Michelin Pro 3 Race - Got Mine Today!

robbarker
robbarker Posts: 1,367
edited May 2008 in Workshop
They look like Pro Race 2s with a different logo!

I'll fit them first thing in the morning, take them for a spin and report back...

Comments

  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    Ordered mine from Parkers y-day (who now do free postage!)
    M.Rushton
  • toontra
    toontra Posts: 1,160
    mrushton wrote:
    Ordered mine from Parkers y-day (who now do free postage!)

    Bugger - they weren't doing free postage when I ordered mine last month!

    a serious case of small cogs
  • campagsarge
    campagsarge Posts: 434
    Be interested to know what you guys think of them. I cannot fault the Pro Race 2's.

    Good to know that Parkers are now offering free postage.
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    I mounted the Pro 3 Race, along with a new pair of AirComp latex inner tubes, on my road bike, a Ginat TCR C2 with Ksyrium Elite wheels.

    The tyres mount easily, as did their predecessors, and look great. They measure up to exactly 23mm on the vernier at 115 PSI and the new bolder logo and "service course" designation give them that extra tad of credibility to those "in the know".

    The new silica compound feels very soft to the touch - not quite putty-like but textured and with a grippy feel. Their appearance is similar to the old Pro Race 2s; Pro 3 Race are only available initially in two-tone grey, with a mid grey central band against a normal dark grey sidewall. My bike is silver, grey and black and they look superb on it, giving a purposeful and speedy look.

    Initial riding impressions are very similar to those experienced with Pro Race 2s - a fast-rolling and grippy tyre.

    I set out in damp and greasy conditions and wasn't in the mood to push the envelope, particularly on new tyres with mould release on the treads, but they did feel very sure footed and very quick - possibly a bit quicker than I remember Pro Race 2s being.

    I think it will tke a longer ride on Monday, in (fingers crossed) dry conditions, to develop a firmer view of these tyres, but first impressions are very favourable.
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    OK, I just got in from a much longer and drier ride. I can't give an objective report, these are simply my subjective impressions.

    New tyres are always going to feel better than old, and I'm running latex inner tubes rather than butyl, but I can sense a real advance over my old Pro Race 2s.

    The bike seems to have a greater sense of urgency and the tyres roll superbly. I don't know if they are constructed differently, but these seem to be slightly plusher and silkier, and yet feel faster.

    They are particularly impressive at higher speeds and just seem to fly. Cornering is very sure-footed, especially over damp patches, and the level of grip seems as good as, if not better than, ever.

    They are a country mile ahead of anything I've ever tried from anyone else, so a big thumbs up from me!
  • maxbass
    maxbass Posts: 64
    does anyone know where to source different colours of these, or when they're to be released in the uk. I'm after some red ones.
    have some of this !!!!http://youtube.com/watch?v=GHJErrp4eOw
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Probably May/june, they've got some lovely colours being released thats for sure. Will wait for the colours before i get mine, grey bit dull.

    http://www.parker-international.co.uk/P ... 885b36b67d
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    I read it could be as late as autumn until the Technicolor versions come out. The product manager was on one of the forums saying that the grey is the biggest seller by far, and that they have turned all production over to that until they have sufficient stock.
  • toontra
    toontra Posts: 1,160
    Just been out on mine. They seem very grippy for new tyres, and also very fast. Just a few dark miles so far but hopes are high!

    a serious case of small cogs
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    edited March 2008
    I've put a few more miles into these now in varying conditions.

    I like them. A lot. They inspire confidence on high speed descents. Cornering grip is outstanding, especially in damp conditions.

    Highly recommended.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    robbarker wrote:
    I've out a few more miles into these now in varying conditions.

    I like them. A lot. They inspire confidence on high speed descents. Cornering grip is outstanding, especially in damp conditions.

    Highly recommended.

    Are they really noticeably any different from PR2s though?
    I like bikes...

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  • TheGreatGatsby
    TheGreatGatsby Posts: 818
    Ordering mine in replace of the Carbon Krilions on the Colnago when I get back from Paris.

    Gats
  • aarw
    aarw Posts: 448
    @ robbarker.

    did you try them without the latex tubes? latex tubes IMO make a signifcant difference in the feel of a tyre, more subtle, festar rolling, more lively. i very much doubt the good feeling you get in the corners is a resul of the tubes though.

    the vredstein latex tubes are a very good alternative to the aircomps, and lighter too.
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    robbarker wrote:
    I read it could be as late as autumn until the Technicolor versions come out. The product manager was on one of the forums saying that the grey is the biggest seller by far, and that they have turned all production over to that until they have sufficient stock.

    Well seeing as the grey is the only one available then this stands to reason. I shall be waiting for the colours to come out, autumn isn't that far away.Until then my excellent condition ProRace 2s will do me fine. :D
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    redddraggon wrote:

    Are they really noticeably any different from PR2s though?

    Probably not enough to justify throwing away a new pair of PR2s, but I think they offer better grip on fast descents on a damp road surface certainly. They roll just as well, if not better.

    Entirely subjective judgement though - YMMV.
  • maxbass
    maxbass Posts: 64
    i asked when the colours would be released and found this on michelin uk - http://www.michelin.co.uk/uk/front/affi ... ubrique=66
    many colours released june 08 :D
    have some of this !!!!http://youtube.com/watch?v=GHJErrp4eOw
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    25mm ones too in September - great combination of grip, comfort and handling, just what you need for racing in this country
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • simmo3801
    simmo3801 Posts: 486
    How do you find the latex tubes? Don't they lose air much more rapidly than normal? Was toying with the idea of using them for the Etape Caledonia sportive but not sure how well they would stay inflated???
    Giant Anthem X3 2013
  • wildmoustache
    wildmoustache Posts: 4,010
    I think our firiend the placebo effect is at work with this product!

    They are certainly harder to get on the rim than PR2s and I feel they are bit less comfortable due to the smaller air pocket (though that might be placebo as well), but as for being able to feel the lower rolling resistance ... come on guys!
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    The latex tubes do lose air overtime and you have to pump them each time you ride - it's not an issue during a long day ride though, for instance. I like them paired up with PR3s - the ride feels subjectively fsater and plusher compared to PR2s and butyl tubes. I make no claim to this being in any wany a scientific comparison though!

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