Press kit

August 2013

Michelin presents its range of bicycle tires for 2014

Eurobike
Friedrichshafen, Germany

Media Contact:
+ 33 1 45 66 22 22
Photos of the Michelin 2014 bicycle tires presented at the Eurobike show may be
found at:
http://mediaevent.michelin.com/

Contents

Close-up of two new tire ranges

In 2014, Michelin will bring to market two new enduro tires: the MICHELIN Wild
RockR Advanced reinforced and the MICHELIN Wild MUD Advanced
reinforced

Expert support

Michelin tests its Enduro prototypes in racing, at the highest level around the
world
An in-depth look

MICHELIN PRO4, more than one million tires sold worldwide

A second look

MICHELIN City Trekking,

Meeting each users needs
Global strategy

Michelin Total Performance,

A global strategy for delivering more performance

Appendix

Michelin Group: key figures

Close-up of two new tire ranges

In 2014, Michelin will bring to market two new enduro tires: the
MICHELIN Wild RockR Advanced reinforced and the MICHELIN
Wild MUD Advanced reinforced
A return to racing, the signing of contracts with world-class partners and the market launch of
two new Enduro bike tires: the MICHELIN Wild RockR Advanced Reinforced and the
MICHELIN Wild MUD Advanced Reinforced. These three facts attest to a wealth of product
news and sustained activity for Michelins bicycle tires in 2014.
To provide mountain bike riders with high-performance tires, Michelin has partnered with two
bikers who have become global standard-setters: Fabien Barel, three-time world downhill
champion, and Pierre Edouard Ferry, free ride champion. These two world-class riders
worked closely with Michelin Group engineers for two and a half years to design and develop
the new MICHELIN tires.
Created with different characteristics and for different types of use, these two tires integrate
Michelin's leading-edge technologies, known as

architecture
By providing an additional layer of protection that
extends from one bead to the other, MICHELIN
reinforced technology helps to improve the resistance of
the carcass, thereby reducing blowouts due to pinched
tubes. The technology is perfectly adapted to enduro
riding.
The architecture is tubeless ready.
MICHELIN rubber compounds:
Already available on the MICHELIN Wild Advanced tire line-ups,
family of rubber compounds that enables a tire to deliver
superior performance in three areas: grip, rider output and tire wear.

is

the

is the latest Michelin rubber

compound innovation for mountain
bikes used for enduro riding. These very high performance
compounds were developed and used in racing during
events in the Enduro World Series. They were specially
designed to deliver exceptional grip and traction.

Close-up of two new tire ranges

The MICHELIN Wild RockR2 Advanced Reinforced

The MICHELIN Wild RockR Advanced Reinforced is the new
MICHELIN enduro tire for use on dry, extreme terrain. From a
technical viewpoint, the new tire offers the best combination of rider
output and braking ability thanks to a tread that alternates transversal
and longitudinal blocks. It comprises large lateral lugs that that deliver
unrivaled grip when cornering as well as numerous sipes that
increase block mobility, create high-pressure areas and also improve
grip.

Five figures
Reinforced

about

the

MICHELIN

Wild

RockR2

Advanced

1 new tread design that offers the best tradeoff between rider output and braking
ability, as well as exceptional grip when cornering on dry, extreme terrain.

1 width measuring 2.35 inches

1 architecture:
extreme enduro

3 tire diameters: 26, 27.5 and 29 to fit all enduro bikes available in the market

2 types of rubber compound

and
riding

to withstand the most

conditions

for maximum grip (used mainly for the front tire)

dual-compound for the ideal tradeoff between output and
grip (used mainly for the rear tire)

Close-up of two new tire ranges

The MICHELIN Wild Mud Advanced reinforced

So that mud is no longer an obstacle for enduro riding, Michelin has introduced in 2013 the
first bicycle tire developed especially to be regrooved. Called the MICHELIN Wild Mud
Advanced reinforced and designed to deliver maximum grip and braking ability on muddy
ground, the tire is a new addition to the Michelin enduro lineup.
In addition to integrating reinforced technology and a specially adapted Magi-X rubber
compound, the tire delivers outstanding performance thanks to:
- A regroovable patented* tread that means two tires in one.
- A new twisted lug design.

