By switching to a new casing, new compounds, and swapping the old wire bead for a folding Kevlar bead, Michelin’s DH tires are now 260g lighter than before. And, they say they’re just as grippy AND durable, but now a lot faster.
The 160g savings claim is for the 29er, but both models are available in 27.5″ and 29″ sizes with 2.4″ widths. The DH16 comes in at 1270g (27.5″) and 1350g (29″). The DH22 tires are 10g lighter per size.
Both tires’ tread patterns stay the same, but they roll 19% faster thanks to the new casing and updated Magi-X compound.
Both tires use the same multi-layer construction with a supportive 55tpi base, more supple 120tpi sidewall mid-layer to enhance traction, and a tougher bead-to-bead cut protection layer on the outside. A puncture protection layer sits under the tread cap.
Both come with a new gray logo color option in addition to their signature yellow-and-blue. It’s stealthier, more neutral, to match any bike. The DH22’s compound and tread pattern is for “Mixed / Soft” conditions.
The new DH16 is a “Mixed / Hard” conditions tire that’s a bit faster rolling and builds on the legacy of Comp16, but modernized. Both are available in May 2024, are tubeless-ready, and e-bike compatible.
Wild Enduro tires also updated
A few weeks prior to Sea Otter, Michelin also announced new versions of their Enduro Wild Racing and E-Wild Racing mountain bike tires, too.
They’re also faster, about 10% lighter, and a new Magi-X compound is grippier in colder temps.
They come in front and rear specific tread patterns, with an updated rear that rolls more efficiently. They standard version uses a single 55tpi construction similar to the DH tires, and an e-bike version uses double 55tpi layers for enhanced sidewall support under the heavier bikes.