Michelin Pro4 Service Course tyres - feedback wanted

[axeman74]

Hi all,

Anyone out there using Michelin Pro4 Service Course Tyres? Looking at replacing the Vittoria Rubino Pro's currently on my roadie. Any comments on performance and durability?

Thanks

Axeman74

[rabobank89]

Get Conti GP 4000s instead

[__PG__]

Conventional wisdom seems to be that the Michelin is a softer, more supple tyre than the G4000s. The downside is of course, that it isn't as puncture proof.

[fingy]

I have had Pro 4's on the bike for ~2000km and like them,
they dont cut as easy as Pro 3, grip well, roll fast (I am using
latex tubes) are quiet and comfy.
The Rubino's cost less and would last possibly twice as long, I
expect would puncture less too although the Pro 4's have been
flat free.
The Robino is a good tyre Pro 4 is better and worth the extra $

[def]

What flingy said.

I run Pro 4 's and like the feel of them. I've been using ProRace tyres since they were Pro 2's. The Pro 3s were a bit susceptible to cuts but the 4s have been good so far.

There is a cheaper Pro 4 Endurance which I think is similar to the older Lithion (spelling?) which I also like.

I've ridden conti and Victoria but much prefer the Michelin tyres.

Having said that, I've just got my first set of tubulars and have gone with continental competitions. Keen to see how they compare.

[TDC]

A review of some tyres here

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/arti ... res-35215/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Daccordi Rider]

Pro race 4? Improved on the 3's. Great tyres, they are race tyres so you won't get 200,000 puncture proof km's but I'm fine with that for the quality of the ride and feeling of security on fast descents.

[richbee]

Pro race 4? Improved on the 3's. Great tyres, they are race tyres so you won't get 200,000 puncture proof km's but I'm fine with that for the quality of the ride and feeling of security on fast descents.

+1

Can't beat the feel of the Michelins on descents. Never had that level of confidence with the Conti's.

[Marty Moose]

I've got both, the michies to race on the gp's for faster group rides. I think the pro race 3 and 4 are a better race tire but I only get 1500k's out of a rear until the punctures settle in all to often.

Sent from my MB526 using Tapatalk 2

[axeman74]

Thanks for all the responses, much appreciated.

One thing that has me concerned about the Pro4's is this comment on the bike radar review-

"It’s definitely not a wise choice for roller/turbo trainer use though, as the extra heat softens the compound too much and leaves big dollops of tread on the rollers very quickly".

Now I use my bike on a trainer quite a lot, and I am not a big fan of swapping tyres/wheels every time I use it on a trainer. To date the Rubino Pro's have been quite resistant to wear even with lots of trainer use.

So my dilemma is the durability vs performance trade off. I know from experience that the Rubino's are very durable whilst I have no doubt the Michelins would be a class above in performance. Which to choose? I am coming off a reasonably long period of only limited riding so I am hardly an elite cyclist at this stage. I think I will need to give this some more thought.

Axeman74

[fingy]

I would stay with Robinos if you want to use a trainer
the girlfriend has a trainer only bike with Robino's and
its holding up well, smooth and shiny but not worn out.
Pro4's on a trainer could get expensive

[Xplora]

A mate had two tyres returned under warranty after basically failing almost instantly I would not purchase Michelins for any reason.

[SmellyTofu]

Haven't had problems with my Pro4SC. Chicken strip has widened at the back which indicates they are soft in compound which is fine for me as I wouldn't want a tyre too long and age. No punctures so far after 1000km. Would buy again and even better at these discounted prices whilst the new Pro4 has been released recently.

[stinhambo]

I just bought two Pro4 Service Course (Red) from Probikekit ->
http://www.probikekit.com/au/michelin-p ... -tyre.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Comes with a free Michelin inner tube with each tyre too and all for $32 each. Bargain!

[scotto]

Just replaced rubino pros with pro 4s. Used to run pro 3 always. Michelins seem bigger than Vittorias. Surprisingly, I can't tell too much difference in cornering. They are lighter though at a rather light 170gms. ( actual measurement when building up new frame )

[toolonglegs]

I used to love 3's but the only 4 I ever ran was a disaster... it just kept pinching the latex tubes ( lost a championship race because of it ) ...certainly put me off them.

[stinhambo]

I used to love 3's but the only 4 I ever ran was a disaster... it just kept pinching the latex tubes ( lost a championship race because of it ) ...certainly put me off them.

So no chance of a faulty tyre as opposed to a design defect?

[toolonglegs]

No idea what the problem was... The tyre was only raced on 3 or 4 times and it looked to be in prefect condition inside and out.

[axeman74]

Thanks for all the responses gents, the commentary has been first class.

In the end I decided to stick to what I know and bought another set of Rubino Pro's. I have never flatted the current pair and they have been very hard wearing (including lots of trainer work) so probably suit my needs better at this point in time. If I am feeling racier in the future will replace them with a set of Michelins.

Axeman74