Michelin Pro4 Service Course

Fast, light, grippy and impressively durable, Michelin's latest top-level Pro4 Service Course tyres are perfect for summer racing and training.

Michelin revamped its road clincher tyre range at the end of last year with the introduction of the new Pro4, a range which now encompasses tyres for a range of conditions. They save the best for the Service Course though, the lightest and fastest tyres.

Now in its fourth generation, the tyre is an substantial improvement over the old Pro3 in every way; grip, speed and durability. I've clocked up about a 1,000 miles so far, including mostly training rides on my local rides, plus my first couple of road races. I've had one puncture in that time, and that came during my first road race when I hit an unseen pothole. The inner tube showed evidence of an impact flat, with the telltale parallel slits. The tyre sustained no damage.

The performance is excellent, with a marked improvement in rolling resistance over the old Pro3. The old tyre never felt fast, though performed well in roll down tests. The Pro4 however feels rapid out of the box and even compared to the reasonably light Pro4 Endurance tyres they replaced, the transformation in the bike's speed and handling was profound.

One of the key changes Michelin made to the Pro4 is in the tread compound and shape, in pursuit of improved durability and grip. No easy task: extra grip usually comes with a softer compound at the expense of durability. The Pro4 uses a bi-compound silica and elastomer compound with an egg shaped tread shape. This means when you're riding in a straight line, the contact patch is smaller, and when you lean over, that patch increases in size. Extra grip with good rolling resistance.

The most notable difference compared to the older tyres is the tread compound is much more durable and resistant to cuts. In this regard the Pro4 is a big improvement. Where the Pro3 was fragile and looked tatty after a few rides, the Pro4 still looks box fresh.

Grip from the revised tread compound and shape is phenomenal, with a staggering lean angle possible when you get the bike banked over in the corners. You can really lean on the edges of the tyre and they feel planted and secure. In the rain and on mixed surface conditions they offer a confidence inspiring level of feel. Perfect when you're hurtling through a tight corner at 60kph in a large bunch. Michelin claim a 16% wet road grip improvement over the old Pro3.

Considering they're a lightweight tyre aimed at racers, they're surprisingly comfortable. We put that down to the supple sidewall, which allows the tyre to conform to the imperfections of the road. For the record, I've been testing the 23mm tyres at an average tyre pressure of 95 psi front, 100 psi rear.

You can even choose from six colours, and 20, 23 and 25mm width.

Verdict

Fast rolling, grippy and durable tyre ideal for summer racing and training. The Pro4 Service Course raises the bar.