Originally Posted By: buck91
Thats not good news! I got a killer deal on some used one that will be on the Mustang for a commute of 140 miles round trip (virtually all interstate, though).
I ran the xi-2 on a Mustang about 5 years ago and they were absolutely spectacular. Figured the alpins might not do as well in the heavy stuff but I would still expect an overall good tire from Michelin. Actually, I ran the ipike w409 from Hankook before and was VERY please, also. Those did give up a little dry pavement manners for snow traction but not unreasonably.
The iPikes have been my favorite snow tires, I've gone through 3 sets on other cars. I have owned a few different brands. I still have not had a set of Blizzaks though (one day). I got a great deal on my Alpin's used too, on CTS-V wheels already. I didn't check reviews because Michelin made them. After I drove from Philadelphia to New Hampshire while it was snowing I was a bit mad and starting researching.
Alpins are not a snow tire, but rather a "winter" tire for performance cars. They can handle some snow but are designed to be a well rounded tire in cold weather. Compared to a real snow tire, the rubber is harder and sidewall stiffer. I think this tire exists because people complain about handling loss with real snow tires. You know, since we're railing curves and doing 150 mph when it's 20 degrees out.
I left mine on the car all year to burn them up quicker, they handle and bite like a regular season in warm weather. Oh, but I have not owned a tire that stuck like these do in the rain.