An exclusive, patented* regroovable tread: two tires in one

It is not uncommon to see enduro or downhill racers regroove some of
their mud tires lugs when riding on mixed or dusty terrain. The purpose is
to make the tire more precise and to increase grip in these conditions of
use. However, riders need to determine the right groove depth and then
reproduce it on each lug, which is both difficult and time-consuming. To
overcome these inconveniences, Michelin has developed a regroovable
tire.
The crown of the lower part of the tires lugs (shown here in red) provide a
reference point when regrooving tires, guiding the blades of the grooving
tool to ensure a clear, accurate, fast result.

*Patent pending

This patented* tread makes it easy to regroove tires while guaranteeing optimal performance on mixed
and dusty terrain for the regrooved tire: two tires in one.

Close-up of two new tire ranges

A new twisted lug design

When in contact with the ground, the twisted lugs untwist to provide braking power or
traction, then return to their initial position when they are no longer in contact with the
ground. This snapping back into position helps to eject mud from the lugs, meaning that in
addition to ensuring outstanding braking ability and traction, the tires are self-cleaning.

Five figures about the MICHELIN Wild Mud Advanced reinforced:

-

1 new patented* tread that offers maximum braking ability on muddy and wet terrain.
Whats more, the lugs are regroovable to ensuring optimal performance on mixed or
dusty terrain, thereby offering two tires in one.

1 width measuring 2.25 inches

1 architecture
extreme Enduro riding conditions

2 tire diameters: 26 and 29 to fit all new enduro bikes available in the market

1 rubber compound:

and

to withstand the most

For maximum grip in very wet riding conditions or on

muddy terrain.

Expert support

Michelin tests its Enduro prototypes in racing, at the highest level

worldwide
After two and a half year of research and
development, at the first race on the all-new
Enduro World Series last May, Michelin and Fabien
Barel were victorious with MICHELIN Wild RockR
Advanced Reinforced prototype tires.
Once again, racing is enabling the Group to test its
new tires in the most extreme conditions of use
while benefiting from the experience of the world's
best mountain bike riders.
Michelins wins in the enduro category in 2013:
Fabien Barel
- Winner of the first race in the Enduro World Series, in Punta Ala, Italy in May
- Winner of the Enduro des Terres Noires (France)
- Winner of the Enduro Garda Bike Festival (Italy)
- Winner of the Enduro de lEscarne (France)
Nicolas Vouilloz
- Winner of the second race in the Enduro World Series in Val dAllos, France in June
- Second in the third race in the Enduro World Series in Deux Alpes, France in July
URGE Bike Products team
- Alex Cure won the prologue for the first event in the Enduro World Series in Punta
Ala, Italy
- Many podium finishes at endure races in France and other countries.
In the same spirit, Michelin BH and the BH-Sr SUNTOUR-KMC team in 2013 signed a
partnership in cross-country to equip the team for the World Cup. One of the best teams in
the world, its members include Julie Bresset, Olympic Gold Medal winner in London, Maxime
Marrotte and Stphane Tempier.
The goal of Michelin and BH Sr Suntour KMC is to work together on co-development
projects. Racing once again serves as a real-life laboratory to speed the market launch of
ever more high performance mountain bike tires.

An in-depth look

MICHELIN PRO4, more than one million tires sold worldwide

Brought to market in early 2012, the new MICHELIN PRO4 road bicycle tire continues to
enjoy success around the world, with the one-millionth tire sold in May 2013.
The challenge the MICHELIN PRO4 is designed to meet is to go faster but not only that. For
three years, Michelin engineers were guided by a commitment to simultaneously improving
performance across the board, even in areas that were theoretically irreconcilable.
Designed to meet the expectations of serious amateur riders as well as professional bikers,
the new range comprises six versions, currently available in six colors and six sizes.

