Review: Michelin Force AM Tyres
Michelin’s new MTB tyres have finally made their debut. I had the chance to test the Force AM for two weeks in Tuscany, Italy. Find out more in my post.
It is 2017 and Michelin’s new MTB tyres have finally made their debut. I had the chance to test the Force AM for two weeks in Tuscany, Italy. Find out more about its strengths and limitations below.
Specifications
| Application | All Mountain |
| Tuscan Ground Conditions | rocks, roots, loose, soft, wet to dry, slippery |
| Type | folding tyre |
| Tubeless System | TLR Tubeless Ready |
| Rubber Compound | GUM-X3D |
| Dimensions | 29" x 2.35" |
| Air Pressure | ca.1.7 bar |
| Weight | 770 g |
The tread and construction
The lugs run from the centre to the edge in a V-shape and are offset from one another. The distance between the rows is relatively large and the alternating pattern give off the impression that the tyre is rather slick. Towards the outer edge, the lugs’ size increases while small waves on the inner tread increase traction on steep ramps without affecting the rolling resistance.
The new Michelin Force AM.
The tyre is constructed with an X3D rubber compound, which feels very grippy to the touch. The astounding grip as well as low rolling resistance come from the three different rubbers that make up the compound.
While mounting, I noticed diagonal grooves on the inside of the tyre. These are there to increase the damping properties of the carcass.
Mounting
I mounted the tyres tubeless and the Michelin Force AM was easy to bead to the rim. Pumping the tyres up was also simple and they did not lose any air after. During the day, they still didn’t leak, which is not always the case with other tyre manufacturers.
When and where to use them
The AM in the Force AM’s name stands for All Mountain. The tyres were especially developed for this and we tested them in Tuscany on dry as well as wet trails. The Tuscan terrain varied greatly with loose rocky areas and dusty extended tracks. Riding the Michelin Force AM, I felt under control, no matter the ground conditions.
Video
The Force AM did its job well and it never let me down. Riding roots, rocks and taking hard impacts weren’t a problem either. In steep corners, the carcass never folded, though I sometimes wished for more grip. For this, Michelin is developing a new front tyre. What it lacks in grip though, it makes up for in speed and the tyre was fast even at low air pressures.
Hitting the trails in Puntone, Tuscany.
I also tried out the Force AM in other applications like Cross Country and Enduro riding. For Cross Country, the tyre is a little heavy, but for those who aren’t afraid of a little extra weight, the Force AM is a grippy and robust choice.
A great place to test the Force AM.
I rode the tyre during my interval training as well and was surprised at how easily it rolled. Even at a low air pressure of 1.7 bar.
The Force AM has good cornering grip.
During my two week Tuscan training camp I also mounted the Force AM on my Enduro bike. As a rear tyre, I would definitely recommend it as an alternative to other Enduro models. If you looking for a fast rolling piece of rubber, it is definitely an option.
Final thoughts
The Michelin Force AM is a tyre that keeps up with the best of the competition. I was very happy with them, though they do have their limitations. In all honesty, you should give them a try and see for yourself.
