Michelin DH22 vs Maxxis Assegai DH: Which Front Tyre Is Faster?

Seems to be testing the outdated wire bead version of the Michelins. Maybe it's brexit and whats available in the UK.

There are advantages and disadvantages to the wire bead. The disadvantages are obvious, because it's heavier than the folding bead, as well as being harder and more expensive to ship and store.

The upside to the wire bead is less obvious, which is that it's harder to burp or unseat while riding. Talking with Pierre Eduard Ferry, who helped with the Nukeproof team on the development of Michelin's DH line, he said that's why they originally went with the wire bead. He said that with a wire bead, a burp would have to move several inches of bead off the rim sidewall in order for air to escape, compared to a folding bead where it's flexible enough that the bead can unsettle in a short section, as short as 1/2". He did note that it's more of a benefit for EWS and WC downhill racers and less important for average Joe's, because it's pretty rare for an average Joe to rip a tire off the rim or even burp it. Still, I thought that was interesting. Hadn't thought of burping as a product of bead material.

Haven't ridden the wire beads but It's a completely different casing resulting in lower rolling resistance. I've seen reviews comparing the two versions saying it's not that big a difference. My experience is that the new version has a bit less rolling resistance than the assegai, equal grip and sheds mud better.