Michelin
Bought this set on sale at BTD as an experiment. I have three models of Michelin on the fleet-four bikes out of a dozen or so (hobby...). These are on my Windsor 54cm Super Carrara, which is mildly modified with 700c wheels, compact crank/chain rings, spread the chain stays for "modern" rear wheel and cassette. It's a steel framed bike, so I'm not too concerned about the additional weight, but I do appreciate the flat protection as it gets ridden on the sketchiest roads that I ride. This is one of my summer steel bikes, my favorite among a USA Schwinn Super Le Tour and a Centurion Accord RS. I didn't see any indications that this was a directional tire but I mounted them with the "chevrons" as if they were. I'm running between 70 and 80 psi most of the time. Conti tubes, tires are 25's. Confident crossing RR tracks, which is frequent where I live. They seem to be holding up well, no flats, maybe not the fastest tires (but at 68 years old don't care much). The ride is not plush which I'm willing to trade for durability and flat protection. Good option for heavily used road/training/commuter. Didn't have a wet summer, so no report on rain performance. Mounted fairly easy for a belted tire. Runs true.
First off, purchased these on sale at BTD for a very good price. I'm running Conti "road" tubes in both sets. Tires are 700c 25. One set on my Six13, the other on my CAAD5. They mounted with no more than the usual struggle on Mavic rims, tire lever only for the last little bit. I'm enjoying a blizzard at the moment...I'm old, so more of a recreational rider than a racer. Had a couple of rides before winter set in on my "in town route" which includes some short gravel (mostly road crossings where I usually walk the bike across), asphalt, concrete, and a little bit of chip seal. No flats, and good ride quality. One longer ride on the Six13, about two hours (I don't keep track of miles, time, watts, etc.) at about 70 to 75 psi and the ride was pretty good over tar snakes, stretches of broken pavement, highway shoulders and asphalt bike trail. I cross RR tracks on nearly every ride, no drama. It's MTB and my "city" bike season now, if I get some clear roads I'll get out with them for some cold weather. I will put more miles on when spring gets here, if there's something dramatic to report I will update.
Tubes are getting expensive so buying quality ones like these on sale is key. These last a long time, are light and easy to patch if you get a flat, although I seldom do with these.
Riding these for years on 2 bikes. Get well over 2k miles per tire. Easy on and off. Seldom flat unless I run them thru sharp debris. Good traction in corners. Using 25mm on carbon race bike and feel the ride is smooth enough.
