RUST Magazine: RUST #43

LATEST GEAR
Stuff
MICHELIN ENDURO (MEDIUM)
AND MOUSSE
Contact: www.endurotyres.com
Prices by endurotyres.com: tyres: front: £51.96
rear: £67.44 (120) £70.66 (140);
Mousse: M14 (rear) £114.19 M15 (front) £104.69
Launched in 2017 at the ISDE
in France, these new Michelin
tyres were in development for
the over four years and replaced the
firm’s FIM Comp 3,4 and 6 tyres.
Michelin have simplified their tyre
range to simply ‘Enduro’, with just
two options on front compound
and a single rear. They claim to also
have improved the tyre significantly
by switching from using Carbon
Black to Silica for the first time in
the construction its off-road tyres.
Silica apparently works better at
low and inconsistent temperatures,
and is more durable. The result is
that Michelin no longer need to use
three nylon plies and can now use
two polyester plies instead. This has
not only reduced the weight but
improved flex in the tyre without
sacrificing rigidity.
Michelin claim improved grip
and cushioning as a result of work
done to the internal structure of the
tyre, tread block shape and layout.
The simplified tyre range is said to
offer greater terrain versatility due
to new rubber compounds and the
development of specific mousse/
tyre compatibility. Durability is
improved by circa 15% compared
with the previous generation Comp
generation.
NEW MOUSSE
The compatibility of the tyre / mousse
combo was immediately evident.
The M14 mousse is bigger than its
predecessor (by about 30mm) and
fits seamlessly into the new Enduro
Medium 140 rear. It also means that
the new M14s cannot be used with
any other brand of tyre and is made
specifically for the new Michelin
Mediums.
The new M14 does not need to be
broken in and are claimed to last far
longer than the previous M14s due
to the new combination of materials
and larger size. They have been
working on reducing the ‘dead’ feel
synonymous with mousses and have
made improvements to eradicate this
with the new mousses. Both the front
and rear mousse fitting was simple
and it helps to have a mousse that is
specifically made for the tyre.
NEED TO KNOW
Tyres: The single option rear Medium
is designed as a broad-spectrum tyre
for use across all terrain. The two
front tyre options are Medium and
Hard. The Medium is the preferred
compound for most terrain. The Hard
option (not compound) is designed
deliberately for hard pack riding.
The recommended tyre pressure (if
running tubes) is between 13.5 and
15psi. No higher or lower. The tyre
will over-flex at lower pressures.
COMBOS TESTED
Rear: 140/80/18 (Medium) with new
M14 Mousse
Front: 90/90/21 (Medium) with new
M15 Mousse
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