July Gear Review: Michelin Pro4 Tires

Each month, our friends at Hawley share a review on the latest gear that is passing through their warehouse on its way to your local bike shop. As always, thanks to Ken Klatte, Production Artist with Hawley, for this sneak-preview and words of wisdom. For more from Hawley on the latest and greatest in bike gear, check out their blog or YouTube channel.

Charles Mingus once said that trying to write about music is like trying to dance about architecture. Keeping this in mind when I decided to write a review about the new Michelin Pro4 Service Course tires, I knew it would be difficult to convey the subtle ride qualities of something a reader must experience firsthand.

Michelin Pro4 Tires

Nevertheless, I think there are a few important aspects of the Pro4 that can be described and therefore helpful to the discerning reader. First, the Pro4 utilizes a new Silica compound. This interestingly named compound serves a two-fold purpose. It smoothens ride quality and makes the tire (according to Michelin) last 16 percent longer than their venerable Pro3.  I rode many familiar road loops that mixed fresh pavement with broken gravel and concrete. The Pro4s felt amazing at a scant 100 psi and clung to the varying road surfaces like glue. The durability of the Silica was put through the proverbial ringer on the cracked and the metal-strewn rubbish piles of Lexington County. After 700 miles, no cuts or surface abrasions!

I have continued to ride the Michelin Pro4s with the sole intent of destroying them, but as of this review, they are unscathed and eagerly anticipating a summer of epic road riding.  MSRP $48.99