ihatetherain

Hi all

Had a terrible time mounting my new Michelin Pilot City 32c, replacing the Kenda 25c that were on there.

I chose the Michelin b/c many have said it is puncture resistant (Had to replace 4 tubes with the Kendas from little shards of glass in 5 months) and I wanted a step up in size for more comfort.

However, I took the bike for a 15 min spin and a few things I noticed

1) sluggish (thats to be expected so I'm not complaining)

2) Cornering at anything over 10-14 mph seems terrifying, like I'm going to slide off the edge of the earth. It seems like there is no traction whatsoever, almost like I'm floating, doesn't feel as sharp or precise. My cornering is wider with the 32c. I had no problems cornering at speed with the 23s and 25cs I've had on the bike. Is this normal for 32c or are the Michs Pilots bad tires? Maybe it is something I will get used to

thank you all for readin'

Ps edit: 80psi (max 87)

ihatetherain

forgot to mention, that today the roads are dry so I'm a little concerned with what this will be like in the rain

MijnWraak

Just to make sure of the obvious. Did you get the right size tube? And is it inflated to the proper pressure? (just so we dont overlook anything )

ihatetherain

yup, threw out the old tubes and got new ones that matched the new tire size. Inflated to 80 psi (the max says 87).

bengreen79

I would guess you're not sliding at all. It's probably just the increased flex of the wider tires you're feeling.

LesterOfPuppets

I find Michelin's low end compounds to be pretty slippy, but not dangerously so. Michelin Country Rocks and Dynamics haven't inspired much confidence in corners, but they've never really put me down. You can hear 'em squirm over the pavement when you really lean it over.

ihatetherain

hear hear on that squirm sound!!!! Well, I'm going to go on a ride for an hour and will report back

M_S

You should be running lower pressures with the wider tires. Significantly so. That might help a bit with the cornering traction, though it will have a very different feel than what you are used to.

Those are really heavy tires but totally bombproof. have fun.

ihatetherain

so, put 24 miles into the new tires, but I deflated the psi from 80 to 65. it handles much, much better, the "floaty" feeling is less than before

NormanF

I have the Michelin City Pilot 35c installed on my Schwinn Super Sport DBX. No issues so far with their performance.

ihatetherain

thanks all for your help, thanks M_S for giving me the idea to deflate these beasts a bit! 90% of my exp has been w/ 23c...so quite a jump in handling and differences in feeling! I do have to say though, these 32cs are super comfortable. I'm not as afraid of little sticks in my raceway

Mr IGH

Over-priced and ride like solid rubber, that's Michelin Cities. I dumped them for the Forte 35mm kevlar commuter tire. It's cheaper, much better riding and ~200gms lighter.

mobaar

Somewhat off topic, but has anyone tried the Michelin Pilot Sports? Supposedly a little grippier/sportier version of the City line.

irclean

I run 35mm Pilot City tires on my "comfort" hybrid, pressures ~65 front and ~75 rear. Seems to work well for me; no sliding and very comfy.

MilitantPotato

What width rim are you using?
If the tires are wide, and the rim narrow, the tires will roll over a little.

Makes for an odd sensation and affects handling during hard turns.
The tires more or less roll off to one side.

ihatetherain

2009 model Surly steamroller, I think the rims are Alex DA18, 32 hole

when the tires "more or less" roll off to one side, is this dangerous??

whitecat

Those tires need at least 50 miles of bedding in before they will grip the road properly. Used them, and while they have that feeling "gonna let go any second now" when cornering hard, they actually don't slip much. Once you get to know that feeling, how they ride, they are a pretty good tire. And fast, too.

calamarichris

+1. Always give your new tires a chance to get their shoulders scrubbed in before passing judgment. (And take it especially easy on corners if you are riding on new motorcycle tires. Sigh. )

boatsinbottles

Oy! Which tire is that? The Metro K? https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...3_20000_400237

Mr IGH

That's the one, it's been $12.99 for more than a year, buy on Tuesday between noon and 2pm and get another 10% off.

MarcusW

I was getting a flat a week (and often more) with the stock tires on my hybrid from all the broken glass on the streets - switched to the Pilot City tires in October, and haven't flatted since. They felt a little odd at first, but I quickly got used to them, and like them a lot now - they do seem very sensitive to the amount of pressure in them.

BigCircles

I've been running Pilot Sports (35's) for the past few months. Great tire. Rolls and grips well...and no flat so far. (60psi rear and 55psi up front.)

fietsbob

Brake before you enter those corners, too fast.

furballi

The better Michelin bike tires have a special coating on the rubber to reduce degradation during storage. You need to put some mileage on the rubber before the tire starts to grip. If high-speed cornering is important when new, then use scotchbrite to buff the sides of the contact patch to expose the sticky rubber. You can read more about the coating at the Michelin website.

As for puncture resistant, the Pilot is one of the best on the market. Small pieces of glass are no challenge for this tire. Course all bets are off if you hit a nail or large construction staple.

Commodus

That is a really nice bike.