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

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

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.

At 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. 

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.

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

The 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.

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.

How do they weigh up against one another?

Though 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.

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.

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.

Michelin.co.uk