Michelin Pro3 Race™ Review Pro Review - by Steve Cooper
- High Density Puncture Protector (HDPP) nylon belt.
- New dual-compound tread.
- 20 percent more straight line grip than the Pro2 Race.
- New shoulder rubber offers a huge 40 percent improvement.
- Weight: 200g.
- MSRP: $59
Overview:
Reports I’ve read on Michelin’s Pro3 Race are binary. Riders either to seem to praise them or malign them. As far as I can tell, the significant difference in each review seems to have more to do with how soon or frequently the rider flatted versus how the tires handled on the road.
While a tire’s review should be linked to how well it both performs and holds up on the road, it’s hard from this reviewer’s perspective to bash a high performance tire solely based on whether a puncture occurred. Punctures are a risk unless riding on a swept course or a track. And lightweight performance tires are more prone to puncture or cut than a heavy duty training or touring tire. Put a rough and tumble tire in front of me for review, and I’ll shift that focus around to put durability front and center. But let’s be straight up – these are high performance tires first, and second, training tires for those blessed with a respectable tire budget, riding on pristine roads, with an absolute need for every spin to feel sporty.
