Michelin Wild Race’R 29″er Tires: On Test: by Guitar Ted
Recently we were sent some Michelin 29″er tires. Michelin was a somewhat early, but quiet adopter of 29″er tires with a singular entry in the market some years ago called the XC AT. Now they have introduced a few models to choose from and one of them is the “Wild Race’R”.
The Wild Race’R is now one of four different models in 29″er size from Michelin. The Wild Race’R is described by Michelin as follows:
FOR FAST TERRAIN
Michelin WildRace’R tires feature a broad distribution of knobs across the tread to promote efficiency and help ensure excellent resistance to punctures.
Sizes offered are 2.1″ and 2.25″. The tires are both tubeless ready. Michelin uses a unique “target” for intended use on their site which paints this tire as something of an all-arounder. Claimed weight on the 2.1″ size is 670 gm. Actual weight for the two samples sent are 680/690 gm. Quite acceptable given leeway for variances typical in tire production.
Michelin also wanted us to take a look at their 29″er tubes, which some people still use. 
These have a 40mm long valve stem and weigh about 210 gm each.
I’ll be putting these tubes to use and will report back on my experiences later. I did not use the tubes for these tires though. Since they are tubeless ready, I used them on the set of Velocity Blunt SL wheels which we tested here.
Stay tuned as I come back to post my First Impressions post soon. I’ll have some measurements and thoughts on this unique looking tread and whether I think it is what Michelin says.
Note: Michelin sent the Wild Race’R tires and Michelin tubes over for testing/review at no charge. We are not being paid nor bribed for this review. I will strive to give my honest thoughts and opinions throughout.
Wild Race’R have 4 different compounds and one tread design. Does that make 4 different tires?
Please try and get their triangular tubes that have little circles in the pattern! If you do not know what I am talking about, ask Michelin. They are supposed to be “self-sealing” with no sealant! The biggest change in inner tubes since the invention of “synthetic rubber”.
very cool! been looking around for some new treads for my bike and these are looking pretty sweet.
I’ve been running the 2011 version of the Wild Race’R (2.1″, not tubeless ready) since last summer, tubeless on Blunts as well Flow rims and have liked them quite a bit. For $30 bucks a pop they are a great value. Bit different tread pattern than the 2012, works well on Front Range trails. Curious to see what you think of the new version – would like to try the 2.25″ this summer.
these look good. interesting side knobs. slim outer edge supports the fat part of the side knobs like a wedge? knobs probably feel more positve/ firm when pushing them down into fast dirt.
How wide is the 2.25″ version? My Element970 doesn’t have much clearance between the seatstays, a 2.25″ Racing Ralph barely fits. I would like to try these but don’t know if to go for the 2.25″ or the 2.1″.
I have been riding the 2.1 as a rear tire and it is really good with good volume and plenty of grip for the current New England conditions. It has been super dry around here and even when it gets greasy they have good predictable grip.
Nice fast tire with plenty of grip for a rear tire, will be putting it on the front once I get racing though.
I have been running a set front and rear on my SS here in the front range. While I haven’t tried them in wet conditions yet I have ridden them in loose & rocky to hard and fast. The rear tire connects better than I expected in loose conditions and the cornering knobs are really noticable. Hard pack it’s pure speed. Tubeless setup was a breeze and tire life looks to be much longer than others I have ridden in these same conditions.
Somebody roled them tubeless?