My Michelin Pro Race Tire Review: In late spring or early summer of 2011, I made the switch from Bontrager R3 700x23c tires to the Michelin Pro 3 Race Service Course 700x23c road tires on my Trek Madone 5.2 road bike. After logging over 1, 200 miles on them, I'm offering this detailed review based on real world performance.
Michelin Pro 3 First Impressions
I paid around $110 for the pair, which was comparable to other high-performance road tires at the time. These are foldable clincher tires, and the first thing I noticed was how lightweight and supple they felt out of the box. The tread felt soft and pliable, but the sidewalls seemed unusually thin. Mounting them was a bit of a challenge compared to my usual Bontrager R3s, they fit tight on my Bontrager Racelite rims.
Ride Feel and Performance on the Road
Once inflated to maximum pressure, my first ride felt noticeably softer than expected. I even stopped to double-check tire pressure, thinking they were low. However, this was simply the Pro 3's high-comfort design in action. After a few rides, I began appreciating the tire's ability to absorb vibrations and imperfections on the road, all while staying reasonably fast and extremely quiet.
Eventually, I bumped the pressure slightly above max (to around 120 PSI) due to my weight (185–190 lbs). This helped reduce the "too soft" feeling without sacrificing ride comfort. Overall, the tire felt stable, grippy, and responsive.
Pros:
- Superb comfort and road vibration absorption
- Extremely quiet rolling
- Lightweight and agile
- Confident handling in corners
Cons:
- Slightly slower rolling speed than the Bontrager R3
- Soft rubber compound picks up debris easily
- More prone to pinch flats and cuts
Durability and Wear Over Time
Despite enjoying the smooth ride, I soon noticed excessive wear. The softer rubber compound seemed to attract sharp debris, leading to visible nicks and cuts even after just a few hundred miles. I ride primarily on clean paved roads, shoulders, and trails, yet by 780 miles, the tires had suffered enough damage that I considered them unsafe for high-speed riding.
I also experienced two pinch flats, likely due to the thinner, more flexible sidewalls. It became clear that while this tire excels in comfort, its durability suffers, especially for heavier riders.
Data & Performance Tracking
Using GPS and ride tracking tools, I found that my average speed dropped by about 0.3 to 0.5 mph on my daily routes compared to the Bontrager R3. Initially, I thought it was due to the heat or fatigue, but switching back to the R3 confirmed that the Pro 3 is indeed slower for me.
Michelin Pro 3 Race Tire Review Summary
- Ride Comfort: 5/5 – Incredibly smooth and shock-absorbing
- Rolling Resistance: 3.5/5 – Slightly slower than top-tier race tires
- Durability: 2.5/5 – Wears quickly and prone to cuts
- Puncture Resistance: 3/5 – Not ideal for heavier riders or rough conditions
- Grip & Handling: 4.5/5 – Confident in corners, especially in dry weather
- Value for Money: 3.5/5 – Great comfort but limited lifespan
Michelin Pro 3 vs. Bontrager T2 700x28c – Tire Comparison
While both tires are designed for road cycling, the Michelin Pro 3 and Bontrager T2 serve very different purposes. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Michelin Pro 3 Race (700x23c) | Bontrager T2 (700x28c) |
|---|---|---|
| Intended Use | Performance racing, fast training | Commuting, casual road riding, training |
| Ride Comfort | 5/5 – Very soft and smooth | 4/5 – Cushioned ride, absorbs vibrations well |
| Rolling Resistance | 3.5/5 – Slightly slower than top-tier race tires | 3/5 – Slower due to wider profile and higher weight |
| Durability | 2.5/5 – Wears fast, prone to cuts | 4.5/5 – Very durable, excellent longevity |
| Puncture Resistance | 3/5 – Prone to flats on rough roads | 4.5/5 – Resists flats and abrasions well |
| Weight | Lightweight (~200g per tire) | Heavier (~410g per tire) |
| Tire Width | 700x23c | 700x28c |
| Best For | Speed, race-day comfort | Daily riding, commuting, high mileage |
Michelin Pro 3 Race Alternatives
Since the Michelin Pro 3 is no longer in production, here are some of today’s most popular replacements worth considering:
Michelin Power Road
The modern successor to the Pro 3 and Pro 4 series, offering better puncture protection and longevity while retaining Michelin’s smooth ride feel.
Continental Grand Prix 5000
The current gold standard for performance road tires. It’s fast, grippy, durable, and versatile for both racing and endurance riding.
