Michelin’s 2012 range welcomes two new additions, the Wild Grip’R2 and the Wild Race’R Ultimate, with all new tread designs, a new tread compound and a 29er offering.
The Wild range was introduced in 2011 with the aim being an easy to understand range with just three tread patterns for hardpack, intermediate and “extreme” conditions. The three key names to remember are the Race’r, for hardpack, the Grip’r, for mixed terrain and the Rock’r for extreme terrain.
Wild Grip’R2 uses new tread compound
Intended for all-round trail use, the Wild Grip’R2 uses widely spaced tread blocks, arranged to offer the best balance between grip, traction and mud clearing. The shoulder knobs have been carefully positioned with the angle and height designed to boost cornering performance.
For the top-end model Michelin has developed a new rubber compound. Gum-X Series is the company’s latest rubber compound and “integrates all the latest technologies to satisfy the expectations of the most demanding mountain bikers” the company tells us.
Details are few and far between on the exact details of the new compound, but all will be revealed at Eurobike, we’re assured.
Three sizes will be available in the autumn – the 26×2.10 Wild Grip’R Advanced, 26×2.25 Wild Grip’R Advanced, and 26×2.10 Wild Grip’R – with the other sizes scheduled for market launch in early 2012.
Wild Race’R Ultimate for the racers – and 29ers
This is a brand new tyre and has been developed to excel in dry conditions and has thing objective, to be the fastest. The diamond shaped knobs are based on last years Wild Race’R but it’s on the edges that the tyre has been improved. The shoulder knobs have been redesigned to provide a better transition from straight up to corner with improved lateral traction.
Weight was a key priority during the development period and the 2.1in tubeless-ready version weighs an impressively light 415g.
The tyre will be available in three sizes – including a 29in version – and made with Gum-X Series compounds.
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