Radial Tires

The radial tire was first patented by Michelin in 1946 after years of research.

This was marketed as the "X" in 1949. At that time Lancia was the first company to offer this tire as original equipment on the Aurelia. The Michelin X began a long line of revolutionary tire designs which include:

• Michelin ZX tires
• Michelin XAS tires
• Michelin XWX tires
• Michelin TRX tires.

The beauty of the radial design is that it separates the functions of the sidewall and crown of the tire, allowing greater vertical flexibility whilst ensuring that there is still as much surface in contact with the road as possible. In classic radial tires the sidewall has a one or two layers of textile cord giving good flexibility, and the tread is made rigid by combining the casing layer with two (or more) layers of steel cord bracing plies. Both these factors give the classic radial tire excellent road holding capabilities and a longer life span when compared to vintage cross-ply tires.

All prices are plus VAT.