Previous MSO model was build with different casting and rubber that worked okay. The performance of the MSO WC is greatly improved for the weight, rolling, and the puncture resistance. The tread design is similar and the grip is always great to make the ride safe and fast. The new casting works great for tubeless and rides fast. Very happen about the purchase and the ride. It's a secret weapon at races for the all-rounders of most of gravel surface conditions...
This is one of the best riding tires I've ever tried in 30+ years of cycling. The feel it provides is amazing super smooth and fast. I mounted a set up on a new wheelset and did 3 short greenway rides to test them out then one 5 mile gravel race and was super pleased. Then took them out on another gravel ride and the rear tore a whole in the tread about dime sized 18 miles from the car. Booted it up and made it back. Put a different tire on the rear and went out for another ride the next day and the front had a piece of tread just peel off also about dime sized. I really wanted to love these tires as they are spectacular to ride but I do not trust there durability.
If you are looking for a tire that is as good on pavement as it is on gravel then this is it. The small block in the center allows it to roll smoothly over pavement but still provides plenty of grip on muddy gravel. No more swapping wheels between rides. My only gripes are the cost and I have not been able to set them up tubeless, no matter how hard I try. So far that has not been a problem as I have only had one flat in several hundred miles but I would be nervous riding them on rough gravel, or goat head country.
I've ridden the first gen X'Plor MSO and they are currently my favorite tire actually starting when Clement made them. With the new casing and the super cool sidewalls and less weight, cant wait to get them on my rims.
The treads are tried and true that roll great on tarmac and also grip well in the dirt.
Had the earlier non tubeless black sidewall version and loved them for durability, longevity, traction and speediness. Tubeless version looks cool and adds in nice suppleness when run at lowish psi. Mounted very easily on HED Belgian + rims even w/o sealant. Kinda pricy but worth it in my opinion.
