Modified at: Apr 20, 2022
Posted at: Oct 25, 2021
Michelin is popular not only for tires for cars and motorcycles, but also for road bikes, and we have compiled a list of Michelin's road bike tire series and types.
Table of contents
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*Tire weights are listed for black tires. Colored tires may have different weights.
The current main series of Michelin road bike tires is the POWER series. There were PRO, COMPETITION, TIME TRIAL, and ALL SEASON by use and type, but in April 2022, a new tire, POWER CUP, was announced, making a total of five models.
All models are lightweight tires compared to other manufacturers, and yet not too expensive, making them a good balance of cosmetics and performance.
| Model | Type | 20C | 23C | 25C | 28C | 30C | 32C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER CUP Clincher | Clincher | - | 205g | 215g | 240g | - | - |
| POWER CUP Tubelss Ready | Tubelss Ready | - | - | 270g | 285g | 300g | - |
| POWER CUP Tubular | Tubular | - | 265g | 280g | 320g | - | - |
| POWER ROAD | Clincher | - | 223g | 235g | 255g | - | - |
| POWER ROAD TLR | Tubelss Ready | - | - | 275g | 305g | - | 350g |
| POWER Competition | Tubular | - | 260g | 280g | 300g | - | - |
| POWER TIME TRIAL | Clincher | - | 180g | 190g | - | - | - |
| POWER ALL SEASON | Clincher | - | 235g | 270g | 295g | - | - |
The new POWER CUP is compatible with all current tire types, including clinchers, tubulars, and tubeless-ready tires, so the first choice will be based on the POWER CUP.
The COMPETITION is a tubular model, the TIME TRIAL is a lightweight model, the ALL SEASON is a year-round all-weather type, and the ROAD is an all-rounder.
The PRO series was once Michelin’s main series of road bike tires, and the PRO4 is the latest version of that series.
There are four models: ENDURANCE, SEVICE COURSE, COMP SEVICE COURSE, and COMP LIMITED SEVICE COURSE.
| Model | Type | 20C | 23C | 25C | 28C | 30C | 32C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRO4 SERVICE COURSE | Clincher | - | 200g | 215g | - | - | - |
| PRO4 ENDURANCE | Clincher | - | 225g | 245g | 285g | - | - |
| PRO4 COMP LIMITED SEVICE COURSE | Clincher | - | 165g | - | - | - | - |
| PRO4 COMP ENDURANCE | Clincher | - | 180g | - | - | - | - |
In the current POWER series, the PRO4 SERVICE COURSE is the “POWER ROAD”, the PRO4 COMP LIMITED SEVICE COURSE is the “POWER TIME TRIAL”, and the PRO4 ENDURANCE is the “POWER ALL SEASON”.
The LITHION series of Michelin road bike tires is classified as training grade. It is an all-round series that uses a highly durable compound for training while maintaining grip performance.
| Model | Type | 20C | 23C | 25C | 28C | 30C | 32C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LITHION 3 | Clincher | - | 225g | 255g | - | - | - |
| LITHION 2 | Clincher | - | 270g | 300g | - | - | - |
Compared to POWER ROAD and PRO4 SERVICE COURSE, it is a slightly heavier tire, but considering its high durability and price, it is a good enough cosmetic tire.
The DYNAMIC series is Michelin’s entry-level series of road bike tires. With a regular price of less than $30, these tires are designed for riders seeking high longevity in training, commuting, and other activities.
| Model | Type | 20C | 23C | 25C | 28C | 30C | 32C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Sports(Kevlar bead) | Clincher | - | 225g | 245g | - | - | - |
| Dynamic Classic | Clincher | - | 280g | 310g | 330g | - | - |
Looking at the weight of the tires, the difference between the LITHION 3 and the higher grade tires can’t help but be seen, but considering the price difference, it can’t be helped.
Considering the difference in price, the LITHION 3 is the better choice.
Michelin has a standard lineup of road bike tires. Even the top-of-the-line POWER series is easy to afford, and the everyday series is also very cost-effective, making the lineup satisfying to a wide range of riders, from beginners to advanced riders.
How to choose,
The two main choices are 1. performance-oriented and 2. cost-oriented.
Michelin’s top-of-the-line POWER ROAD road bike tires are less expensive than other manufacturers’ top-grade tires, at around $50 per clincher, and the price difference with the lower-end LITHION 3 model is small. It is also possible to make a debut with the LITHION 3.
If you consider durability, the well-balanced LITHION 3 is also an option, but if you have your sights set on racing, the POWER ROAD is the best choice.
DYNAMIC tires are durable and inexpensive, making them ideal for daily use such as commuting to work or school, and since the price per tire is in the $20 range, you can simply replace them when you wear them out.
If you want a more racy ride, the LITHION 3 is an option, but if you pay a little more, the POWER ROAD is in the range, so you can go with the Dynamic Sports Kevlar bead model for everyday use.
Michelin road bike tires are available in a relatively affordable price range of about $20 to $50, making it very difficult to decide which model to choose. If you are torn, a solid choice is the mid-grade LITHION 3.
The LITHION 3 is an all-around training tire, so it is a good choice for riders who want a good tire for both long rides and daily use.
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