With four new mountain bike tires, Michelin currently has a broad portfolio of new products: The Jet XCR, Force XC, Force AM and Wild AM types cover different application spectrums and feature new technologies. The most important innovations are the Gum X2D and Gum X3D compounds for more grip and riding safety, as well as the Cross Shield, Race Shield and Trail Shield carcass architectures for greater puncture and impact resistance, and another new feature: the Force AM and Wild AM tires can also be used in the rapidly growing e-bike segment without compromising on riding fun, safety and traction.

The domains of the newcomers Force XC and Jet XCR are cross-country use. The Jet XCR shows its strengths above all on hard surfaces in dry terrain. In combination with the Force XC on the front wheel, it forms an excellent tire pairing for mixed surfaces up to moderately soft ground when mounted as a rear tire.One of the features of the new mountain bike tires is the Shield technology, which is used in three different versions. The core element is a high-density, three-ply radial carcass to protect against punctures and punctures. Depending on the architecture and weight of the carcass, Michelin distinguishes between three variants with 3 x 150 TPI (threads per inch), 3 x 110 TPI and 3 x 60 TPI. The higher the TPI number, the smoother the tire. As a result, it adapts better to the unevenness of the surface and thus ensures greater comfort and better feedback. The weight is also reduced. Low numbers mean a heavier, even more stable fabric.

A high-density reinforcement layer is also integrated into all Shield variants, which is intended to further increase resistance and puncture resistance. All three variants were developed by Michelin in close cooperation with the BH-SRSuntour-KMC team and experienced enduro riders and were used at the 2016 UCI World Championships.

At the same time as the Force XC, the global tire manufacturer is launching the Force AM. Like the Wild AM tire, the newcomer is specially designed for all-mountain and trail use. According to Michelin, the main focus here is on the shock-absorbing properties of the tires, but also on traction and robustness. A perfect combination of rubber compound, carcass and tread is a prerequisite for this.

The specialty of the resistant and cornering-stable Force AM is hard and dry surfaces, such as gravel, root or rocky tracks. The robust tire also confidently transfers the higher torque on the rear wheel of e-bikes to the ground, which is why it is approved for e-bikes.The new Wild AM was specially developed for soft ground and mixed terrain and is also suitable for e-bikes. Riders can also combine the two all-mountain and trail tires. With the Force AM on the rear wheel and the Wild AM on the front wheel, they offer a balanced all-round combination for a wide range of applications, according to the French tire expert.www.michelin.com