Michelin says the new Power Cup is its “fastest ever road tyre”

By Simon von Bromley

Published: Wednesday, 09 March 2022 at 12:00 am

Michelin has announced the new Power Cup range of clincher, tubeless-ready and tubular road bike tyres.

The French brand claims independent testing by Finnish lab Wheel Energy shows the 700 x 25c clincher version offers lower rolling resistance than key competitors such as the Continental GP5000, Schwalbe Pro One and Vittoria Corsa 2.0.

Despite this, Michelin claims weight, grip and puncture protection are all highly competitive within this category.

Michelin Power Cup key features

  • Available in clincher, tubeless-ready or tubular form
  • Michelin claims independent testing by Wheel Energy shows the Power Cup clincher offers lower rolling resistance than competitors such as Continental’s GP5000, Schwalbe’s Pro One and Vittoria’s Corsa G2.0
  • Claimed weights for the clincher and tubeless-ready versions are low, at 200g and 255g, respectively, for 700 x 25c tyres
  • Prices start at £62.99 for clincher or tubeless-ready versions, and from £99.99 for tubulars

Wheel Energy tests

"michelin
Michelin claims the Power Cup has lower rolling resistance than key competitors.
Michelin

Michelin says the Power Cup was subject to four tests at Wheel Energy, an independent tyre testing lab in Finland (we collaborated with Wheel Energy previously for a road bike tyre group test).

The tests were designed by Wheel Energy to determine rolling resistance, grip, tread puncture resistance and sidewall puncture resistance.

Michelin says the results of these tests show “the fastest tyre with the lowest rolling resistance of the tyres on test, whilst also delivering excellent levels of grip”.

According to the rolling resistance tests, a 700 x 25c Michelin Power Cup clincher consumes an average of 12.75 watts, compared to 12.85 watts for a Continental GP5000, 16.825 watts for a Schwalbe Pro One and 18.05 watts for a Vittoria Corsa G2.0.

"Michelin
Wheel Energy’s test data shows the Michelin Power Cup offers marginally less rolling resistance than the next closest competitor, the Continental GP5000.
Wheel Energy
"Michelin
Details of Wheel Energy’s rolling resistance test protocol.
Wheel Energy
It also notes, “despite being the lightest of all the brands on test, the Michelin Power Cup tyres also demonstrated outstanding puncture resistance”.

The tests for grip and puncture protection show the Power Cup as competitive with the other tyres on test, but not an outright leader in either category.

"Michelin
Wheel Energy’s tests show there’s little to separate the four tyres when it comes to wet grip under braking.
Wheel Energy
"Michelin
Results from the wet cornering test show the Michelin Power Cup as competitive with key rivals.
Wheel Energy
"Michelin
Details of Wheel Energy’s grip test protocol.
Wheel Energy
"Michelin
Tread puncture resistance data from Wheel Energy puts the Michelin Power Cup in second of the four tested.
Wheel Energy
"Michelin
The Michelin Power Cup also finished second in the sidewall puncture resistance test.
Wheel Energy
"Michelin
Details of Wheel Energy’s puncture protection tests.
Wheel Energy

Michelin Power Cup specifications, pricing and availability

"Group
The Michelin Power Cup range is available now.
Michelin

The Michelin Power Cup range is available now, with prices starting from £42.99 for clincher versions, £62.99 for tubeless-ready versions and £99.99 for tubular versions.

International pricing is yet to be confirmed, but we will update this article when we receive that information.

Michelin Power Cup clincher specifications

"Michelin
The Michelin Power Cup clincher tyre has a 3×120 TPI casing.
Michelin
  • Available sizes: 700 x 25c, 700 x 28c, 700 x 30c
  • Claimed weight: 200g (700 x 25c)
  • Casing (threads per inch): 3×120 TPI
  • Sidewall colours: Black or classic
  • Price: £42.99 (black) or £51.99 (classic)

Michelin Power Cup tubeless-ready specifications

"Michelin
The Michelin Power Cup tubeless-ready tyre has an added layer to improve air retention.
Michelin
  • Available sizes: 700 x 25c, 700 x 28c, 700 x 30c
  • Claimed weight: 255g (700 x 25c)
  • Casing (threads per inch): 4×120 TPI
  • Sidewall colours: Black or classic
  • Price: £62.99 (black) or £64.99 (classic)

Michelin Power Cup tubular specifications

"michelin
The Michelin Power Cup tubular uses a latex inner tube to reduce rolling resistance.
Michelin
  • Available sizes: 700 x 23c, 700 x 25c, 700 x 28c
  • Claimed weight: 265g (700 x 23c)
  • Casing (threads per inch): 2×160 TPI
  • Sidewall colours: Black or classic
  • Price: £99.99 (700 x 23c, black), £104.99 (700 x 25/28c, black) or £114.99 (classic)