Michelin Power Adventure Review
27.11.23 08:42 7302023-11-27T08:42:00+01:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: @Tailor.Shots, Erwin HaidenPerfect Symbiosis: Long-term review of the fast gravel tires for 80% road and 20% off-road on our Canyon Endurace CFR.27.11.23 08:42 1.6462023-11-27T08:42:00+01:00Michelin Power Adventure Review
27.11.23 08:42 1.6462023-11-27T08:42:00+01:00 NoPain (translated by AI) @Tailor.Shots, Erwin HaidenPerfect Symbiosis: Long-term review of the fast gravel tires for 80% road and 20% off-road on our Canyon Endurace CFR.27.11.23 08:42 1.6462023-11-27T08:42:00+01:00
With the new Michelin Power Adventure range, the French manufacturer expanded its gravel portfolio with high-performance TLR tires in sizes from 30C to 48C, each available in two colors. Compared to the Michelin Power Gravel, the new Power Adventure is characterized by its more moderate profile. This is designed to offer high mileage and low rolling resistance on asphalt as well as good grip on gravel. Michelin recommends these tires for riders who are primarily on asphalt (80%) but also want to be well-equipped for occasional excursions on gravel (20%).
We tested the tire both in dry and wet conditions on our Canyon Endurace road bike and found that the Power Adventure also makes a confident impression in a challenging 50/50 road/gravel environment.
Michelin Power Adventure
In line with Michelin's "All Sustainable" strategy, all packaging is fully recyclable and made from cardboard and paper. These come from responsible sources and are produced with sustainable materials such as plant-based inks and water-based adhesives.
Michelin Power Adventure
| TLR Classic | TLR Competition Line | |
| Dimensions & Colors | 700x30C 700x36C 700x42C 700x48C | 700x30C 700x36C 700x42C |
| Color | Black/Brown | Black |
| Type | Folding tire, TLR | Folding tire, TLR |
| Tire Compound | Gum-X | Gum-X |
| Casing | 3x100 TPI | 3x100 TPI |
| Puncture Protection | Bead to Bead Shield | Bead to Bead Shield |
| Tire Pressure (30C-48C) | 2 - 5 bar | 2 - 5 bar |
| Weight* | 700x30C: 340 g 700x36C: 390 g* 700x42C: 450 g 700x48C: 510 g | 700x30C: 330 g 700x36C: 380 g 700x42C: 440 g |
| Online Shop Prices** | from approx. € 42.00 | from approx. € 39.00 |
* Manufacturer's specifications: Our Classic weighed exactly 400 grams in 36C on the BB scale.
** RRP prices from € 59.95
The Michelin Power Adventure is available in 28 inches in widths of 30, 36, 42, and 48 millimeters - optionally with black or brown sidewalls. The MSRP: 59.95 Euros for the 30- and 36-mm versions, 67.95 Euros for 42 and 48 mm tire widths.
Stan's NoTubes Tubeless Installation
- No snakebite punctures from impacts without a tube
- Small holes do not cause flats but are immediately sealed
- Tubeless tires can be ridden with less pressure
- More comfort through a better adaptation of the tire to the terrain
- More grip and reduced rolling resistance
- Tubeless Valves (DT Swiss) in the optimal length
- Tubeless Rim Tape (DT Swiss) in the correct width
- Sealant (Stan's NoTubes Tire Sealant)
- Filling Syringe (Stan's NoTubes Tire Sealant Injector)
- Brake Cleaner or Degreaser
- Scissors for cutting the Tubeless Rim Tape
- Valve Core Tool (Stan's NoTubes Core Remover Tool)
- Schwalbe's Easy Fit Mounting Fluid
- Floor Pump
Assembly
In terms of its tire shape, the Power Adventure almost perfectly harmonizes with the ERC 1100 wheels. The transition from tire to rim appears balanced and promises good aerodynamics as well as low susceptibility to crosswinds. Of course, the inner rim width of the wheels could still be wider.
Tips for mounting the Power Adventure in 36C:
- Inner rim width 15 - 25 mm (optimal 23C)
- Pay attention to the tire’s direction of rotation
- At least 2 bar up to a maximum of 5 bar
Technology: Profile Design and Tire Compound
The tread pattern of the Power Adventure is characterized by small blocks on the shoulders and a smooth tread area. The Gum-X rubber compound by Michelin was developed to offer an optimal compromise between grip, performance, and wear. Here, the harder compound in the center ensures low rolling resistance and a long lifespan, while the softer shoulders provide the necessary grip in corners and sufficient traction off-road.
