About This Guide
This guide covers how mountain bike tire sizes are marked, what Michelin says about tubeless and Tubeless Ready tires, and how Michelin sets tire pressure by tire width and rider weight, with example published pressures. We have no official source for tread or width recommendations by terrain.
Key MTB Tire Characteristics
Understanding MTB tire types, sizes, pressures, and technologies for optimal trail performance.
Tire Sizes (Diameter & Width)
Michelin explains that an inch marking such as 29x2,40 gives the overall diameter of the tire in inches and the overall cross-section, and that the ETRTO marking (for example 32*590) gives the section width and bead seat diameter in millimetres. Use the sizes your frame, fork and rim makers approve.
Tread Patterns & Compounds
We have no official source for choosing tread patterns by terrain, so check the tire maker's own description of each tire. Michelin describes its Gum-X compound as designed to optimize grip and rolling speed and its Magi-X compound as designed to give maximum grip.
Tubeless Ready (TLR)
Michelin: a Tubeless Ready (TLR) tire can be fitted without a tube provided a tubeless wheel is used, the maximum pressure is not exceeded, sealant is added and the tire pressure is checked before each ride. Tubeless needs specific rims.
Tire Pressure
Michelin says the pressure recommended by the bicycle or tire manufacturer must be followed. Its published tables for its mountain bike tires list, for example, 26.1 to 30.5 PSI for 2.1 to 2.35 inch Force XC2 and Wild XC tires from under 50 kg to over 100 kg rider weight, and 21.8 to 30.5 PSI for 2.4 and 2.6 inch Force AM2 and Wild AM2 tires.
Helpful Tools & Considerations:
Key Factors
Shred the trails with confidence by choosing the right MTB tires!
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