Which Michelin MTB Tire Should You Run? A Full Racing Line Overview

Words: Trevor Mejia 

When it comes to mountain bike tires, Michelin’s racing line represents the pinnacle of performance — engineered explicitly for racers, pros, and elite riders competing at the highest levels such as the Enduro and Downhill World Cups. That said, these tires aren’t exclusive to professionals. Michelin has designed the Racing Line so that riders of all skill levels can benefit from world-class performance, knowing that you are riding the best possible product.  After all, tires are one of if not ‘the’ most important part of a mountain biking experience, keeping you safe and confident out on the trail. Whether you're racing, training, or simply pushing your limits on your local trails, there is a tire, tread pattern, and casing for you somewhere in their lineup. Each discipline has intentional compounds and casings that correspond to it's correct usage. In this article, we’ll focus solely on Michelin’s racing line of mountain bike tires across Downhill, Enduro, Trail, XC, and E-Bike segments.

Compounds

Let's start out with compounds. Michelin uses two primary rubber compounds across its Racing Line MTB tires: Gum-X and Magi-X, each engineered for distinct performance priorities. According to the compound comparison chart, Gum-X (blue line) offers a balanced mix of rolling efficiency, durability, and grip, making it well-suited for rear tires, trail, and XC applications where efficiency and lifespan are crucial. It’s used in models like the Wild Enduro Rear, Force AM, and Force XC, where riders need reliable traction without sacrificing pedaling speed. On the other hand, Magi-X (yellow line) is Michelin’s grippiest compound, optimized for maximum traction in extreme conditions. It prioritizes grip above all else, with trade-offs in rolling resistance and longevity. Magi-X is used in front-specific tires like the DH22, Wild Enduro MS, and E-Wild Front, where precise handling and braking control are essential. Derived from Michelin’s MotoGP technology, Magi-X is purpose-built for aggressive riding and race conditions where tire grip directly impacts control and speed.

Casings

Downhill Tires

Michelin DH22

The DH22 is Michelin’s most versatile downhill race tire, engineered to tackle a wide range of conditions including soft, mixed, and rocky terrain. It features an aggressive tread pattern for superior braking and cornering grip. The high-durability Down Hill Shield casing ensures resistance to pinch flats and deformation, while the Magi-X DH compound delivers maximum traction and control — even at low temperatures. It’s a go-to tire for elite DH racers worldwide. This is the V2 version of the DH22. 

• Best for: Mixed/soft terrain, all-around DH racing

• Casing: 55 / 120 TPI 

• Compound: Magi-X DH

• Sizes: 27.5x2.40" (1260g) / 29x2.40" (1340g)

Michelin DH16

The Michelin DH16 is purpose-built for hard-packed and rocky downhill courses where speed, precision, and tire support are critical. Inspired by older Comp 16, the updated design features closely spaced center knobs for rolling efficiency, with aggressive side lugs to maintain cornering bite. Built with the Down Hill Shield casing and Magi-X DH compound, it offers race-level control with low deformation under extreme pressure.

• Casing: 55 / 120 TPI 

• Compound: Magi-X DH

• Sizes: 27.5" x 2.4 (1270g) / 29" x 2.4 (1350g)

• Intended use: Hardpack, mixed terrain 

• Best for : Front or rear tire for relative rolling speed on a downhill track 

Michelin DH 34 Park

Technically in the Michelin performance lineup and specifically tuned for the bike park crowd, the DH34 Park tire offers a bombproof construction with slightly faster rolling characteristics than its DH siblings. It's designed to endure laps on laps of berms, jumps, and rocky hits. This saves your knobbies from getting worn down too fast and a tire that will last longer than a traditional downhill tire. 

• Casing: 4 x 33 TPI casing 

• Compound: Gum-X

• Sizes: 27.5" x 2.4 (1200g) / 29” x 2.4 (1290g)

• Intended use: Dry park tracks, jump lines

• Best use: Front and rear tire for park riding

Enduro Tires

Michelin Wild Enduro MS (Mixed Soft)

The Michelin Wild Enduro MS (Mixed Soft) is built for technical terrain with soft surfaces, such as loose dirt, loam, roots, and off-camber corners. It features an aggressive tread layout combined with the Magi-X compound to deliver maximum grip and confidence in slippery and loose conditions. Its 2 x 55 TPI casing is reinforced to withstand race-day punishment while maintaining comfort and feedback on the trail. We use this predominately as a front tire and is a shop favorite.

• Best for: Soft and mixed terrain Enduro racing

• Casing: 2x55 TPI Gravity Shield

• Compound: Magi-X 

• Sizes Available: 27.5" x 2.40" (1200g) / 29" x 2.40" (1290g)

• Reinforcements: Sidewall and tread zone protection for racing

• Tread Pattern: Deep, widely spaced lugs for bite and self-cleaning. 3-2-2-3 pattern

Michelin Wild Enduro MH (Mixed Hard) 

The Michelin Wild Enduro MH (Mixed Hard) is designed specifically for hard-packed and mixed terrain racing conditions. It offers enhanced speed and momentum over its MS counterpart while still delivering outstanding cornering grip and control. Built for Enduro World Cup-level performance, the Wild Enduro MH uses the ultra-sticky Magi-X compound to ensure traction in low temp or wet temperatures. Paired with Michelin’s Gravity Shield casing, it provides excellent pinch and puncture resistance without sacrificing rolling efficiency. We use this as a front or a rear tire depending on the conditions but works great in the bike park to carry speed. 

