is our problem. I had the old Wildgrippers and could not control the bike in the sand, but these are much better. I have not lost traction on rocky rooted loose climbs. They roll really well. It hasn't been muddy yet, so we will see about that.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Racer
from PA Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Fast Sheds mud Predictable handling
Weaknesses:
sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
Michein WildGrippers Michelin DH Michelin Axial Pro road tires (Yes, I like Michelin products) IRC Mythos Tioga Factory XC
This is my second set of Comp S. They roll like no tomorrow and have consistent braking performance. And they shed mud better than anything. But....... I destroyed my brand new (never ridden) rear Comp S yesterday in a race. 3 holes in the sidewalls and several splits in the tire casing around the tread. I can see buffing one hole in a rocky section, but three holes/splits ?? I've run Michelin tires (WildGrippers for the last two years)for a long time and have never had a problem like this. I hope that it was a fluke...... 3 flats and a long walk gives a person time to contemplate if they have made the right tire choice.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tired dude
a Cross-Country Rider
from albuquerque Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
they cover the rim
Weaknesses:
lousyhardpack performance
Similar Products Used:
all
Bottom Line:
these tires truly suck. lousy unpredictable cornering, average mud performance and ugly color.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travmaster Flash
a Racer
from Mesa AZ Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hawes / National
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Similar Products Used:
lots o tires
Bike Setup:
Stock tires on 99 GT Avalanche. Black. 1.95 inch.
Bottom Line:
Unlike the other posts on this page, I don't like these tires much. though, I am no your typical thin racer. I race Rock Crusher at 235#, and have a little problem with them. They do roll fast, and do climb well, and do stick in the corners, but only one one condition, if you stick within the recommended tire pressure. My problem, and it has only been with these tires, When I put enough pressure in them to hold my big butt off the rim, the performance really suffers. If I lower the pressure, then watch out, Pinch flat city. Also, I put about a 1/2 inch rip in the sidewall of the rear afater the second week. I now have several small areas where the cords are showing. It may be because I am on the 1.95's, maybe moving to the 2.1's would make a difference. Sorry, but only two chilis for me...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
works well front or rear good all conditions tire light rolls fast
Weaknesses:
I've got an SXti with Arch Supremes, so it's not easy getting these big meats in and out of the fork. Also, I'm starting to see 2 very slight sidewall cuts on the rear tire. I'm not too concerned with the sidewall cuts, though - some of the backcountry trails we've been hitting lately would put severe damage to any tire. That given, these have held up well
Similar Products Used:
lots o' tires, tires, tires. I've primarily ridden Mythos the last 2 seasons, though.
Bike Setup:
Croll Custom 853, SXti
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my 4/16 review. Now that I've had the tires (2.1), longer, I'm really diggin them. I've ran them on just about every type of terrain possible, and they are an excellent all around tire combo (I'm running them front and rear). I don't have them permanently mounted because I commute everyday. I've ridden them on some heinously rocky and steep trails and they seem to be wearing well - not to fast, as I once thought they might. One thing that really stands out on sketchy downhills is braking stability. Not squirrelly at all when your fully on the brakes. These definitely shine over my Mythos in this area. Even at 2.1 they roll really fast. Now that I've had these tires a while, I would definitely recommend them to others. I'm thinking about getting some 1.95s, too. Hopefully they'll roll even faster for racing - then I can mix and match tire sizes for optimal combo. I'd give them a 4.5, as I have yet to find the perfect tire, but since that is not an option, I'll go five-0, G.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wasilla, AK Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Peter's Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
mud shedding, multi use, and color
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer, Tioga
Bike Setup:
Two 1.95 Comp S on a K-2 3000, modified.
Bottom Line:
I love these tires. They are the only tire to get rid of our nasty silt ridden Alaska mud, and they do shed it too! They stick in all (so far) situations, and seem to corner well too, but I'm too old to hang my butt way out on a downhill corner, so I'll admit to not pushing them there like some of you other guys.They are fast on the flat and grab, even on the loose stuff, climbing.These are worth a try as long as you are not going to ride on a lot of pavement, they might wear too fast then. Oh, and I LOVE the color.Rubber side down from Alaska......
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jkwai
a Cross-Country Rider
from TN Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Cool color. Fast, like a semi-slick. Fairly good grip. Light.
Weaknesses:
none as of yet
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones 2.1 and 1.9 rear
Bike Setup:
Trek Y
Bottom Line:
These are very light. They also spin incredibly fast. I still get good grip, but not as good as my old bonty's. Anyway, these are sweet.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike M.
a Racer
from Winnipeg, MB Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999
Michelin Wildgripper Sprint S, Michelin Wildgripper Lite S
Bike Setup:
Used for front tire.
Bottom Line:
I used to have a Michelin Wildgripper Sprint on the front of my bike and it was very poor. I switched to a front Comp S tire and all problems disappeared. The tire excels in cornering and grip and does not slip like the Sprint did during a race. The Comp S has given me more confidence when riding since it bites into the ground so well while still rolling fast.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Evansville In. Date Reviewed: April 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
These are the best tires I've tried in loose dirt and mud but I had them for two weaks and I've already blown the sidewall on the rear tire. I bought another and we will see if it was a fluke or not. Great tire, though durability is in question, therefor only three peppers.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Boulder Date Reviewed: April 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light, good cleaning properties
Weaknesses:
ugly
Similar Products Used:
too many tires to list
Bike Setup:
Croll custom steel hardtail/Manitou SXti
Bottom Line:
Ive had these tires (2.1) for a while now, and have ridden them in lots o' different conditions. They hook up kickass on midwest dirt (real black dirt). I've been riding them primarily in the foothills of CO. They've been very kind in the mountains and riding around here. There have actually been times when I was surprised how far I could lean the bike over. They are very good for stuffing into corners, as they have a very predictable slide. Also had them in Moab about a week ago and rode about every type of riding out there. They really shined in the soft, dusty, red moab sand/dirt. These tires grip really well on rocks, too. I'm concerned with their longevity, as they seem to be made of really soft rubber. My initial impression is that these are very good tires. Once I find a tire combo I like, I stick with it for a year or two, so I'm not going to say these are the best tires ever after only using them for a short time. I race as an expert and have a pretty aggressive-smooth riding style. I'll try to post back in a month and offer a follow up.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Traverse City, MI Date Reviewed: April 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Vasa-North Country
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great Mixed Conditions
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude, Judy SL
Bottom Line:
A follow up to my previous review, I have had a chance to log more miles on my Wildgripper Comp S (1.95 Green Kevlar). I have been through snow wet mucky areas and dry singletrack, and these tires flat out rule. They get tons of traction, and seem to clean themselves very easily (all over me of course). Michelin says there mixed condition tires and they are not lying. They perform very well in all kinds of trail contions. On the dry stuff they roll pretty fast for being as agressive as they are. My on problem: those sharp little knobs like to pick up leaves, if thats a real problem Other than that these tires are great, and there green, so how could you not by them Anyway five huge flammin poop piles for michelin
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Traverse City Date Reviewed: February 17, 1999
Bottom Line:
I picked a set of these tires up from a LBS. I got the 1.95 green kevlars. I have two rides on them. Some dirt and some snow here in northern michigan. These tires seemed to do really well in the wet mucky half snow areas my friend and I have been so far. They also seem to roll well, for being a sort of agressive tire with short sharp knobs. After spring rolls around and the trails dry out I'll give a full review but for now 5 chilis.
$ 45.00
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