Bibby’s switches to Michelin X Coach Z following comparative trial

Six months into a year-long trial, and Bibby’s of Ingleton has seen enough to know it wants to fit its entire 38-strong coach fleet with the latest generation Michelin X Coach Z tyres.

The Yorkshire-based firm was one of the first UK coach operators to evaluate the new range. Testing involved fitting a set of 295/80 R22.5 Michelin X Coach Z tyres to a freshly-delivered Temsa Safari and trialling them against same-spec coach fitted with a competitor product.

Commenting on the Michelin tyres’ performance, Peter Bibby, managing director at Bibby’s of Ingleton, says: “I wanted to see for myself the difference between the two fitments after the positive feedback our drivers gave us. Instantly, I felt how much smoother the coach ran and how excellent the road handling was compared to the competitor tyres.”

In order to deliver longer-lasting performance, the Michelin X Coach Z has a regenerating tread pattern that changes as it wears, with grooves and water clearing channels opening in the latter stages of the tyre’s life. The new groove design also helps maximise the contact patch, putting more rubber on the ground for better wet grip.

Stuart Best, workshop manager at Bibby’s of Ingleton, says: “Michelin approached us to be part of this pre-launch trial and we were keen to run it and see the benefits of the fitment. The coach has travelled nearly 40,000 kilometres and has shown about half a millimetre of tread wear.

“We’ve been fitting predominantly Michelin tyres for 50 years and we always get consistent performance; this latest tyre was no different, delivering excellent grip and handling,” Best adds.

The 295/80 R22.5 Michelin X Coach Z was launched onto the market in September 2018 and is suitable for regrooving and retreading.

A family-run business, Bibby’s of Ingleton has been providing coach services since 1956. Its fleet of 38 coaches provides coach holidays, coach day excursions and private hire.