Review: Off-Road.cc - Michelin Jet XC2 Tyre

Off.road.cc has reviewed the Michelin Jet XC2 tyre. Here is what they had to say:

The Michelin Jet XC2 is a dry weather cross-country tyre that has the potential to deliver incredible levels of grip for the style, size and weight in the right conditions. As you might expect, it doesn't cope with mud well, and there are question marks about the casing protection, but it is incredible as a race-day summer tyre.

For any mountain bikers that may have been riding since the early 00s, of which I am one, the Michelin Jet tyre is a name that you might be familiar with and perhaps invoke some old memories. Michelin as a brand was at the very top, with models such as the Wildgripper and minimally treaded Jet S that were available in the iconic green colours. The Jet name is back, now called the Jet XC2, but the only other similarity is both are designed for speed.

The Jet XC2 is only available in a single 29 x 2.25” size. It features a 3x150 TPI carcass, aiming to strike a balance between weight and protection, with a single compound throughout. The new tread pattern uses several different shapes, including the trefoils (yes, I had to google the name), which are the shapes that look like ninja throwing stars in the centre, moving out to more traditional outer edges with a very slim overall profile and rounded overall design.

Mounting and inflating was simple, with no compressor or special pump needed. On a relatively narrow 22.5mm internal rim, the 2.25” tyres inflated to the quoted width. On rims with a wider internal measurement, I would expect them to inflate slightly more. The pair weighed 718g and 721g, which is a tiny bit more than the quoted weight of 710g. Compared to other XC orientated tyres, it is roughly in the middle, with some sub-600g options on the market and tyres like the recently tested WTB Ranger at over 800g.

At £58 each, they are quite expensive for a single-compound tyre, and for me, at least one tyre would have made for a very costly first ride. As with many other cross-country focused tyres, the balance between low weight, cost, and performance will always be a tough balance to strike.

After many more successful rides and a great race, they proved impressive overall and as a race-day only or dry weather tyre where the risk of punctures is lower, they are very good, making the price a little easier to stomach. Other popular race tyres include the Schwalbe Racing Ralph(link is external), with the 2.25" Super Race version at a claimed weight of 680g and costing £56. The Maxxis Pace(link is external) shares a similar low profile tread and comes in at £55 for the 2.1", 650g claimed weight in EXO protection casing.

Read the full article here