Vittoria Corsa N.EXT
Blends Vittoria’s famous supple ride feel with improved durability compared to their cotton-casing models, making it a strong everyday performance option.
Continental Gatorskin
A tough, high-mileage tire designed for training, commuting, and rougher conditions. Less supple than a Pro 3 but far more durable.
Schwalbe One TLE (Tubeless)
For riders moving to tubeless setups, this tire balances comfort, rolling speed, and puncture resistance while eliminating pinch flats.
Michelin Pro 3 vs. Modern Alternatives
The table below compares the Michelin Pro 3 with some of these modern replacements:
| Feature | Michelin Pro 3 Race | Michelin Power Cup | Continental GP5000 | Vittoria Corsa N.EXT | Continental Gatorskin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intended Use | Performance racing, fast training | All-around training & racing | Top-tier racing & endurance | Performance & comfort | Training, commuting, durability |
| Ride Comfort | 5/5 – Very soft & smooth | 4.5/5 – Balanced comfort | 4.5/5 – Smooth but firm | 5/5 – Supple, plush feel | 3.5/5 – Firm but reliable |
| Rolling Resistance | 3.5/5 – Slightly slower | 4/5 – Efficient & quick | 5/5 – Among the fastest | 4/5 – Good balance | 3/5 – Slower but steady |
| Durability | 2.5/5 – Wears quickly | 3.5/5 – Improved over Pro 3 | 4/5 – Good longevity | 3.5/5 – Moderate lifespan | 5/5 – Extremely durable |
| Puncture Resistance | 3/5 – Prone to cuts | 3.5/5 – Better balanced | 4/5 – Reliable protection | 3.5/5 – Decent protection | 5/5 – Excellent protection |
| Weight | ~200g (23c) | ~235g (25c) | ~220g (25c) | ~260g (26c) | ~310g (25c) |
| Best For | Comfort-focused racing | Riders who want a modern Michelin | Racers & enthusiasts chasing speed | Riders wanting comfort + performance | High-mileage, commuting, rough roads |
Best Bike Tire: Which Tire Should You Choose?
- Michelin Power Cup Road → Closest modern replacement for Pro 3 fans who value comfort.
- Continental GP5000 → Best all-around performance tire for speed, grip, and versatility.
- Vittoria Corsa N.EXT → Ideal for riders wanting supple road feel with better durability.
- Continental Gatorskin → Perfect for durability, commuting, and debris-heavy roads.
- Schwalbe One TLE → A strong option for riders switching to tubeless systems.
Final Verdict on the Michelin Pro 3 Race
My experience with the Michelin Pro 3 Race Tire is that it delivered one of the smoothest, quietest, and most comfortable rides I've ever had on a road bike. Its lightweight feel and cornering grip made it a joy on clean pavement. However, the trade offs were clear: the soft compound wore quickly, picked up debris, and its thin sidewalls made it less durable, especially for riders over 180 lbs or those riding rougher surfaces.
If comfort and ride feel are your top priorities, the Pro 3 was a fantastic tire in its day. But with modern alternatives like the Michelin Power Road, Continental GP5000, and Vittoria Corsa N.EXT, riders can now enjoy a similar supple ride with much better durability and performance balance. For high-mileage training or commuting, the Continental Gatorskin or Schwalbe One TLE (tubeless) are stronger choices.
In short, the Pro 3 set the bar for comfort, but today’s tires provide a more complete package for speed, toughness, and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Michelin Pro 3 a good race tire?
Yes, it's a solid choice for racing and fast training, offering excellent comfort, low rolling resistance, and lightweight construction. However, it's not as durable as other high-performance tires, especially under heavier riders.
What is the recommended PSI for Michelin Pro 3 tires?
The manufacturer typically recommends inflating to 100–115 PSI, depending on rider weight and road conditions. Heavier riders may benefit from slightly higher pressures (around 120 PSI) for added stability.
Is the Michelin Pro 3 Race tire durable?
Durability is where this tire falls short. The soft rubber compound wears quickly and is prone to cuts and pinch flats, especially on rough pavement or debris-filled roads.
How does the Michelin Pro 3 perform in wet conditions?
The Pro 3 offers decent grip in dry conditions but is not known for outstanding wet performance. Riders looking for wet-weather traction may want a tire with a more advanced tread compound or wet-weather focus.
Is this tire suitable for heavier riders?
Not ideal. Riders over 180 lbs may experience faster wear, pinch flats, and performance loss. Stiffer, more robust tires like the Bontrager T2 or Continental Gatorskin may be better suited.