Commander III vs Rt 66

[Nails]

I've been a fan of Pirelli Route 66 (MT66) on XII for the following reasons: they're cheap; they're 90's technology (like the rest of my bike, including the suspension design); and they give lots of traction (especially in the wet). But they wear out pretty quick.

I'm mostly using my XII for long trips; and I don't really want to change tires on the road. That means I usually have to change out MT66s that still have some life in them ... else come home on cords (it's happened). This week I took off my front tire that still has about 1500 miles of life because I'm heading out on a 4-5K trip.

I actually wanted another MT66 but couldn't find one in these "supply lines" days. So I got a Michelin Commander III instead. (My back tire is still an MT66.) After just 50 miles of mostly freeway, here's how I compare them:

• The CIII is about twice as expensive, but it should last about twice as long. I support my local bike shop mostly by having them mount/balance my tires. With MT66, I pay an extra $50 for mounting/balancing over the life of a CIII. With half the possibility of taking off a tire that still has some life in it, the CIII surely comes in a little less expensive per mile. But there isn't really much money in it.

• The CIII definitely feels different, sorta like an MT66 that's way over-inflated. (Actually, right now the CIII has a couple pounds less air in it than I usually run.) The CIII feels harder, like a solid rubber tire compared to a pneumatic one, especially on gravel. (That over-states the case -- just trying to describe how it feels.)

• The CIII seems to steer quicker.

• The CIII gives more road noise.

• The MT66 has a smoother ride.

• I don't have any information to compare traction. But the MT66 is a tough act to follow.

I tried to get across that the above differences are subtle. If I were riding short distances and at risk of having my tires get old before wearing out, I'd definitely go for the MT66. But as it is, I think I'll be perfectly happy with the CIII -- which I'll probably get on the back after this next trip.

[ekap1200]

I am the same way with tires. And I would put good rubber out to the curb, to have new rubber for a 2 week high mileage ride. But after all this supply line crap I will be keeping a 35 % tire for future use in case things dry up. I have been an Avon user for quite some time and they have became hard to find. We finally found a set from J & P , IN STOCK , with the only exception being the rear is an 80V instead of 80H. Not that I will be doing 149mph , but it was in stock. The rear sold for 221.99 and the front 153.99 free shipping and it was on the UPS truck when I arrived home from work. Not going on any long trip and with many miles left on the set on the bike, I will just sit on these new tires for a bit. My riding time has been cut short this year due to many factors but I ride when I can. Have to miss the Rally this year , as aging parents need me to stay near NJ.
Ya'll have a great Rally
Gene Kap

[SgtSlag]

Agree on the MT66 tires! Superb traction, but low mileage. Put a set of CIII's on last time, and they are good, but not as good as the MT66's. Ride 2-up, 98%, so traction is King, Baby! The short life on the MT66's is disheartening, and expensive as my shop changes them. Cheers!

[Nails]

After a thousand miles, I regretted buying this CIII. My biggest bitch is that the tire bounces like crazy at about 30MPH. The top of my windshield bounces almost 1/2" with each wheel rotation. I didn't really notice earlier because I don't spend much time at 30MPH and just chalked it up to bad pavement like braking bumps. But for the last couple days I'm riding in National Parks where 30MPH is the mode. Sticks out like a sore thumb.

This only happens at 30, plus or minus 5. Runs acceptably smooth everywhere else except near 80, where I get a nasty, coarse vibration. Which sucks because around here the freeways are posted 80MPH.

I'm running the recommended 32psi. I overinflated to 39psi (like most folks here seem to do), and it helped a lot. When the tire heated up to 44psi (thank you Mr. TPMS), the 80MPH part settled down to the point that I could ride 75 without any problem. And after a few hundred hot miles like that, I could put up with excursions over 80 (the vibration was just a gentle reminder to slow down). That made me only an hour or so overdue on yesterday's 750 mile ride.

At this point, 2K from home, I don't really know how the 30MPH bouncing still is, or what it'll be like when I take off on cold tires. The bike is parked under the hotel canopy, and I can find plenty to do within walking distance of downtown Missoula. I need the break off the bike.

I know what you're thinking: the tire is defective and I'm going to die. I don't see anything obviously wrong just looking at the tire, and I didn't find anything on the web about a history like this (quick search). I have no reason to suspect the tire balance, even if it has four weights glued to the same place on the wheel.

I plan to ride it home, especially if it really is settling down with some use. But it won't be in my life very long after I get home. Even without this funky bounciness, I still don't have any reason to like this tire. My second complaint is the road noise. I could go on.