In addition, the Power Adventure benefits from the Bead-to-Bead technology with crosswise arranged fibers along the tread area and the sides, which promises high puncture protection and long lifespan. The carcass of the tire is made of 3x100 TPI (threads per inch) and is tubeless-ready.
The profile of the Michelin Power Adventure
Small blocks on the shoulders and a narrow, smooth central strip - naturally not optimal for deep, muddy terrains, but a guarantee for low rolling resistance on firm gravel and asphalt.
The Michelin Power Adventure TLR in Review
The Power Adventure TLR 36C review tires in the Classic version were declared a top priority by NoPain and mounted on DT Swiss ERC 1100 Gen2 wheels. This gave his Canyon Endurace CFR a real performance boost for the cold and wet autumn and winter months. "Mounting easy, rolling resistance good, grip excellent" - this is how NoPain's experiences can be succinctly summarized.
Michelin advertises the Power Adventure with "durability, puncture resistance, and minimal rolling resistance". After 6 rides or around 300 kilometers, we can only speculate about the first points: "Should be fine!" Regarding the rolling resistance, however, we can already give an enthusiastic verdict.
The rubber compound feels very sticky, which is reflected in an excellent grip on the road. Of course, the rolling resistance is noticeably higher than, for example, the previously mounted Schwalbe Pro One TLE racing slicks in 30C, but significantly lower than with roughly studded gravel tires or even semi-gravel slicks. Moreover, the Power Adventure tires also convey an incredibly high level of safety in curves in cold and wet conditions and offer sufficient traction even on muddy leaf salads.
Right from the start, they accelerate well, even though they weigh 400 grams. Yet, they are not excessively heavy, as comparable 36 mm wide gravel slicks from competitors weigh about 10% more. On flat terrain, they roll well on all surfaces like dry asphalt, wet asphalt, firm gravel, dirt roads, and mud; we also felt completely comfortable under all conditions during fast descents on asphalt.
While scouting the route for the photo shoot with his buddy @Tailor.Shots the day before, NoPain was extremely cautious on the 30C slicks, almost like walking on eggshells. During the actual shoot, however, he was able to take semi-full risks with the Power Adventure tires, both straight on and at an angle. It's truly incredible what a difference 6 millimeters of additional width at a tire pressure of 3 bars instead of 5 bars and a super soft rubber compound can make in terms of comfort, grip, and safety. For training, one should be willing to accept the minimal increase in rolling resistance.
But the Power Adventure can do even more than the promised 80/20. Thanks to their width of 36 millimeters, the all-rounders didn't even sink into loose gravel and glided effortlessly over compacted farm tracks.
Assembly easy, rolling resistance good, grip excellent.
NoPains Impressions from the Power Adventure
NoPains Conclusion
| Michelin Power Adventure Classic 32C | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 2023 |
| Review Duration: | 1 Month / 300 km |
| Price: | RRP from € 59.95 |
| + | Easy TLR assembly |
| + | Dry grip |
| + | Wet grip |
| + | High braking traction |
| + | Precise tracking |
| ? | Puncture protection |
| o | Declared RRP |
| - | Not an expert on wet, slippery roots and rocks |
| BB-Verdict: | Versatile gravel tires with great grip for graveling (80/20), bikepacking, or commuting. |
After just a few rides, I became a real fan of the Power Adventure tires, especially because of their versatility. On dry and wet asphalt as well as on well-maintained forest trails, the Power Adventure rolled extremely efficiently and conveyed a high level of safety in corners. Overall, I never felt like I had to make too many compromises with my Canyon Endurace road bike, neither compared to slicks nor to coarser gravel tires.
Naturally, due to its almost smooth profile in the middle, the tire reached its limits on more challenging terrain with roots and stones, especially in mud and slush. Nevertheless, it was wide and robust enough to be ridden with low air pressure, which brought a pleasant level of damping comfort.
For riders who are mainly on asphalt, firm gravel, and well-maintained forest trails, the Michelin Power Adventure is a reliable companion. For rough terrain, narrow trails, or muddy ground, logically the Michelin Power Gravel is more advisable.
In the long run, only power helps.
Oldie but goldie
