Cyclocross: A Demanding Discipline
If you're already into cyclocross, you know how intense and physically demanding the sport can be. Races typically last between 1 hour and 1.5 hours, with no breaks, requiring consistent high-effort riding from start to finish.
Courses are filled with obstacles that often force riders to dismount, carry their bike, or run alongside it, especially in challenging sections like deep mud. The terrain can vary quickly, making tire selection a key factor in both grip and efficiency during competition.
As the crowd cheers and you push through sweat and mud, it’s clear that cyclocross is a sport of passion and endurance. Riders push their limits in fast-paced races, and while having a bike built for cyclocross is essential, it’s not enough, you also need tires specifically designed for this demanding discipline.
Cyclocross Tires for Specialists
In cyclocross, grip is everything. To improve traction, riders use wider tires, which provide a larger contact patch and allow for lower pressure, enhancing control over difficult terrain.
While road bikes once capped tire widths at 28mm, modern cyclocross bikes now support up to 33mm, which is the maximum width allowed by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale). This width strikes a balance between speed and control, offering optimal performance across cyclocross courses.
Experienced riders switch tires based on course conditions, typically using one set for dry, hard-packed terrain and another for muddy or sandy conditions.
Cyclocross Tires for Dry Terrain
For dry courses, we recommend the Michelin Power Cyclocross Jet. Its tread pattern, inspired by Michelin’s Cross-Country MTB range, delivers exceptional grip on firm ground.
It also features Bead to Bead Shield Technology, with reinforced protection along both the tread and sidewalls, offering increased resistance to punctures, ideal for demanding Canadian courses with mixed surfaces.
Since cyclocross races often take place in winter, muddy courses may harden in freezing temperatures. In these conditions, the Michelin Power Cyclocross Jet tire performs better than models designed for soft ground.
This tire, sized 33-622, is available in two versions:
-Tubeless Ready
-Tubular
Cyclocross Tires for Soft Terrain
If you're racing on muddy, sandy, or soft ground, the best choice is the Michelin Power Cyclocross Mud range. The spaced tread studs improve handling in deep mud, while Bead to Bead Shield Technology reinforces the tread and sidewalls for enhanced puncture protection.
Even on muddy tracks, there are often brief dry sections, where speed still matters. But if most of the course is soft, the Michelin Power Cyclocross Mud tire’s structure offers superior grip and consistent performance.
This tire is also available in 33-622, in both:
Tubeless Ready
Tubular
Should You Choose Tubeless or Tubular Tires?
Your choice depends on budget and performance goals:
-Tubular tires are glued to specific wheels, allowing for very low pressures, better grip, and no risk of dislodgement—ideal for top-level racing.
-Tubeless Ready tires, used with an inner tube or sealant, offer strong performance at a more accessible price point.
Both options offer comparable durability, but tubulars have a softer casing, better at absorbing small shocks and riding smoothly at lower pressures, an advantage on technical Canadian cyclocross courses.
Cyclocross Tires for Occasional Competitors
If you’re an occasional cyclocross rider, Michelin offers two versatile options that deliver solid performance without requiring multiple wheelsets:
Michelin Power Gravel – Available in 33-622, this tire is a great fit for mixed conditions, especially on courses with both wet and dry sections. Its versatile structure makes it ideal if you’re not competing regularly and prefer a single, all-around tire for your cyclocross and gravel rides.
Michelin Power Adventure – For dry cyclocross courses, this 30-622 tire provides fast rolling performance, along with on- and off-road versatility. While slightly narrower than the UCI maximum, it offers excellent speed, protection, and durability, making it a smart choice for rolling courses and multi-use setups.