• Best for: Hard-packed and mixed terrain Enduro racing

• Casing: 2x55 TPI casing 

• Compound: Magi-X 

• Sizes Available: 27.5" x 2.50" (1300g) / 29" x 2.50" (1335g)

• Reinforcements: Pinch and puncture protection for racing durability

• Tread Pattern: Optimized for momentum and cornering support

• Color Options: Blue/Yellow racing stripe or Dark Black stealth version

Michelin Wild Enduro Rear

Purpose-built for rear wheel needs, the Michelin Wild Enduro Rear is optimized to maximize climbing traction, braking control, and rolling efficiency. Its tread pattern features shorter, faster-rolling center knobs and reinforced shoulder blocks for cornering stability. The Gum-X compound offers a blend of grip and extended wear life, while the Gravity Shield casing ensures flat protection and lateral stability.

• Best for: Rear tire in mixed terrain Enduro riding and racing

• Casing: 2x55 TPI Gravity Shield

• Compound: Gum-X (optimized for rolling and durability)

• Sizes Available: 27.5" x 2.40" (1270g) / 29" x 2.40" (1350g)

• Reinforcements: Anti-pinch and anti-puncture construction

• Tread Pattern: Rear-specific design for forward drive, less rolling resistance and braking bite

• Color Options: Blue/Yellow racing stripe or Dark Black stealth version

We spent some time on these tires, traveling to different parts of the world and in all sorts of different terrains from bike park to all day pedals and loamers in between! Here is what we thought of them and how they held up in the long term. 

Michelin's Newest Wild Enduro Tire Lineup Long Term Review

E-Bike Tires

Michelin E-Wild Front

The Michelin E-Wild Front is purpose-built for the demands of aggressive E-Enduro riding, where weight, speed, and terrain complexity put tires to the test. Drawing directly from the design of the Wild Enduro, this front-specific E-MTB tire is engineered to offer maximum grip, confidence, and control, especially on fast, steep descents. Thanks to its 2x55 TPI Gravity Shield casing, it delivers exceptional support and pinch-flat resistance, while the ultra-sticky Magi-X E-Bike compound ensures dependable performance — even in cold temperatures down to 3°C (37.4°F). Whether you’re racing EWS-E or hitting rough alpine descents, the E-Wild Front is built to charge.

• Casing: 2x55 TPI Gravity Shield construction

• Compound: Magi-X (E-Bike optimized)
  

• Sizes: 29x2.40" (1290g) / 29x2.60" (1325g)

• Tread Pattern: Enduro-style tread with enhanced support. 3-2-2-3 pattern

• Key Features: Downhill confidence, front-specific handling, low-temp grip

• Best Use: Front tire for E-Enduro or aggressive E-MTB setups

Michelin E-Wild Rear

Designed to complement the E-Wild Front, the Michelin E-Wild Rear focuses on maximum climbing traction, braking stability, and motor torque management. This rear-specific tire uses a tread pattern that prioritizes forward drive and bite, especially on steep and technical ascents. It is also unique in that it comes specifically as a 2.6 width where typically we would see a smaller width rear tire. Reinforced with the same 2x55 TPI Gravity Shield casing, it can take on hits and abuse typical of powerful pedal-assist bikes, while the Magi-X E-Bike compound ensures a strong grip with extended wear life. It’s a go-to for E-Enduro riders needing performance without compromising durability.

• Casing: 2x55 TPI Gravity Shield with pinch protection

• Compound: Magi-X (E-Bike tuned)

• Sizes: 27.5x2.60" (1245g) / 29x2.60" (1325g)

• Tread Pattern: Rear-specific e-bike design for traction and control

• Key Features: Climbing grip, rear-end stability, durability under torque

• Best Use: Rear tire for aggressive e bike riding or technical e-MTB trails and climbs

Trail / All-Mountain Tires

Michelin Wild AM2

The Michelin Wild AM2 is built for aggressive trail riders who demand maximum control on technical, loose, and mixed terrain, without being weighed down by overly heavy tires. With a blocky tread pattern and widely spaced knobs, it delivers powerful braking and dependable cornering. The Gum-X compound blends high grip with a damped rebound feel and supports efficient rolling over varied surfaces. Combined with the lighter Gravity Shield casing, this makes the Wild AM 2 well-suited for all-mountain use, where both grip and rolling efficiency matter. Whether you’re railing corners or threading through rocky lines, it’s a tire that can handle it all while keeping your bike responsive.

