Nothing is a shot in the dark like the evaluation of
tires. Unless the tests are conducted
under controlled conditions, it is almost impossible to arrive at a uniform
conclusion due to all of the variables involved in real-world usage. While manufacturers put forth press releases
explaining the desirable attributes of their tires, in reality, to the average
cyclist, mileage will vary greatly from rider to rider. Thus, “Seat of the pants” tests are all we consumers
have to go on. That being the case,
there is still some concrete data which can be gleaned from the daily ride on
these round, rubber things we call tires.
Michelin Pro3 Race
Fresh out of the box.
I have used products across the Michelin realm, from
automobile tires, to commercial aircraft tires, to their line of excellent,
high performance motorcycle tires. I
figured if Michelin knew as much as they do about car, aircraft and motorcycle
tires, well, they just may know a thing or two about bicycle tires. Turns out they do.
The Pro3 Race is a traditional “Folding” tire, with a dual
compound, slick tread pattern – They were built for speed. They have a 110 TPI casing and weigh
approximately 200 grams. They mount up
easily with minimal work of the tire iron or some really strong fingers will do
the trick, as well. To date, I have
1800 miles on a pair of 700X23’s, which according to on-line reviews of these
tires is pretty darn good - For a racing tire.
However, it was not all without issues.
Small, nagging issues, thank goodness.
I ran them with Bontrager tubes from a low of 90 PSI to a
high of 120 PSI on SRAM S40 wheels to evaluate how they performed at various
pressures. Turns out they really like
the lower pressures, running extremely fast at 90 to 100 PSI. The Michelin’s saw duty from bike trails, to
steep climbs, to hairball, hard cornering, descents (including the Ojai
Century), and the rubber performed flawlessly in all weather conditions,
including light rain.
Smooth rolling, and not too bad looking, either.
The only issues I have seen with these tires are they nick
really, really easily. In my subjective
testing, the Pro3’s seemed to puncture rather easily compared to the Hutchinson’s. I have even read reports of Michelins getting
nicks and cuts in them after only one ride.
I find this to be true, however, it does not take away from the tires’
overall performance. And, for the
record, Michelin claims a 2500 mile service life. Well, maybe in a laboratory test they do, but
not out in the Real World. Mine are due
for replacement, and they will not live to see 1900 miles.
Now replaced in the Michelin line by the Pro4 Race’s, the Pro3’s
are still a tire to be reckoned with, and they can be had for as little as
$30.00 USD each.
Hutchinson Atom Comp
Sex and the single compound
I have to admit I tried the Hutchinson Atom Comp’s purely out of curiosity. First, they were available with red sidewalls, which was a giant plus to me. Also, since Lance Armstrong used Hutchinson’s almost exclusively throughout his career, I figured I would see what all of the hype was about.
I have to admit I tried the Hutchinson Atom Comp’s purely out of curiosity. First, they were available with red sidewalls, which was a giant plus to me. Also, since Lance Armstrong used Hutchinson’s almost exclusively throughout his career, I figured I would see what all of the hype was about.
I used the 700X23’s with Bontrager tubes on Mavic Ksyrium
SL’s for the duration I rode on these tires.
Smooth rolling, sticky in hardcore corning, and relatively durable,
overall, they can be had for as low as $35.00 USD.
While the Atom’s seemed like they were going to be quite an exceptionally durable tire, for reasons still inexplicable, the tread began to separate and crack, especially where the different colors of rubber met at approximately the 800 mile mark. I am not sure why this was, and I am certain this is not the status quo with this tires, as I have not heard of this happening to anyone else. I returned the tires to my dealer for evaluation by Hutchinson, but they dropped the ball (my dealer), and threw the tires out instead of reporting the issue. Rather than beat them over the head for lousy customer service (which I should have), they stepped up with a killer deal on the Michelin’s, and I have not looked back since due to the Pro 3’s awesome performance. Would I go back to the Atom Comp’s in the future? Yes, definitely.
Vive la France!
You cannot go wrong with either of these tires. Both are excellent racing, training, and street
tires that will provide all the performance you need without resorting to glue,
and without bursting your wallet.
However, while there are plenty more tires out there which will get you
higher mileage, and possess better puncture resistance (but do not roll as
smoothly), does this mean the Pro3’s or the Atom Comps are bad tires?
On the contrary, actually.
If you want the best performance bang for the buck, these tires are
excellent choices for riders of all levels of ability.
Fin
Nature always helps a writer to learn from its elements. Nature always try to teach new lessons and a writer transform its experience into words. He can transform even silence into words. This blog taught me a lesson.
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