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The Michelin Wild Enduro has received a revamp to improve grip, reduce rolling resistance and shave weight off the original design. The lighter casing and compound retain the excellent grip and ride quality of the previous version with fewer drawbacks. Improved rolling speed is noticeable, which makes the tyre much easier to live with. The new model is a little more expensive but the performance on offer is top notch making it one of the best mountain bike tyres available.

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Michelin Wild Enduro MH Racing Line - Technical details

The Wild Enduro MH is Michelin’s enduro tyre designed for a range of conditions which are mostly gravity-fed but still require pedalling. The chunkier DH34 sits above it as a more aggressive downhill tyre and the non-racing line version sits below it which uses a harder compound. 

The Wild Enduro Racing Line now comes in three flavours, the MH (mixed-hard pack conditions), MS (mixed-soft conditions) and the Rear. As before, the Racing Line is Michelin’s offering for a maximum grip tyre. 

Michelin Wild Enduro MH_2.jpeg, by Ty Rutherford

A revised carcass features pinch flat protection around the bead, a new dual-ply 55tpi layer, a tread shield layer and a final bead-to-bead layer for added protection. With a claimed weight of 1,335g, the tyre is around 10% lighter than the previous generation. 

Michelin’s super sticky Magi-X rubber has been revised to maintain the high levels of grip seen on the previous version whilst offering better grip in cold and wet conditions. The new compound is also to be credited for reduced rolling resistance. 

These improvements add up to a 20-watt reduction in rolling resistance compared to the previous Wild Enduro front tyre, says Michelin.

The Wild Enduro MH is available in 29-inch and 27.5-inch, options with 2.5in widths. The signature yellow and blue racing line labels can be dropped for some stealthier black and grey, too. 

Michelin Wild Enduro MH_3.jpeg, by Ty Rutherford

Michelin Wild Enduro MH Racing Line - Performance 

Before fitting the new tyre, there were some notable differences from the previous generation. The new carcass feels a little more pliable which allows the tyre to deform better over the terrain. The rubber also feels less like chewing gum while retaining a soft and pliable feel. 

Fitting the Wild Enduro MH was simple enough, I used a Hunt Proven Enduro carbon rim for testing with a 30mm internal width. The majority of the tyre was fitted by hand but I needed a tyre lever to get the last bit over the rim but this is the case for most heavy-duty casing tyres. With this particular tyre and rim combo, I inflated and seated the tyre with a track pump. Michelin tyres are always well constructed and these are no different, the finishing is excellent and once fitted it runs straight and true.

Michelin Wild Enduro MH_1.jpeg, by Ty Rutherford

After some fettling, I settled at 24psi up front for riding rocky and high-speed bike park trails. One point to note is the volume, which sits at a width of 2.5in. It's also a tall tyre which sits closer to my mudguard compared to the tyre it replaced. 

The outright grip is impressive on the Wild Enduro MH, that sticky rubber holds onto the rocks and roots giving a confidence-inspiring ride. 

Michelin Wild Enduro MH_4.jpeg, by Ty Rutherford

The profile is still quite square compared to other tyres, which makes the transition from upright to leaning into corners a little sharper. With the side knobs being smaller and more tightly spaced than the previous model, it does make this transition more predictable and the corner grip is still impressive. In the mud, the tread does clog but the tyre sticks well on hardpack surfaces. Bike park berms, rocks and roots are where this tyre excels. 

On the climbs, Michelin’s claims of reduced rolling resistance are certainly noticeable and very welcomed. The old Wild Enduro front and rear combo was almost unacceptably draggy, so I am happy to report the new design goes a great way to improve this. 

Durability is less due to a soft compound that prioritises grip. The wear shown is after 20,000m of vertical descending over a wide range of terrain including rock, roots, hardpack and mud. The braking edges have held up well as expected on a front tyre and although the side knobs have more wear they are still providing plenty of grip. 

Michelin Wild Enduro MH_5.jpeg, by Ty Rutherford

Michelin Wild Enduro MH Racing Line tyres - Verdict

Coming in at £90, the new Wild Enduro MH has received quite a price jump from the previous model. That said, it’s still right on the money compared to similar tyres on the market. The Maxis Assegai Double Down MaxxGrip is a firm front tyre favourite and has a similar price. The Assegai has a rounder profile but arguably doesn’t clear sticky mud quite as well.

At the cheaper end of the market, the WTB Verdict is a front-specific tyre that offers high levels of grip. The compound isn’t as soft and the casing lacks the durability of the Michelin but it offers excellent grip levels and comes in at £55.

The improved Wild Enduro MH front tyre retains the super-sticky grip characteristics of the Racing Line brand with less of the drawbacks of the original. The lighter casing and reduced rolling resistance make the tyre easier to live with while the new compound and tread pattern still offer awesome grip. In hardpack conditions with rocks and roots, the tyre excels. The tyre is a little more expensive than its rivals but the performance is top-notch and hard to ignore. 

• michelin.com
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