Michelin Pro 3 Race - when to replace?
 

I've started riding Michelin Pro 3 Race's since bonktown began selling them for $30. At that price, I don't see why I shouldn't use it as a training tire.

I'm still on my first set (although I'm at least 1,000 miles in) and I'm curious how much life I might get out of this guy. Its definitely squaring on the rear. I guess It might make sense to put on a fresh one for a race but I'm fine with training on it.

Part of the reason why I'm asking is its much harder to judge wear without tread. Does the tire have any sort of indicator?

thanks.

No indicator. The cords will show first at the point where they overlap so inspect the entire tread. When it's noticeably squared off its getting close to wearing to the cords- its not a thick tread tire.

I replace my Krylion Carbons when I start getting flats more often. I never flat usually, so it's pretty easy to tell when they are done.

Pro 3 race is similar tire so should have similar properties.

I went through two sets last year and got about 2k miles from the rears and quite a bit more form the fronts. I don't think they have a wear marker embedded from what I've seen.

It sound like you didn't rotate - replacing the rear tire with the front, new tire on the front. any reason why not?

Nope. You might also infer that going without a flat in a very long time might have something to do with it.... so I just ran them till I had to mess with it.

I used to get a flat with those crap tires about every two weeks...Conti 4000s and no flats for over a year.

+1

Agree. I ride mine till the cords start to show. I get ~3K miles on a new rear Pro3. However, I generally move the used front tire to the rear wheel and put the new tire on the front.

FYI - now also on sale at Ribble. If you have to purchase 2 to get over the ~$55 minimum, but you get two PR3s and two tubes for $67, incl shipping.

2500-3000 miles on the rear. Easily double that on the front. I do 3 tire sets, wear out two on the rear then repalce them all. I have had very few flats with 3 sets, most occurring near the end of life on the rear. Good advice on looking for cord visibility after 2500 miles. Don't worry about cuts on the tread unless the casing is damaged (that has never happened to me).

I replace my tires when I start getting more flats. The center of the tires I replace always seems a bit 'thin'. It's hard to explain, but if you take the tire off you can kind of tell that the tread just isn't as thick anymore.

I noticed my rear was showing threads in multiple places at about 2100-2200 miles. Front appeared to still be in good shape. I put a new tires on front and rear but have kept the old front as a backup. I know my luck will run out at some point, but I have had zero flats in over 3500 miles on Pro3 Race tires. I didn't even bother switching to a "winter" tire this year.

Watching the sales to get a new set to keep on the shelf until I need them (although, at ProBikeKit, the Pro4Race service course is only $5 more than the Pro3 if you buy a pair).

I used mine as race tires and I got gashes large enough to throw them out after every 8 races or so. Maybe only 320 miles/tire. This year I will be using Conti 4000s and the new Pro 4 tire for training, so I will be able to compare.

Not trying to hijack, but...

I tend to always check out XXCycle for various things and have found their pricing on some items can't be beat. Here's Pro3 Race tires...

$36.47 per 1 up to
$32-ish per 20

This includes shipping/tax/etc...