• Specification

• Price: £32.99 each
• Weight: 215g (25mm)
• Sizes: 23mm, 25mm
• Website: Michelin

On that front, the Competition tyres are genuinely suitable for all-round use, too. Throw broken UK road surfaces at it and the tyres roll with composure, dealing with the odd unavoidable pothole with ease. And, with the now-expected 25mm width, you get some real comfort thrown in too when you run them at around 70-80psi.

One of the really noticeable pluses of the Competition tyre is their weight, coming in at 215g for each in 25mm width. That’s seriously light, which is one of the reasons why they roll so well, and contribute to responsiveness when the road tilts upward. In or out of the saddle, acceleration is superb, and when coupled with a lightweight rim like the Ksyrium SLs, they’re a climber’s dream to ride.

Heading back down, grip is the most desirable quality. The rubber compound Michelin use derives from Michelin’s work in MotoGP, which relies on superior levels of adhesion when tilted over and aggressive angles. You can tell.

Back to the Competition and there’s also an Aramid Protek layer thrown into the mix, designed as the primary source of puncture protection. I didn’t experience any flats, and the layer did keep out the odd nobules of flint which had become wedged in the outer compound (my locals roads are particularly prone to this).

Sure, you may not want to use a tyre like this through the depths of winter – and Michelin will no doubt point you to the more durable Michelin Endurance or grippier Michelin All Weather, but there’s a decent level of protection here.

Conclusion

The Michelin Power Competition is a fast and grippy performance tyre which is superb in the dry, in every scenario, and generally reliable in the wet. Highly recommended.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Low rolling resistance
• Very impressive grip in the dry

Cons

• Highest standards not quite matched in the wet