I see that Michelin has tech help. But I bought the tire on line (I'll have to look up where when I get back), and I'll be surprised (and mighty impressed) if Michelin does anything to help me.

My crystal ball is saying Lucky Sevens.

[VoyKimmer]

I run 40 on the front and 42 on the rear on trips. Going thru 110 OAT I don’t want to know my tire pressures or temperature but my elite IIIs are running good. My next set will be avons.
Already have them mounted on chrome wheels.

[cushman eagle]

After a thousand miles, I regretted buying this CIII. My biggest bitch is that the tire bounces like crazy at about 30MPH. The top of my windshield bounces almost 1/2" with each wheel rotation. I didn't really notice earlier because I don't spend much time at 30MPH and just chalked it up to bad pavement like braking bumps. But for the last couple days I'm riding in National Parks where 30MPH is the mode. Sticks out like a sore thumb.

This only happens at 30, plus or minus 5. Runs acceptably smooth everywhere else except near 80, where I get a nasty, coarse vibration. Which sucks because around here the freeways are posted 80MPH.

I'm running the recommended 32psi. I overinflated to 39psi (like most folks here seem to do), and it helped a lot. When the tire heated up to 44psi (thank you Mr. TPMS), the 80MPH part settled down to the point that I could ride 75 without any problem. And after a few hundred hot miles like that, I could put up with excursions over 80 (the vibration was just a gentle reminder to slow down). That made me only an hour or so overdue on yesterday's 750 mile ride.

At this point, 2K from home, I don't really know how the 30MPH bouncing still is, or what it'll be like when I take off on cold tires. The bike is parked under the hotel canopy, and I can find plenty to do within walking distance of downtown Missoula. I need the break off the bike.

I know what you're thinking: the tire is defective and I'm going to die. I don't see anything obviously wrong just looking at the tire, and I didn't find anything on the web about a history like this (quick search). I have no reason to suspect the tire balance, even if it has four weights glued to the same place on the wheel.

I plan to ride it home, especially if it really is settling down with some use. But it won't be in my life very long after I get home. Even without this funky bounciness, I still don't have any reason to like this tire. My second complaint is the road noise. I could go on.

I see that Michelin has tech help. But I bought the tire on line (I'll have to look up where when I get back), and I'll be surprised (and mighty impressed) if Michelin does anything to help me.

My crystal ball is saying Lucky Sevens.

I have had no issue with my Commander III tires Nails.I have 3000 miles on my fronnt.and 2500 on my rear
I wonder if you do have a faulty one

[Nails]

I'm curious what Michelin thinks.

[buzzcut]

No issues with michelins III's either. I run at 40 front 42 rear also

[Nails]

My tire was out of balance. Granted, I did ride 20 miles on a bumpy dirt road. But after I took it in to confirm the balance, four wheel weights that were all side-by-side (placed when the new tire was originally mounted) had been removed, and three were added to the opposite side. Same tire, same mounting, just some 3500 miles later.

I like that indie shop, but I think he screwed up this balance the first time. Kinda bummed he charged me to re-balance, but it was only $10. (He spin-balances them.)

Definitely glad I (probably) won't have to send it back and argue with Michelin. I say "probably" because I still need to put it back on the bike to see.

[krasmu]

I installed MT66 on front and rear at the end of the season last year. I've noticed the same low speed bounce, mainly from the rear. Checked the balance and they are still good. Put it on the center stand for 24 hours to let the flat spot settle out and rotated the tire. Can clearly see a high spot. At that point I set up an indicator setup and got my best readings and found the rear to be out of round by .040 and the front was .032. I called the manufacturer and they said they were within spec but that if I wanted to send them in (at my cost) they would gladly inspect and replace if found faulty. Knowing that they are not as out of round as they feel, I've decided to run them and see if time wears them better or worse.
Otherwise, I love the ride and grip of the MT66. My bike finally floats over bumps.

[usmalenurse]

I've been running the CIII's for a while now and haven't had any issues with them. Good mileage and no handling issues. Will agree that they are "pricey" to say the least....

[Bonnie and Clyde]

How many miles are you guys getting on a rear tire? 2 Rears to one front?

I have a 3,200k +or- mile trip planned in Sept, and im starting on new Conti tour tires. Will i need to plan on buying a rear on the road? 2 Up with luggage

[Nails]

As an update, I still don't care very much for this CIII. It's bouncy -- not out-of-balance bouncy, but prone to bouncing more than it should on things like braking bumps on exit ramps. I tried different air pressures without much change. Right now, I'm running 32psi just like the manual says. (It feels like 32psi is over-inflated. And 40psi was even more bouncy -- of course.)

Good enough, but my next one probably will be a Shinko 777.