Tire Lab Test: Michelin Pro 5 TLR 28
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 12.5 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 46 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 74 Points
- Conclusion: 4.5 / 5 Highly Recommended
- Comments
- Michelin Pro 5 TLR 28
(100% is best)
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.
Michelin claims the Pro 5 TLR has a 35% lower rolling resistance than the Pro 4 Endurance, bringing its performance in line with the Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR (read our review). If these claims hold and the new tire performs better in other aspects, this would represent a significant improvement.
We already tested the 35 mm Michelin Pro 5 TLR (read our review) a few months ago and found it to be a strong-performing tire. Compared to other big 35/40 mm road bike tires, it even looks like one of the top-performing in its category.
Michelin also offers the Power Cup TLR (read our review), whose specifications are similar to those of the Pro 5 TLR. When compared to the Power Cup TLR, the Pro 5 offers a more balanced performance, with a thicker, wider tread that makes it a slower but more durable tire. If you want Michelin's most performant tire, the Power Cup TLR is still the tire to get.
This time, we're going to take a look at the 28 mm Michelin Pro 5 TLR and compare it to the Michelin Power Cup TLR in the same size, as well as a selection of similar tires from other brands.
Manufacturer Specifications
| Manufacturer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Michelin |
| Model | Pro 5 TLR |
| Year | 2025 |
| Tire Type | Tubeless |
| Supplied By | Bought in store |
| New or Used | New |
| Mileage | 0 km |
| Price Range | High |
| Buy At | |
| Manufacturer part number | 139901 |
| EAN | 3528701399010 |
| TPI | 120 |
| Compound | Gum-X |
| Bead | Folding |
| ETRTO | 28-622 |
| Size Inch | 28" |
| Specified Width (mm) | 28 |
| Specified Weight | 305 grams |
| Max Air Pressure (psi) | 102 |
| Made In | Pro Data |
| Available Sizes |
25-622 (700x25c) 28-622 (700x28c) 30-622 (700x30c) 32-622 (700x32c) 35-622 (700x235c) |
Michelin Pro 5 TLR 28 Test Results
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
| Size, Weight and Thickness Measurements | |
|---|---|
| Specified Weight | 305 grams |
| Measured Weight | 298 grams |
| System Adjusted Weight (tire + valve + rim seal) |
318 grams |
| Measured Width | 28 mm (un-round) |
| Measured Height | 25 mm (un-round) |
| Total Tire Thickness Center | 2.9 mm |
| Total Tire Thickness Sidewall | Pro Data |
| Unmounted Casing Width | 71 mm |
| Unmounted Tread Width | Pro Data |
| Tread Cover (Tread / Casing Ratio) | Pro Data |
| All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 100 psi / 6.9 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim. | |
Rolling Resistance Test Results
| Rolling Resistance Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Inner Tube | None (20 ml sealant) |
| Measured Width | 28 mm (un-round) |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 132 psi/9.1 bar 25-27 = 120 psi/8.3 bar 28-29 = 108 psi/7.4 barUltra High Air Pressure (108 psi / 7.4 bar) |
Pro Data |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 110 psi/7.6bar 25-27 = 100 psi/6.9 bar 28-29 = 90 psi/6.2 barExtra High Air Pressure (90 psi / 6.2 bar) |
Pro Data |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 88 psi/6.1 bar 25-27 = 80 psi/5.5 bar 28-29 = 72 psi/5.0 barHigh Air Pressure (72 psi /5.0 bar) |
12.5 Watts CRR: 0.00375 |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 25-27 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 28-29 = 54 psi/3.7 barMedium Air Pressure (54 psi / 3.7 bar) |
Pro Data |
| The Road Bike 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
| Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better) | |
|---|---|
| Total Puncture Score Tread | 46 Points |
| Total Puncture Score Sidewall | Pro Data |
| Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Pro Data |
| Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Pro Data |
| Tread Total Tire Thickness | 2.9 mm |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Pro Data |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Pro Data |
| Sidewall Total Tire Thickness | Pro Data |
Static Grip Test Results
| Static Grip Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Wet Grip Average | 74 Points |
| Wet Grip Center | Pro Data |
| Wet Grip Edge | Pro Data |
| Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 Road bike grip test rim width = 19.0 mm |
|
Conclusion
- Michelin Pro 5 TLR 28
(100% is best)
Compared to Michelin's Power Cup TLR (read our review), the Pro 5 TLR is less performant but features a thicker tread and sidewalls that offer better durability. Something that catches our eye is that the Pro 5 TLR comes with a much wider tread than the Power Cup TLR, which we criticized for having a tread that was way too small for today's wider rims. Michelin went the opposite direction with the Pro 5 TLR, which now features one of the widest threads on the market today.
When we compare the 28 mm and 35 mm Pro 5 TLRs in Pro View, we unfortunately see a performance regression. The 28 mm version is slower and offers less wet grip than the 35 mm version, and we're a bit puzzled by this. If the 28 mm came closer to the 35 mm version's performance, it would be one of the best picks for overall performance in the highly competitive road bike tire market.
Compared to the top-performing tires in the road bike section, the 28 mm Pro 5 TLR is still a solid pick, an excellent choice for all-round performance.
Compare the Michelin Pro 5 TLR and Power Cup TLR on our comparison section
RATING:
4.5
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended