Michelin’s flagship Pro4 range of tyres includes six models and this, the Endurance, is, in their words “for riders seeking endurance and longevity”. Seems a good fit for winter, then.
The Pro4 Endurance arrives at RoadCyclingUK for review having already had the seal of approval as a reliable tyre from members of the forum. After a slow start, it’s a popular suggestion for riders seeking a winter tyre upgrade so we thought it was time to see for ourselves.
The Endurance sits alongside the Service Course, Comp, Comp Limited, Grip and Tubular in the Pro4 range and has a dual compound construction developed, Michelin say, to combine high wear resistance with cornering grip.
A harder, more durable compound is used on the centre of the tyre, which spends the most time in contact with the tarmac, while a softer, more supple compound is used on the sidewalls to improve grip when leaning the bike over. Michelin claim a 15 per cent improvement in wet grip compared with the old Krylion tyre.
The Endurance uses the same 110 TPI carcass as the rest of the Pro4 range, except the race-bred Comp and Comp Limited tyres, which boost the thread per inch count to 150 to reduce weight and improve rolling resistance.
Key to a winter tyre’s longevity is its puncture resistance. If it’s puncture prone then it’ll some be whipped off and replaced by a more reliable rubber, after all. Michelin say the Pro4 Endurance has been reinforced with a bead-to-bead breaker to protect against cuts and punctures.
The Pro4’s improved durability does come with a weight penalty: a claimed 225g and 245g for a 23mm and 25mm respectively, compared to 200g and 215g for the Service Course, the all-rounder in the range. A graph supplied in Michelin’s press kit illustrates that the Endurance is the most durable tyre in the Pro4 range but the least efficient. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you want a fit and forget tyre but we’ll see whether it’s a price worth paying.
We’re testing the 25mm version. Wider tyres are increasingly popular across the board, with professionals seeking an aerodynamic advantage when paired with wider rims, and for everyone owing to the increased contact patch and its ability to be run at a slightly lower pressure, which should improve comfort and grip over a 23mm equivalent.
Michelin recommend inflating the 25mm Pro4 Endurance to between 5 and 7.5 bar (73 to 109 PSI), compared to 6 to 8 bar (87 to 116 PSI) for the 23mm tyre. Michelin offer ‘pressure advice’ on the Endurance’s packaging, according to rider weight.
The 23mm Pro4 Endurance is available with black, grey, red and yellow sidewalls, while the 25mm version comes in black and grey (as pictured). Retail price is £39.99 per tyre.
Price: £39.99 per tyre
Sizes: 23mm, 25mm
Colours: black, grey, red, yellow (23mm); black, grey (25mm)
Website: Michelin
UK distributor: Zyro
