Jet XC2, Force XC2 and Wild XC are the new Michelin tyres for cross-country racing. After Sam Hill rode to overall victory in the Enduro World Series on the French company's enduro tyres in 2019, short and long-distance racers are also set to win on Michelin tyres in 2022. When developing the new XC racing tyres, the French company drew on the expertise of the KMC Orbea team, which was already riding on Michelin tyres in 2021.
For ambitious bikers and racers, the Racing-Line be the right choice. All tyres in this series have the same uniform tread rubber compound and the same carcass design. This should offer a good combination of grip, puncture protection, durability, low rolling resistance and weight.
The standardised GUM-X-rubber compound of the Michelin XC Racing Line promises a good compromise between solid wet grip and long service life. The bi-carcass technology called Cross-Shield 2 is designed to increase puncture resistance. To this end, the two 150-TPI carcass plies of the tread wrap around the tyre bead to form a quadruple layer and, together with an additional protective insert, protect against punctures and snakebites.
For less ambitious riders who just want to have fun on XC trails, there is the new Michelin Performance Line. It also uses the Gum-X rubber compound, but here in a two-part form: hard on the inside for high mileage and low rolling resistance, soft on the outside for extra cornering grip.
Michelin has dispensed with the Cross-Shield 2 carcass structure for the Performance Line tyres and instead uses a 3x60 TPI carcass plus the tightly woven puncture protection layer. The series is therefore slightly cheaper than the Racing Line tyres. All tyres are only available as 29ers.
Michelin Jet XC2: Victor Koretzky's new favourite tyre
Fast and flat: With its low profile blocks, the Michelin Jet XC2 is designed for low rolling resistance and dry conditions. Traction, straight-line braking and good cornering grip on hard surfaces were also at the top of the list of requirements. Victor Koretzky's favourite tyre from the KMC-Orbea team is only available in the Racing Line.
Michelin Force XC2: fast all-rounder
The tread design of the Michelin Force XC2 promises more grip than the minimalist Jet XC2 and a wider range of use. Elongated centre blocks promote efficient rolling, stepped side blocks ensure cornering grip - according to Michelin, this was the preferred tread pattern of the KMC Orbea team last season. The Force XC2 is available in the Racing Line and Performance Line.
Michelin Wild XC: Racing tyres with grip and traction
The tread design of the Michelin Wild XC was developed for grip and traction on soft and mixed terrain. Stepped centre blocks are intended to ensure low mud adhesion, while the larger side blocks provide high cornering grip. The Wild XC is also available as a racing and performance version.
Michelin XC tyre series 2022: Models and versions (manufacturer information)
- JET XC2 - 29x2.25 (57-622) - Racing Line - 710 grams
- FORCE XC2 - 29x2.10 (54-622) - Racing Line & Performance Line - 680 grams
- FORCE XC2 - 29x2.25 (57-622) - Racing line & Performance line - 710 grams
- WILD XC - 29x2.25 (57-622) - Racing Line & Performance Line - 730 grams
- WILD XC - 29x2.35 (60-622) - Racing Line & Performance Line - 760 grams
The new Michelin Jet XC2, Force XC2 and Wild XC race tyres will go on sale in January 2022. Prices have not been announced.
