MichelinStar Grip 700c Winter Tire(Return to Product Page)

Have 600 miles on these now in every imaginable condition, I've commuted through the winter on these this year here in Michigan. First off, they are TALL.. I haven't measured but these 35's are definitely taller than the 38 studded tires i also own. So beware if you have limited clearance. This is no surprise, the tread is mega-deep on these things. As you can imagine, there is weight associated with all that tread, and it's certainly noticeable coming straight from 35 semi-slicks. All that said, I feel they roll pretty well. They're silent. Generally not squirmy even at the low end of the PSI range under a 45lb loaded bike and 200lb man commuting, if I take a corner aggressively while loaded down the rear can start to feel a little noodley. The sidewalls must be pretty robust, I've been surprised how stiff they feel (the 'ole two-finger pinch test) at low PSI. I've settled on running them on the lower end of the inflation range, even in dry conditions, for the added comfort, I don't think it slows them down too much. Absolutely no reason to run these over 55 psi. Traction is good on wet surfaces, decent in fresh snow (I've ridden them in up to 6 so far, was surprised how well they propelled and tracked in untouched powder), but beware in ruttedfreeze cycled snow and ice, there's hardly any lug spacing on the shoulders, so they won't claw their way out of ruts. They aren't magic on black ice, but I'm convinced they've kept me upright in multiple situations that a semi-slick or mtb tread wouldn't have. So all that said, then factor in the price point on these, they get my endorsement without any doubt.

They call this the Star Grip, and that ain't no lie. It sticks to pretty much any surface I have encountered. I keep the pressure at 80 on the road and let a little air out for gravel paths and the like. Reflective stripe is a nice touch of safety at night and looks sharp, too. These are way better than the tires that came on my Trek and I got a great deal from Biketiresdirect!

The best traction you could buy only downfall is pebbles get stuck in the tires and intense cornering alright but will increase your stopping distance and good for riding in wet conditions