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Michelin refresh the all-mountain lineup with DH-inspired Wild AM2 & Force AM2

2021 michelin ll mountain bike tires wild am2 force am2 tread patterns
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Michelin have announced the long-overdue refresh of two all-mountain tires, releasing the 2021 Force AM2 and Wild AM2 tires with all-new DH-inspired tread patterns. The Michelin Force AM2 and Wild AM2 offer very distinct treads that convey their intention for aggressive trail and all-mountain riding. Both get EWS-proven dual compound GUM-X rubber and 3 x 60 TPI casing with Gravity Shield Technology. Here’s everything you need to know.

 

Michelin Wild AM2

2021 michelin wild am2 all mountain bike tire side profile shoulder knobs

Thew new Michelin Wild AM2 has been designed for mixed to softer terrain. Tall, well-spaced centre tread blocks are inspired by the DH34 tire, chosen for their capacity to bite deep into the dirt for stability under braking in sloppy conditions. Grip and bite are prioritized over rolling resistance.

2021 michelin wild am2 all mountain mtb tire high grip slower rollingAt the edge, you might notice that the shoulder blocks closely resemble those seen on the DH22 tire. Michelin say they are modified to, again, increase bite in soft conditions for increased grip, stability and progressive handling in otherwise unpredictable conditions. 

michelin wild am2 deformation rock roll

Both the Force AM2 and Wild AM2 tires get Michelin’s soft GUM-X compound. Though its not particularly soft to touch, it is softer than the Magi-X rubber seen on the Michelin DH 34 Bike Park tire. The GUM-X has vibration damping low-rebound properties. The dual compound is distributed so that the harder rubber sits in the centre area for rolling efficiency and durability, while a softer rubber sits at the shoulders for cornering grip.

2021 michelin wild am2 tire construction

 

The new tires get bead-to-bead protection in the form of a dense 3 x 60 TPI casing, so should definitely be worthy of a decent beating at your local trail centre.

Michelin Force AM2

2021 michelin force am2 all mountain bike tire fast rollingThe Michelin Force AM2 prioritizes rolling efficiency over grip, with a directional tread pattern and lower-profile elongated centre tread that doesn’t bite terrain too much. That said, those centre tread blocks are flared at the trailing edge to provide a decent braking surface.

michelin force am2 side profile

At the edge, Michelin opted for DH22-inspired shoulder knobs, chosen for their grip, stability and predictable handling through corners. Michelin say they optimized the ratio between tread blocks and grooves to help maintain momentum on flowing trails.

michelin force am2 2021 mtb tire construction

How do they weigh up against one another?

2021 michelin ll mountain bike tires wild am2 force am2 tread patternsThough the pairing do look to be front and rear-specific, Michelin recommend the Force AM and Wild AM for use on either wheel. That recommendation does come with what-looks-to-be an honest little guide, telling you what kind of ride quality you can expect from the different pairings.

If you only ride chairlift or shuttle-accessed trails, likely you’ll not be too concerned with rolling efficiency. In that scenario, a double Wild AM setup might suit you best, giving you the most grip for your buck on the descents.

2021 michelin wild am2 force am2 tire

If, like most, you’re someone who has to earn their turns, rolling resistance needs to be factored in. That’s where the Force AM2 comes into the equation. On dry, manicured trail centre trails, a double Force AM2 setup will likely serve most riders well.

As someone who rides majority soft, wet, steep terrain, I’d likely opt for the double Wild AM2 combo, possibly considering swapping out the rear for the Force AM2 when summer makes an appearance.

Front

Rear

Grip

Rolling Efficiency

Damage Resistance

Weight

Force AM2

Force AM2

**

****

***

***

Wild AM2

Force AM2

***

***

***

***

Wild AM2

Wild AM2

****

**

***

***

Pricing & Availability

Both the Michelin Force AM2 and Wild AM2 tires are available in 27.5″ and 29″ versions, with a 2.4″ and 2.6″ option to suit a good range of rim widths.

Tyre

Size (inches and ETRTO)

Weight (g)

SRP £

MICHELIN Force AM2

27.5×2.40 (61-584)

980

£47.99

MICHELIN Force AM2

27.5×2.60 (66-584)  

1,070

£49.99

MICHELIN Force AM2

29×2.40 (61-622)

1,040

£49.99

MICHELIN Force AM2

29×2.60 (66-622)  

1,130

£54.99

MICHELIN Wild AM2

27.5×2.40 (61-584)

980

£52.99

MICHELIN Wild AM2

27.5×2.60 (66-584)  

1,070

£54.99

MICHELIN Wild AM2

29×2.40 (61-622)

1,040

£49.99

MICHELIN Wild AM2

29×2.60 (66-622)

1,130

£54.99

Michelin.co.uk

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8 Comments
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cdn-dave
cdn-dave
3 years ago

is it just me, or did anyone else have to look at the tread pics upside-down to actually see knobs vs holes?

tegarland
tegarland
3 years ago

Whoa… Due to the shadows on the tire, it looks like the knobs are actually indentations. I had to stare at a long time to get the “ins” to flip out. Does anyone else see this?

Shane
Shane
3 years ago

BikeRumor! Photo of the Year!

bill
bill
3 years ago
Reply to  Shane

agree. good shot. frame worthy.

Anthony
Anthony
3 years ago

I can’t believe that we’ve gotten to the point of 2.3 pound tires for general riding around.

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Anthony

an easy take, but try them before you bash them. I come from road racing, where every ounce is “important”. I moved from XC casing 2.4″ to enduro casing 2.6″ and am very happy with them – low pressures, so they soak up vibration and stay stuck, yet stable for cornering etc. A magic combo.

Anthony
Anthony
3 years ago
Reply to  Tom

I just picked up a short-travel trail 29er. Came with 2270 grams of 2.5 EXO+ Assegai on there. The traction is nice, but man, the drag…. Forkaster and Rekon 2.6, in standard EXO made the bike about 1.3 pounds lighter and a hell of a lot more fun.

John
3 years ago

I’m a huge fan of the Wild Enduros, I guess the AM’s would be lighter and faster rolling? The Michelin website is less than helpful.

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