Strengths: *Extremely low rolling resistance, which made it seem lighter than it actually is.
*Decent handling and adhension.
*Good looks.
Weaknesses: *Very poor tread integrity
Bottom Line:
I've always had great luck with Michelins, and until Vredestein started being offered in a wide variety in the U.S. I swore by Michelins. In fact, I still do. However, I have been was disappointed in the flat protection offered by the Megamium 2s. I mounted the pretty blue version on my fix gear, which I generally use for off-season training and in-season power training. On my third ride, my rear Megamium was totally ruined by what looks like it should have been a relatively small glass puncture.
I've been riding 3,00 or so miles for about 17 years now, and I've never seen a tire (particularly a Michelin) become totally decimated by a small piece of glass. Of course, glass hit the wrong way is almost certain to result in a flat. However, the Megamiums totally crapped out. The tire slit about a half inch, and the few beads of wire/kevlar, or whatever the protective band under the tread is, it did little to stop the glass from penetrating all the way through to the tube. The glass did not just puncture the tire, it went all the way through the tire. Luckily I was only going about 10 mph as I approached a light, but I can only imagine how the tire would have destructed had I been rolling along at a decent clip. I realize that "glass happens". However, the hot knife through butter thing erroded my confidence in this tire.
After seeing how the tire handled the glass, as I was changing the tire, only then did I really get to look at the stuff between the outer tread and inner portion of the tire and see how flimsy it seemed.
Needless to say, I'm done with the Megamium. I don't ask much in the way of performance from tires that I mount on my training fix. Just that they are relatively stout, not ridiculously heavy, and have respectable grip. In fact, I usually look for discount ties because I have such few demands. Well, this is a case of being pennywise and pound foolish. Changing a flat on a fix is truly a pain in the arse, and since you can't stop as easily as you can on a freewheel road bike, you've got to have confidence that you can can at least ride a flat tire down to a reasonable speed.
On the flip side, it seemed lighter than it's advertised 260 grams, rolled like nobody's business, and was a good looking as tires go. The lack of rolling resistance was really exquisite.
Maybe it was just a freak incident, but I doubt it. Nevertheless, I don't have any confidence in the Megamiums and would advise you to beware.
These have been excellent tires. Very durable, very flat resistant and good grip. They are a little wider than most 700X23's. At 276g they are a little on the heavy side but not bad for a durable, trustworthy, training tire.
Strengths: Good long distance training tire
Good performance in cold and rain
Good price, decent tire
Weaknesses: They weigh more than zero, cost more than zero, get flats if you roll over nails, not pro level racing tires
Bottom Line:
I put one season on Megamium2, and just bought a replacement set- I like 'em.
I'm riding 50-60 mile training rides with Century and Brevet goals- I'll trade some weight for smooth handling and reasonable durability.
Megamium2 looks wider to me than rated, but they coast downhill as fast or faster than anyone I've met on the road. They are predictable in summer, rain, freezing rain, and below freezing. I ride good roads, but have noticed they will pick up debris in the rubber compound- so wipe it off after riding over crud.
No flats so far (good luck plays in) but I have squared the rear tire off pretty well after about 2200 miles- no complaints about that!
Strengths: Low rolling resistance, flat resistance, smooth riding, high mileage, reasonably priced.
Weaknesses: Heavy, very wide for a 23mm tire.
Bottom Line:
I like this tire. Although a bit heavy and wide for supposedly a 23, they roll easily & ride very well. I'm close to 200# & I easily get 2000 mi. out of a set. To be fair, I rotate them at about 1000-1200 miles. Grip is adequate, but not terrific. All in all...a great "all purpose" tire. In the last 7-8000 miles, I've had 1 flat.
Weaknesses: -prone to cuts (but not through the threads)
-heavy
-wider than rated (this might be even strength)
Bottom Line:
I bought these as replacement for GP3000 and I'm an happy man since :)
Megamium is an very durable clincher, you get many miles on them. Puncture protection is made exceptionaly well...I don't remember I have ever punctured one. I destroyed a sidewall on one when I hit the pathole at 40 kph...it was more an trench, workers were puting some cables....anyway I hit it very hard and seen it only a second before so I was able to lift the front end up. I think it would have broken my fork...it was some 30 cm deep. The rear I have destroyed had some 4000 km and it looked to be in it's first half of life. New rear has 3000 km and it is looking great too. I don't see how can one wear the front. These tires are on the heavy side but I don't care much about that. They are even something wider than rated...I think that 23 mm is more like 25 mm...something I didn't like at first, but now I'm glad it is so. Outside (top) layer is prone to cuts as others already reported but doesn't get through the threads.
Local roads where i ride are in extremely bad condition...many patholes, debris, glass...but no problem for Megamium.
I have 90-95 kg and keep tham at 8,5 bars.
