Tire Review: Michelin Mud2 Clincher Cyclocross Tire
Racing and Riding Impressions: Michelin’s Mud2 replaced the famous green Mud tire six years ago with an updated black tread and sidewalls, but not everyone thinks the changes were upgrades. A NOS green tire can command more than $100 on eBay. The green tire was considered by many to be the gold standard of clinchers, and the Mud2 retains the same supple casing and generous sizing (it is wider than most 30c tires).
The Mud2 offers greater durability than its green predecessor, with a harder Silica Energy tread, an extra row of knobs, and a reinforced bead area. The extra durability near the bead is welcome, as the older tires with tan walls were prone to tearing near the beads. The durability comes at the expense of some mud shedding, as the extra knobs create a less open design. Like its green-treaded predecessor, the Mud2 remains one of the best all-around clinchers, but it’s no longer peerless in this area, as our tests have shown that there are many attractive alternatives.
Michelin Mud2 cyclocross tire. © Cyclocross Magazine
Width (listed / measured): 30mm / 30mm
Weight (listed / measured): 340g / 346g
MSRP: $39.95
TPI: 127
Tubeless Compatibility: Excellent (see more cyclocross tubeless tire options here)
IN THE COWBELL FORUMS:
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The reason that the old greens are so well respected is their ability to shed mud. Grip is offered by a number of tires [sic] in most muddy conditions but our own (non-scientific!) side-by-side riding last winter in severe mud showed a frame / seatstays clogged with the mud thrown up from the ("mud king") Dugast Rhino. The parallel bike fitted with Green Michelin muds was almost clean. The mud had been shed immediately after the tyre had left contact with the ground, rather than sticking enough to get thrown into (and clog) the frame up.
Mud shedding is so important in 'cross.
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