Michelin Power Competition Tubular Review

In early April, Michelin released a new tubular tire, in the vein of the Pro 4, the Power Competition. This new model retains the characteristics of its clincher counterpart, with efficiency and grip. We rode with it for nearly 600 km.

By 3bikes.fr / All rights reserved

If you’re a fan of the “whistlers” of yesteryear, you might just rediscover the old pleasure of riding on supple, high-performance tubulars with the Michelin Power Competition. Except this time, new rim widths oblige, it will be in 23, 25 or 28 mm sections. In our case, the middle solution was chosen for our long-term test.

Tested on the professional circuit since 2018, the new tubular from the Auvergne-based company was developed in close collaboration with the teams, particularly with Team Cofidis. It is assembled with a cotton and Aramid casing. The latex inner tube completes the construction of this high-end tire. On the rubber side, Michelin added its Power All Season compound to increase grip on dry or wet surfaces.

At nearly 290 g in the 25 mm section, Michelin did not prioritize lightness, but rather robustness, thanks in particular to the Hi-density Protek anti-puncture reinforcement. And after 600 km, on all types of surfaces, we recorded no cuts on the tread. Nor on the sidewalls, for that matter.

High-end and under €100

On the road, you get the sensations of a high-end, responsive tubular, which provides a certain feeling of efficiency once well inflated, but which retains astonishing comfort, thanks to the use of a latex inner tube. For a body weight of 60 kg and a triathlon bike weighing around 8 kg once “loaded” at the start of a race, we made sure to inflate to 8 bars. The observation was clear: we experienced no discomfort, nor did we feel the slightest irregularities of the asphalt “in our heads”. Proof that the inner tube and the suppleness of the casing do their job. But in absolute terms, especially in this section, 7.5 bars would have been enough.

This pressure can even be lowered to 7 on wet ground. And there, the grip increases, without unduly penalizing the impression of efficiency. In short, you never feel “stuck”. The 25 mm section also allows you to gain even more confidence in corners and ensure a certain lean angle.

At €85, the Power Competition is in the category of high-end tubulars. But it remains “accessible” for this segment, where many competitors exceed the fateful €100 mark.

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