• Casing: Gravity Shield (3x60 TPI)

• Compound: Gum-X

• Sizes: 27.5 x 2.4 / 2.6 (980g) | 29 x 2.4 / 2.6  (1040g)

• Tread Pattern: Aggressive, open block layout for traction and control

• Best Use: Front tire for trail or light enduro, or both ends for all-mountain style riding

Michelin Force AM2

Built for riders who want to go fast, the Michelin Force AM2 combines low rolling resistance with dependable control — especially on dry, compact terrain. Its lower-profile tread and directional center lugs are designed to minimize drag while still offering cornering bite. Thanks to the Gum-X compound, it maintains a fine balance between traction and speed, helping it roll efficiently on climbs and flow trails. It’s also relatively lightweight for a trail-capable tire, thanks to the Gravity Shield casing that adds protection without unnecessary bulk. Perfect for riders chasing speed on big days or racing trail segments.

• Casing: Gravity Shield (3x60 TPI)

• Compound: Gum-X

• Sizes: 27.5 x 2.4 / 2.6 (980g) | 29 x 2.4 / 2.6  (1040g)

• Tread Pattern: Fast-rolling with reinforced shoulder lugs

• Best Use: Rear tire on trail setups, or front/rear in dry conditions

We spend some time riding and testing both of these tires on our local trails. Here are some thoughts about them and how they held up!

Michelin Wild AM2 Tire Review – Is This the Ultimate Trail Tire?

Cross Country Tires

Michelin Jet XC2 

The Michelin Jet XC2 is the ultimate choice for cross-country racers looking to maximize rolling speed on dry, hard-packed courses. Designed with a semi-slick tread profile, this tire minimizes rolling resistance while still delivering reliable grip through the side knobs when cornering at speed. It uses Michelin’s Gum-X compound, tuned to balance efficiency and cornering traction, and the Cross Shield 2 casing, which features a high-density 4x150 TPI layup and bead-to-bead protection for puncture resistance. Light, fast, and agile, the Jet XC 2 is ideal for race days where every second counts — especially on dry XC circuits or gravel-based courses.

• Casing: Cross Shield 2 (4x150 TPI)

• Compound: Gum-X

• Sizes & Weights: 29 x 2.25" (710g) / 29 x 2.35" (760g)

• Tread Pattern: Semi-slick center with defined edge knobs for confident cornering

• Best Use: Dry, hard-packed XC racing and marathon events

• Highlights: Lightest and fastest rolling XC option in the lineup
  

Michelin Force XC2 

If you're racing or training on mixed terrain with rocks, roots, and technical sections, the Michelin Force XC2 offers the versatility to handle it all. With a moderately aggressive tread featuring taller and wider-spaced knobs, this tire excels in traction while still maintaining impressive rolling speed. It's crafted with the same high-performance Cross Shield 2 casing and Gum-X compound, striking an excellent balance of lightweight design, grip, and flat protection. Whether you're hammering through a downcountry loop or tackling a local XC race with unpredictable conditions, the Force XC 2 is the go-to for dependable, efficient performance.

• Casing: Cross Shield 2 (4x150 TPI)

• Compound: Gum-X

• Sizes & Weights: 29 x 2.10" (680g) / 29 x 2.25" (710g)

• Tread Pattern: Moderate profile with enhanced spacing for versatile grip

• Best Use: Mixed terrain XC, downcountry, technical climbs

• Highlights: Excellent balance of control, grip, and race-ready weight

Michelin Wild XC

The Wild XC is Michelin’s most aggressive XC tire, perfect for riders tackling soft terrain, natural trails, or rooty and loamy conditions. Drawing design inspiration from the Wild Enduro range, it features wider-spaced knobs for improved braking and cornering traction. It uses the same Gum-X compound for a blend of grip and rolling speed, and the Cross Shield 2 casing ensures protection across the entire casing without adding excessive bulk. If you're racing or riding XC trails that push into trail-bike territory, the Wild XC is your trusted tire for dependable grip and technical handling.

• Casing: Cross Shield 2 (4x150 TPI)

• Compound: Gum-X

• Sizes & Weights: 29 x 2.25" (730g) / 29 x 2.35" (760g)

• Tread Pattern: Aggressive tread for grip on soft and loose terrain

• Best Use: Technical XC, soft terrain racing, wet rooty trails, front tire 

• Highlights: Maximum grip and stability in more challenging XC courses
  

Final Thoughts

Michelin’s Racing Line MTB tire range is clearly structured and simplified, with each model designed for a specific riding discipline and terrain type. From downhill to XC, every tire is purpose-built using tailored tread patterns, compounds, and casings to match its intended use. The lineup avoids overlap and confusion by offering distinct options—like dedicated front and rear tires in the Enduro and E-Bike categories, or fast-rolling versus grip-focused choices in the XC range.

Downhill models focus on support, durability, and traction under extreme conditions. Enduro tires are optimized for technical terrain, with specific builds for soft or hard ground. The trail and all-mountain offerings strike a balance between control and rolling speed. XC tires are lightweight and efficient, while the E-Wild series is reinforced for the demands of e-MTBs.

Overall, the Racing Line is a streamlined, function-first lineup developed for riders who want equipment matched precisely to how and where they ride.