Road Cycling - Michelin Axial Carbons

Would like to enquire if anyone here has ever used Michelin Axial Carbon tyres on their road bikes. I've heard some really good reviews in these tyres, and being Michelin can you really go wrong.

I have Michelin Axial Carbons on my bike and have ridden them for about 1200km without a puncture. They are brilliant (and a little bit cheaper than the pros) and I would recommend them to anyone.

I think I read somewhere else in this forum that carbon tires really does last longer. If the colour is black, it should contain 25% carbon and it will definitely last a lot longer than those coloured but lousy tires.

Grip wise, do they handle noticably better? Are they sew up or cincher?

Yeah! Point noted William Karsten. Well, I'm not too sure grip-wise. We should let someone else answer it, it would be good to learn on tires, both grip-wise and durability, won't you agree?

My experience of tires (mainly autotires) is the softer and grippier, the worse wear rate. The less grippy, the longer wear. To a large extent, this depends upon type of ussage and how much you brake hard, etc...

So, how are these?

Well, Michelin boasts of the Silicium Inside with improved grip and enhanced resistance to small cuts. Is that possible to have since having improved grip would mean to be softer and being softer would mean to be more vulnerable to cuts right?

yes, I heard about this but I don't want to be buying another lemon from Michellin, I like my Michellin but because I have countless flat on them I was thinking I got a Lemon for a tire, now the carbon tire, how good are they, if the tire can last for 10,000 Kilometers, it my be worth considering about this carbon tire from Michellin

Originally posted by orguasch
yes, I heard about this but I don't want to be buying another lemon from Michellin, I like my Michellin but because I have countless flat on them I was thinking I got a Lemon for a tire, now the carbon tire, how good are they, if the tire can last for 10,000 Kilometers, it my be worth considering about this carbon tire from Michellin

I received an AWESOME tip for flats here, and that is to keep the tire pressure up, way up!

I was reading in a magazine that in the construction of tyres they actually have a dual compound construction where the central part of the tire (I.e. the one that is in contact with the road when riding straight ahead) is a very hard compound and flanking this on both sides is a softer stickier compound needed for grip when cornering.

It is true that the softer the rubber, the more effective it is at gripping and also that it will wear out more quickly. What is great about this dual compound is that they have found a way to increase performance without compromising on durability. My Axial Carbons have a black midline with a bright yellow (Puke) border of softer rubber and because of the high carbon compound in the centre portion flats just haven't been a problem for me yet!

The type of rubber also has a considerable degree of control over your ride quality as well - stiff tire means harsh ride, but I wouldn't swap my axial carbon's for anything.

I ride Michelin Axials on my main bike and am quite happy. I'm too superstitious to mention the word that refers to a sudden unwanted depressurization but I'll repeat that I'm quite happy.

As far as ride goes my other road bike has (middle quality) sew-ups and I think the Michelins ride every bit as well. The only clear advantage of the tubs is that they take real high pressure and as a result will roll just about forever if I'm tired and need a coast.

:beer:

I use the Axial Carbons for training and LOVE THEM! I used to use the Axial Pros for both training and racing (not the same pair mind you), and those used to show every cut and slice no matter how small the object was I rolled over. Not the carbons... they're still smooth as a baby's butt. The Carbons are the perfect training tire.

reviews at roadbikereview.com pan these tires. Complaints involve an utter lack of grip. I would tend to agree, though mine may be worn a bit. I am now looking for something else....

I just got my first road bike with Michelin Axial Pro tires and so far so good....does anyone know the difference between Carbons and Pros?