CX/Gravel Tire Test: Michelin Pro 5 TLR 35

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  • Michelin Pro 5 TLR 35
Performance compared to all other CX/Gravel tires
(100% is best)
Pro Members get 11-point radar charts



Michelin Pro 5 TLR 35 road bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine

The Michelin Pro 5 TLR is a new tire from Michelin, designed to replace the well-regarded Michelin Pro 4 Endurance, which has been available for over a decade. Michelin's announcement that the Pro 5 TLR is the successor to the Pro 4 Endurance positions this tire in the performance segment, with an emphasis on protection and durability.


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Michelin claims that the Pro 5 TLR has a 35% lower rolling resistance compared to the Pro 4 Endurance, bringing its performance in line with the Continental Grand Prix 5000. If these claims hold and the new tire performs better in other aspects, this would represent a significant improvement.


With the Pro 5 TLR, we see another confirmation of the trend towards wider road bike tires. Michelin bids farewell to the 25/26 mm sizes, with the smallest option for the Pro 5 TLR being the 28-622 size. Simultaneously, larger sizes of 30, 32, and 35 mm are now available, which are perfectly suited for most modern road- and allroad bikes.


We tested the 35 mm version of the Pro 5 TLR and will compare it to a selection of previously tested 32/34/35/36 mm tires. Given the impressive test results of the 35mm Pro 5 TLR, we anticipate that the 28mm version will soon be featured in our road bike section.


Manufacturer Specifications


Manufacturer Specs
Brand Michelin
Model Pro 5 TLR
Year 2025
Supplied By Bought in store
New or Used New
Mileage 0 km
Price Range High
Buy At Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number 921264
EAN3528709212649
TPI -
Compound Gum-X
Bead Folding
ETRTO 35-622
Specified Weight 395 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi) 73
Made In Members Only
Available Sizes 28-622 (700x28c)
30-622 (700x30c)
32-622 (700x32c)
35-622 (700x235c)

Michelin Pro 5 TLR 35 Test Results

Michelin Pro 5 TLR 35  mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements


Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight 395 grams
Measured Weight 399 grams
Measured Width Casing 33 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread 32 mm
Measured Height 30 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center 0.0 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge 0.0 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs) 2.80 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall Members Only
All size measurements are taken at low air pressure on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results


Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube None (30 ml sealant)
Measured Width 33 mm
Rolling Resistance
Real tire width in mm:
30-32 = 66 psi/4.6 bar
33-35 = 60 psi/4.1 bar
36-38 = 54 psi/3.7 bar
39-42 = 50 psi/3.4 bar
43-46 = 46 psi/3.2 bar
47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 bar
High Air Pressure

(60 psi / 4.1 bar)
Members Only
Rolling Resistance
Real tire width in mm:
30-32 = 55 psi/3.8 bar
33-35 = 50 psi/3.4 bar
36-38 = 45 psi/3.1 bar
39-42 = 42 psi/2.9 bar
43-46 = 38 psi/2.6 bar
47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 bar
Medium Air Pressure

(50 psi / 3.4 bar)
Members Only
Rolling Resistance
Real tire width in mm:
30-32 = 44 psi/3.0 bar
33-35 = 40 psi/2.8 bar
36-38 = 36 psi/2.6 bar
39-42 = 33 psi/2.3 bar
43-46 = 31 psi/2.1 bar
47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 bar
Low Air Pressure

(40 psi / 2.8 bar)
13.8 Watts
CRR: 0.00414
Rolling Resistance
Real tire width in mm:
30-32 = 33 psi/2.3 bar
33-35 = 30 psi/2.1 bar
36-38 = 27 psi/1.9 bar
39-42 = 25 psi/1.7 bar
43-46 = 23 psi/1.6 bar
47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 bar
Extra Low Air Pressure

(30 psi / 2.1 bar)
17.3 Watts
CRR: 0.00519
The CX/Gravel section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width.

All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs.

Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Michelin Pro 5 TLR 35  mountain bike tire on a rolling resistance test machine
Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread 48 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle Members Only
Tread Total Tire Thickness 2.80 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle Members Only
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle Members Only
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness Members Only

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Michelin Pro 5 TLR road bike tire on a grip test machine
Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average 78 Points
Wet Grip Center Members Only
Wet Grip Edge Members Only
Measured Knob Height Center 0.0 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge 0.0 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100
CX/Gravel grip test rim width = 23.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion


  • Michelin Pro 5 TLR 35
Performance compared to all other CX/Gravel tires
(100% is fastest - lightest - highest - strongest)

Pro Members get 11-point radar charts

The Michelin Pro 5 TLR exceeds our expectations in the test results, and we are thrilled to see such a strong offering from Michelin once again. The Pro 5 TLR rolls almost as quickly as the Grand Prix 5000 S TR but holds advantages in puncture resistance, tread thickness, and wet grip. The Pro 5 TLR occupies a niche between the Grand Prix 5000 S TR (not available in 35 mm) and the Grand Prix 5000 AS TR, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tire that balances performance and protection.


We found that the Pirelli P Zero Race TLR RS in the 32 mm size performs slightly better than the Pro 5 TLR; however, the latter tire is not available in the 35 mm size. When comparing the Michelin Pro 5 TLR solely with other 35 mm tires, it stands out as a top performer.


It's worth noting that not long ago, there were hardly any quality 35 mm slick tires available. In just one or two years, we've seen tremendous advancements in this area. If you're in the market for a fast 35 mm slick tire, the Michelin Pro 5 TLR is currently the fastest option, offering ample puncture resistance and wet grip as a bonus.


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RATING: 5.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended


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