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Rigid beads
Most clincher tires, including many Michelin models, use
steel beads to hold the tire onto the rim -- hence the name "wired-on." Steel
beads are reliable, safe and economical, though newer bead materials have some definite
advantages over steel.
Flexible beads
Invented and perfected by Michelin, flexible beads for
high-performance tires are lighter than steel beads, won't stretch and allow the tire to
be folded for transport. Michelin flexible beads are made of either Kevlar® or
fiberglass.
A tire with flexible beads, mounted on a clincher-type rim,
can withstand the highest recommended inflation pressures in absolute safety.
A new generation of rubber compounds
designed for low rolling resistance
 Silicium
Inside: natural rubber modified and reinforced with silica. This RSH (Reverse
Self-Hardening) compound combines reduced rolling resistance with incredible longevity on
rough terrain.
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BLACK
Traditional black rubber compounds use carbon black for longevity and efficient
transfer of energy. |
GREEN
Silicium allows Michelin to use a softer, grippier rubber without compromising
durability. This green rubber is also lighter in weight and sheds mud better than
conventional black rubber compounds. |
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| The casing of a Michelin
"gumwall" tire uses large-diameter fibers encased in rubber. |
The casing of a Michelin
"skinwall" tire uses a tight interweave of fine, cabled cords, allowing the
thickness of the sidewall rubber to be reduced. |
Advantage:
› Excellent resistance to pinch flats and impact damage.
Disadvantage:
› Less resilient ride quality |
Advantages:
› Light weight, due to higher cord count and less rubber
› Flexibility, through the use of finer cords
› Puncture resistance, thanks to the tightly woven casing
Disadvantage:
› More sensitive to pinch flats |
Rim strips guard against flats by
preventing the tube from coming in contact with the rim. Bright yellow Michelin rim strips
are specially designed for double-wall rims, providing a smooth, rigid barrier that won't
chafe the tube, or allow it to be "sucked" into the spoke holes.
 No matter what type of rim strip you choose, it should be replaced every
time you install a new tire.
INSPECTING THE TIRE
Before mounting a new or repaired tube, run your fingers around the inside of the tire to
be sure that no puncture-causing debris is still stuck in the tire.
TIRE DAMAGE
If the tire's casing has been severely damaged during a ride, and you don't have a
replacement tire, install a protective "boot" on the inside of the tire to
prevent the tube from protruding through the casing. Boots can be made from many
materials, but in an emergency, you can use a dollar bill or energy bar wrapper. Be sure
to replace the tire after your ride.
REMOUNTING
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Insert the first bead into the
rim. (That's the hard part of the tire under the hook thing of the rim) |
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Inflate the tube slightly to
make it round; then insert it into the tire, starting at the valve. (Slightly means, a
bit. If you put too much air in you may be tempted to ride around without a tire) |
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Push the tube into the tire
and then insert it completely into the rim well. (Make sure none of the tube in caught
under the second bead. Don't know why? You'll see in minute) |
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Starting on the side
diametrically opposite the valve and pushing with your thumb, insert the second bead into
the rim. (Now you see why?! If the tube is too full, you won't be able to get the second
bead into the rim) |
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Once both beads are installed,
push the valve halfway into the tire before inflating so that the tube isn't pinched
between the rim and bead. (This makes it sound real easy but is actually the most
difficult part. If you're using tire irons, try to make sure the tube isn't pinched under
the iron as your trying to jam the beam onto the rim, otherwise back to step one. Once
again, the importance of inflating the tube cannot be underestimated |
IMPORTANT
The mounting procedure always ends at the valve.
The demounting procedure always begins at the valve.
Use a hand pump only. As you inflate the tire,
watch for any areas where the tire bulges away from the rim. Such bulges indicate that the
tube is pinched between the bead and rim. If this happens, immediately deflate the tire,
reposition the tube, and resume inflating.
INFLATION PRESSURE
Road tires should be inflated to the inflation pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.
Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the tire.
Mountain bike tires operate under a wide range of inflation pressures, depending on
terrain, rider weight, tire size and riding style. Use the following chart as a guide:
Determine the inflation pressure according to your weight and the tire section width.
All this information was taken off the
Michelin webpage at www.michelin-us.com. There is
tons more information available about their tires and sponsored riders etc. Go pay them a
visit.- webmaster
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