Michelin Hot-S Tyres

Although these Michelin Hot S tyres in red have been widely publicised I have never come across anyone else using them on the trail. A strong carcass, good grip and excellent longevity make them a strong contender in the tyre choice stakes but everyone else chooses black.

The first version of these I tried were the C24 downhill version bought in France at a discounted £7. The Hot S had not been launched in the UK so they attracted a lot of trailside attention especially on an early silver Marin quad. Eventually Coed Y Brenin killed a sidewall but the tread had lasted well for months in all conditions.

The Hot S were lighter due in the main to the lighter sidewalls and a Kevlar bead and felt easier uphill. The tread stood up to all sorts of use and abuse and the change in the rubber compound improved the wet grip noticeably over the C24 but wet roots were still tricky.

The tread has spread to the new Michelin mountain range but with improved grip due to the dual compound application. They do not come in red but that clashes with an orange frame anyway. I read elsewhere that the reason for the colour was the request of the US market so perhaps the new American frame colours are too muted for a bright red tyre.

Overall, an excellent tyre that could be used as an all year round tyre and one that I would purchase again but only if it comes in orange.