donrhummy

I could be wrong but I have a feeling that the reason they're not making this tire now is that it literally lasts too long. It's a popular tire but isn't repurchased that often because it stays durable for so long so Michelin makes less money on it.

I know a bunch of people with P2's and they all last about 1200-1500 miles before the rubber wears or they get too many flats. I've had Krylions for two pairs now, the first pair lasted for 6,500+ miles with two flats (one was a huge nail) and the recent pair have given one flat (on an off-road section) in 5,000+ miles and the rubber's still good. I know one other person who's had similar durability. That means the Krylions last about THREE times as long as the P2's (in this anecdotal evidence). That means the P2's would make 3 times as many sales.

Psimet2001 

...if they still made P2's...they don't though so now you'd have to compare them to PR3's instead....which don't last as long as the 2's it seems.

BTW - checked my PR3's last night after posting and I have a fairly squared off rear now with about 400-500 miles on it. Definitely more wear than I would have seen on PR2's for the same distance.

Longfemur

There have always been two basic kinds of high-end clincher tires: racing, and racing-like but intended for training. Krylions are one of the best of the training tires. But they are training tires, not commuting or touring tires, nor are they tires that have a heavy, high rolling resistance anti-flat belt. High quality training tires have most of the characteristics of their racing counterparts, but they last longer at the expense of slightly more weight. They aren't cheap, but then they are really intended more for racing or racing-oriented kind of riding. When you compare durability and flat resistance, you can't compare apples and oranges.

Hopefully, if there's an interruption in the supply of these superb training tires, it's only because a newer version will be introduced, such as when they went from the Axial line to what we have now.

I was introduced to a real training tire only after decades of riding cheap or touring-type tires when some great but cut-prone Vredesteins came installed on my custom bike 10 years ago. Except for having to buy cheaper tires due to being broke a few times, I've never looked back. There's just no comparison even if you're not a racer but you ride a road bike and you like sporty riding.

rbart4506

Either way I'm glad I have 4 tires sitting in my basement right now....

That should last me until the spring...

Psimet2001 

I don't think anyone was trying to imply that PR2s or 3s should last as long as Krylions, rather I think the takeaway is more along the line of Michelin seems to be improving performance with it's newer generation tires (PR->PR2->PR3) sometimes at the expense of durability. While it might seem silly for them to upgrade the Krylion and result in a tire that doesn't last as long (it's a training tire right?!) the result may in fact be a better performing training tire (more like a race tire) without the previous longevity.

jaxgtr

I know what you mean. I ended up putting the Race Lite Hard Case on my CAAD9 as I have had great luck with the ones on my hybrid and I agree, the Krylions were a pia to change and mount.

danny124

I bought two new ones on Ebay last week.

donrhummy

Yep. And that'll mean you have to buy more tires. Send them a message!

Rob P

We're under the impression that there will be a replacement model as soon as the new facility is fully up and running.

It's a popular tire and if removed would leave a hole in their line up for a long distance tire. I don't suspect Michelin would just cut those sales off.

donrhummy

Maybe but Michelin's rep told me they're replacing it with Erillium. The Erillium's suck for durability/puncture-proof compared to krylions.

cuski

Most of the time, reps don't know ****. I sent an e-mail to Michelin France, we'll see if we get something back.

donrhummy

Cool. Let us know when you hear.

bing4sons

They're still listed on Michelin's web site:
https://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/fr...115340&lang=EN

Also, biketiresdirect.com sent me an email saying they now have them in stock. Of course, they are also not taking new orders due to a fire in their warehouse on 8/3.

Velo Vol 

I wish I had known this disruption was coming--I would have stocked up on tires.

I find it curious that there are so many theories, and yet no one seems to know exactly what Michelin is doing. Apparently this is a state secret.

I'll have to find something else if Michelin doesn't come out with a similar tire soon. Is a long-lasting, puncture-resistant tire too much to ask for?

roccobike

Thanks donrhummy, I just bought a leftover, 06 OCR-C3 and the LBS recommended a set of Krylion Carbon Tires. I've been debating whether or not to follow the recommendation. After reading this thread, I purchased two gray strip Krylion Carbon tires and just had them mounted. If anyone is interested, my LBS has one Krylion tire left, a yellow stripe. If you're interested, PM me and I'll send you their name and phone number.

ecfinn

I contacted Michelin and was told the following:

"Unfortunately the 700X25C Krylion is not available. This tire will not be available until mid to late October."

Eric

donrhummy

That is odd and a bit disconcerting. It sounds like they might be changing the way they make this tire (probably to make it cheaper in manufacture) which likely means it won't be as good of a tire. Also, it means it's not an option until next year.

NomadVW 

https://www.westernbikeworks.com/prod...il.asp?p=MIKRC

Just bought some.

kster

When they opened up a couple weeks back (after the fire) they had most colors in stock in the 700x23 size.

nasv

I also purchased these tires recently (last week) from biketiresdirect.com ... arrived in no time!

bostongarden

They and WesternBikesWorks are one and the same from what I can see :-)

malpag3

Yeah, please keep us up to date with facts.

For what it's worth, mine are "Made in France" on the sidewall.

I'm going to try to put in an order with them today at work to see if it goes through.

donrhummy

Wow, they're running out fast. Few questions:

1. Have you ever ordered from them before? I'm wary of buying from random online stores.
2. I've never used 20's before. Is there a diff. in durability compared to the 23's? (I'd prefer gray over yellow)

BTW, was the first at Michelin or at the online store's place?

Thanks!

scuzzo

wow, glad to hear it I HATE these tires so much, to me they road like soggy bricks wrapped around the rims of my bike, anything is better. MHO

kster

bikestiresdirect (or the mirror image westernbikeworks) is a great retailer; excellent customer service and fast shipping.