M
Morgan Fletcher
Guest
I recently bought some new tires for my fast training / racing wheels. I thought the Michelin Axial
Carbons would be good, durable Michelins. I've ridden various Michelins before and I liked the ride
and grip, but didn't like how easily they cut. So the Carbon's advertized greater durability made it
sound like a good choice.
I got the 700x25 size because I'm a big, heavy rider and I like the fatter tires.
What surprised me is that the tire is rated for a maximum PSI of 102. That is really low. I was
going to use them for a time trial, but stuck with some heavy wire-bead Continentals I've got
because they at least have a max
psi of 120. I run most of my tires at 120psi. Most are 700x23 or 700x25.
I'd be concerned about pinch flats with a 102psi tire. I asked them what was the deal, via their
"contact us" web page link and this was the reply I got:
Our tires at 102 psi will give you the same or better rolling resistance of any competitor tire
at 125 psi.
Constructions and compounds utilized in our tires can allow them to accomplish this.
Hm.
I can see how, maybe if the carbon belt was not very elastic, a high pressure might cause it to
tear or separate. (???) But otherwise I don't see the reasoning for such a low pressure rating.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but if it offers high rolling resistance at 102psi, wouldn't it be even
higher at 120psi?
Haven't ridden them yet, might return them.
Morgan
Carbons would be good, durable Michelins. I've ridden various Michelins before and I liked the ride
and grip, but didn't like how easily they cut. So the Carbon's advertized greater durability made it
sound like a good choice.
I got the 700x25 size because I'm a big, heavy rider and I like the fatter tires.
What surprised me is that the tire is rated for a maximum PSI of 102. That is really low. I was
going to use them for a time trial, but stuck with some heavy wire-bead Continentals I've got
because they at least have a max
psi of 120. I run most of my tires at 120psi. Most are 700x23 or 700x25.
I'd be concerned about pinch flats with a 102psi tire. I asked them what was the deal, via their
"contact us" web page link and this was the reply I got:
Our tires at 102 psi will give you the same or better rolling resistance of any competitor tire
at 125 psi.
Constructions and compounds utilized in our tires can allow them to accomplish this.
Hm.
I can see how, maybe if the carbon belt was not very elastic, a high pressure might cause it to
tear or separate. (???) But otherwise I don't see the reasoning for such a low pressure rating.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but if it offers high rolling resistance at 102psi, wouldn't it be even
higher at 120psi?
Haven't ridden them yet, might return them.
Morgan