My Michelin CT makes it a LOT easier to get up my 110yd gravel driveway. When I ordered my CT the salesman asked why I needed a mud & snow rated tire. When I hit a little mud it'll sling it out. The factory tire just turns to a slick & spins. Lots of guys talk bad about the CT but I have my reasons for using it. And I hate having a flat on a bike & feel a lot more comfortable going dark. Welcome to the Darkside!!