The MICHELIN PRO4 lineup at a glance

(excluding the MICHELIN PRO4 Tubular)

An in-depth look

The MICHELIN PRO4 range in detail:

-

The MICHELIN PRO4 Service Course offers the

perfect balance between sport riding and longevity. In
addition to improving safety, it increases cornering
speed on wet roads by an average of 16%.

The MICHELIN PRO4 Endurance is intended for riders who want long-lasting tires.
With added protection against cuts and scrapes, the tire combines high-level
performance and outstanding longevity.

The MICHELIN PRO4 Comp Limited Service Course targets riders for whom speed is
all-important. It offers the lowest rolling resistance in the road tire lineup and enables
cyclists, while producing the same effort, to cover an additional four meters per
minute*. Its also the lightest tire in the range, weighing only 165 grams in size 23622.

The MICHELIN PRO4 Comp Service Course was developed for

demanding cyclists looking for maximum rider output and
efficiency. The tire features very low rolling resistance and
unequaled grip on wet roads.

The MICHELIN PRO4 Grip is ideal for challenging conditions. It enables cyclists to
ride in cold weather, on roads that are wet and/or in poor condition.

The MICHELIN PRO4 Tubular was designed for high-level racing. Its a latest
generation tube tire reinforced with high-density puncture protection. Featuring a latex
inner tube, its fully meets the expectations of committed cyclists.

*Test conducted on a Michelin rolling-resistance measurement machine.

An in-depth look

The MICHELIN PRO4 lineup: 10 key figures

1: The number of MICHELIN PRO4 tires, in millions, currently in use around the world.
3: The number of years needed to develop this range of road tires.
5: The number of tire solutions in the MICHELIN PRO4 lineup.
6: The number of variations in the MICHELIN PRO4 range.
6: The number of colors in the MICHELIN PRO4 lineup.
16: The increase, as a percentage, in corning speed on wet roads with the MICHELIN PRO4
Service Course**.
25: The reduction, as a percentage, in the weight of the carcass of the MICHELIN PRO4
COMP Service course compared with the MICHELIN PRO4 Service course
Over 100: The number of rolling resistance, cut and scrape resistance, endurance and
ozone tests conducting during the MICHELIN PRO4 development stage.
165: The weight, in grams of the size 23-622 MICHELIN PRO4 COMP LIMITED.
250,000: The number of kilometers covered by the MICHELIN PRO4 during the development
phase.
**25.6 km/h at a lean angle of 27.5 degrees for the PRO4 compared with 22 km/h and an angle of 21 degrees for the PRO3 Race (test carried
out round Michelin's 56-metre circumference circular test track using a special Michelin test bike).

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A second look

MICHELIN City Trekking: Meeting each users needs

Todays bicycle lineup includes both electric and traditional models. Bikes are used on all
types of terrain, from city streets to trail and cross-country biking.
Michelin took into account all these conditions of use when designing its new City Trekking
line-up, which comprises five distinctive, original models. Together, they cover all conditions
of use, thus enabling all cyclists to find a tire that meets their expectations.
The City Trekking range is supported by sustained demand. Indeed, this type of tire accounts
for one-third of bike tires sold in Europe. There are several reasons for this phenomenon.
First is the emergence of new biking practices, linked to the rise or growing use of certain
technologies, including electric and folding bicycles. Infrastructure in urban and suburban
areas has also been upgraded to promote cycling. In addition, there are behavioral changes
with users who want to travel cleaner and experience the pleasure of cycling in the city as
well as in the country.
Michelin identified three major types of bicycle use:
-

Daily commuting to and from working, requiring utility tires, which account for the
largest share of the market.

Casual outings, for cyclists looking to combine mobility with enjoyment.

Sports use, calling for tires that meet the needs of cyclists for whom biking is a
strenuous physical activity.

At the same time, Michelin engineers defined four types of terrain:

-

95% asphalt. This, for example, is the type of city terrain ideal for e-bikes and folding
bicycles.

70% asphalt / 30% off-road hardpack. This mix accounts for the largest share of the
City Trekking market. These tires are intended for cyclists looking for multi-purpose
use (delivered by the tread design) as well as for enhanced puncture-resistance.

50% asphalt / 50% off-road hardpack. This is the best mix for trekking or for utilitarian
use on poor road surfaces.

