Michelin built its reputation on road rubber, and the Power Gravel applies that pavement expertise to mixed-surface riding. The small-block tread pattern prioritizes rolling efficiency — knobs sit low and tightly spaced across the center, presenting minimal deformation resistance when the tire contacts hardpack, packed dirt, or the asphalt sections that connect most gravel routes. This is a tire for riders who measure gravel days partly by average speed, not just adventure. If your routes lean toward fire roads, packed trails, and county backroads rather than singletrack and loose chunk, the Power Gravel matches that riding style.

The tread works best when surfaces stay firm. Center knobs roll fast on packed surfaces while providing enough edge for acceleration traction and controlled braking. Shoulder knobs step up slightly in height and spacing, offering grip when you lean into corners without the aggressive profile that would slow you down between turns. The transition zone maintains predictable behavior as lean angle increases — the tire communicates what's happening at the contact patch rather than suddenly letting go. On loose gravel and dry dirt, the knobs dig in enough to maintain forward progress without the dramatic bite that deeper treads provide in truly soft conditions.

X-Miles compound balances grip with longevity, formulated to maintain performance over extended mileage rather than optimizing purely for traction or rolling resistance. The rubber stays supple enough to conform to surface irregularities, maximizing the small-block pattern's grip potential. When trails turn wet, the compound maintains reasonable traction on hard surfaces, though the shallow tread depth limits effectiveness in actual mud — this tire is designed around dry and mixed conditions rather than all-weather capability.... Read More