Touring - Armadillo Hemisphere vs. Schawlbe Marathon XR

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Critterpace
10-21-06, 03:29 PM
I will be doing a road tour next summer, including some climbs up some mountains. Currently, my mtn. bike has the 'dillos. I was wondering if there is much of a differenc between them and the Marathon XR. I like the idea of the folding tire taking up less space in my panniers, but if there is no difference between the tread and tire, there's no point in changing over. I already have a spare new Armadillo besides the two on my ride, but would considered just buying one Schawlbe to fit my panniers better.

(I'm happy with the Armadillo Hemisphere and they worked well on limestone chat tour a year ago , but wonder if there would be a suited tire for loaded touring on the road.)

Cyclesafe
10-21-06, 06:49 PM
I've used both and without a doubt the XR is the better tire. My Armadillo lasted 4000 miles before the tread peeled off and my XR's are still on my bike and hardly the worse for wear after another 4000 miles, much of it on gravel. I think you'll find that, notwithstanding the confusion between the Marathon Plus and the Marathon XR, the Marathon XR is the clear favorite among touring cyclists.

Schwalbe rates the XR to last from from 5000 to 9000 miles.

http://schwalbetires.com/tech_info/tire_wear#mileage
jibi
10-22-06, 01:26 AM
+1 for the Schwalbe Marathon XR

hoogie
10-22-06, 02:52 PM
i have recently replaced the conti top touring 2000's 700Cx32 on my trek 520 with schwalbe marathon's 700Cx37 ... i am amazed at the difference in the ride, it so much more comfortable with the schwalbes ...

i have nimbus armadillo's on my thorn nomad 26x1.5's ... they go ok for everyday use but am replacing them with marathon plus 26x1.75 for loaded touring ...