20% asphalt / 80% off-road. This mix mainly addresses the needs of sports cyclists.

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A second look
The MICHELIN City Trekking tire lineup

Of the five MICHELIN City Trekking tire ranges, four feature an all-new tread the
MICHELIN Protek, MICHELIN Protek Cross, MICHELIN Protek Urban and MICHELIN
StarGrip. The five families can be classified in three categories of use:
1) The Leisure category, with a 1-mm puncture-resistance layer:
- MICHELIN Protek for 70% asphalt / 30% off-road hardpack use
- MICHELIN Protek Cross for 50% asphalt / 50% off-road hardpack use
2) The Performance category, with a 5-mm puncture-resistance layer:
- MICHELIN Protek MAX (variation of the MICHELIN Protek tire) for 70%
asphalt / 30% off-road hardpack use
- MICHELIN Protek MAX (variation of the MICHELIN Protek tire) for 50%
asphalt / 50% off-road hardpack use
3) The PRO category of high-technology tires:
- MICHELIN Protek Urban, with its outstanding wet grip.
- MICHELIN Energy for electric bikes.
- MICHELIN StarGrip for riding in all weather conditions, especially on wet
roads in winter.
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A second look
At a glance: five families for seven MICHELIN City Trekking tires

MICHELIN Protek. This all-round tire features a multipurpose tread

that provides easy pedaling as well as wet grip. It is suitable for use
on both asphalt and trails. Available with five-millimeter puncture

protection under the name MICHELIN Protek Max.

MICHELIN Protek Cross. Trekking tire with a tread designed to

deliver maximum traction. It features a one-millimeter puncture
protection layer. Also available with a five-millimeter puncture
protection layer under the name MICHELIN Protek Cross Max.

Michelin Protek Urban. A tire for use on asphalt

with a new-

generation puncture protection layer and a fast-rolling tread

designed for city use.

MICHELIN Energy. Tire for e-bikes and urban bicycles. Saves

energy thanks to its extremely low rolling resistance. In addition to
energy efficiency, it provides very good wet grip.

MICHELIN StarGrip. An all-season tire suitable for wet and snowcovered streets and year-round city use.

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Global strategy

Michelin Total Performance,

A global strategy for delivering more performance
MICHELIN Total Performance offers a unique way of designing tires that deliver enhanced
performance across the board thanks to the deployment of leading-edge technologies.
MICHELIN Total Performance is a strategy that leverages technological solutions to
enhance performance in areas that are in theory irreconcilable.
In the world of bicycles, safety is especially important. Thats because users, who are
protected only by their helmet, gloves and specially designed clothing, are in the most
danger in the event of a loss of grip. The absolute guarantee that all components are fulfilling
their mission can be obtained only through a constant focus on innovation by recognized
experts that are leaders in their field and by production tools and processes that make it
possible to deliver superior safety performance. Michelin never loses sight of this
requirement when developing its bicycle tires.
The MICHELIN Total Performance strategy is also environmentally responsible. By
increasing total mileage, Michelin uses less raw material, which means that Michelin
mountain bike tires are more environmentally friendly.
Thats why Michelin never focuses on just one area but is passionately dedicated to
constantly and simultaneously improving tire performance across the board.

In the case of the new endure tires, the MICHELIN Total Performance strategy is reflected
through a combination of three key qualities:
-

Safety, thanks to outstanding grip.

Total mileage, with consistence performance throughout the tires useful life.
User comfort, thanks to ease of use and handling.

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Appendix

Michelin Group: key figures

Founded:

1889

Production base:

69 production sites in 18 countries

Number of employees:

113,400 worldwide at December 31, 2012

Research and development:

More than 6,600 researchers working in 25 facilities on

three continents: North America, Europe and Asia

2012 R&D budget:

622 million, up 5.1% over 2011

Annual output:

166 million tires produced, over 10 million maps and

guides sold in more than 170 countries, and 970 million
itineraries calculated by ViaMichelin

2012 net sales:

21.5 billion

www.michelin.com
http://velo.michelin.fr/

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