Schwalbe Marathon Tire Purchase Help
02-21-07, 12:35 PM
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Schwalbe Marathon Tire Purchase Help
While I like these Nokians and they've been key for my winter riding, I can't wait to get them off. 
Trouble is, I won't again put on the stock tires that came with the Breezer. Too many flats.
So, from following the advise here--I'd like to get some new Marathon's.
I have the dynamo lights so I need that on the sidewall. That rules out the new Marathon Supreme on the back. I'm thinking about getting the Marathon Plus there, even though it appears heavier and somewhat slower than the regular Marathon 2006. I have the internal gear hub on the back, and I think it is best to get a tire that won't go flat on me. Changing the tire isn't too bad in the daylight, but I could not do it during a nighttime ride. For the front, I think I'll get either the Marathon 2006 or the Supreme. Probably just the 2006, as it's more reasonable in cost.
I looked the website sponsors and they don't sell these.
Looks like Peter White Cycles is the place to go ($36 for the Plus and $32 for the 2006). Anyone have experience with them, or can you offer other advise?
Trouble is, I won't again put on the stock tires that came with the Breezer. Too many flats. So, from following the advise here--I'd like to get some new Marathon's.
I have the dynamo lights so I need that on the sidewall. That rules out the new Marathon Supreme on the back. I'm thinking about getting the Marathon Plus there, even though it appears heavier and somewhat slower than the regular Marathon 2006. I have the internal gear hub on the back, and I think it is best to get a tire that won't go flat on me. Changing the tire isn't too bad in the daylight, but I could not do it during a nighttime ride. For the front, I think I'll get either the Marathon 2006 or the Supreme. Probably just the 2006, as it's more reasonable in cost.
I looked the website sponsors and they don't sell these.
Looks like Peter White Cycles is the place to go ($36 for the Plus and $32 for the 2006). Anyone have experience with them, or can you offer other advise?
02-21-07, 12:45 PM
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I don't have any experience w/ PW Cycles, but I see the name around on many of the forums here without complaint, so I'll assume he's running a reputable shop.
I do roll Marathon Plus tires front/rear, and I'm very pleased with them. I haven't noticed any issues with the weight or slowness, but I'm also on a heavy old MTB so a pound here or there isn't an issue to me. I've had no flats with them, I've got about 500 miles on mine so far and the wear is unnoticed. They're great in the rain (and we get plenty of it here in the PNW) and I don't see any problems with rolling resistance on my 30 miler weekend rides.
$36 is a good price, too. My LBS lists them at $45, and I had to wait a week for them to arrive.
I do roll Marathon Plus tires front/rear, and I'm very pleased with them. I haven't noticed any issues with the weight or slowness, but I'm also on a heavy old MTB so a pound here or there isn't an issue to me. I've had no flats with them, I've got about 500 miles on mine so far and the wear is unnoticed. They're great in the rain (and we get plenty of it here in the PNW) and I don't see any problems with rolling resistance on my 30 miler weekend rides.
$36 is a good price, too. My LBS lists them at $45, and I had to wait a week for them to arrive.
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02-21-07, 12:47 PM
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If it's flats you're concerned about, try some Mr. Tuffy tire liners in any tire that you like. Yeah, they will add a little weight and you might even notice the ride to be a little harsher... but if you're riding a breezer I don't think that speed and weight are your major concerns, and I think your bike will still give you the plush ride you are used to without regards to the tire.
02-21-07, 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by trace22clawson
If it's flats you're concerned about, try some Mr. Tuffy tire liners in any tire that you like. Yeah, they will add a little weight and you might even notice the ride to be a little harsher... but if you're riding a breezer I don't think that speed and weight are your major concerns, and I think your bike will still give you the plush ride you are used to without regards to the tire.
02-21-07, 01:27 PM
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I tried switching from Marathons to the M+ version but they were too tight to fit on my 700c mavic rims.
My M get a puncture about 1 in 2000miles , usually from metal (nails, pins etc).
My M get a puncture about 1 in 2000miles , usually from metal (nails, pins etc).
02-21-07, 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by thdave
Looks like Peter White Cycles is the place to go ($36 for the Plus and $32 for the 2006). Anyone have experience with them, or can you offer other advise?
I was scared off by the Plus. I seriously underestimated how heavy a tire could actually be. The 26" one I bought (but never installed) was very bricklike. I understand trying to guard against a flat, but this is further than I'm willing to go. I know it doesn't work for the rear, but I'm quite pleased with the Supreme so far. I've been putting off a full review until I have some more miles on it. Comfort is good, speed is good, and traction is excellent. Unique styling too, which obviously isn't a huge selling point.
02-21-07, 02:19 PM
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I've had a very good experience every time I have ordered something from Peter White. I use the Marathon Plus with Mr. Tuffy, and consider it the minumum tire I would want on my bike. Anything lighter scares me. Why should I accept less flat resistance on my bike then on my car, when I depend on my bike more than upon my car?
Vredstein Trigger tires = 1 flat per two weeks
Vredstein Trigger + Mr. Tuffy = 1 flat every month
Marathon Plus + Mr. Tuffy = No flats in over four years and counting
Paul
Vredstein Trigger tires = 1 flat per two weeks
Vredstein Trigger + Mr. Tuffy = 1 flat every month
Marathon Plus + Mr. Tuffy = No flats in over four years and counting
Paul
02-21-07, 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by PaulH
I've had a very good experience every time I have ordered something from Peter White. I use the Marathon Plus with Mr. Tuffy, and consider it the minumum tire I would want on my bike. Anything lighter scares me. Why should I accept less flat resistance on my bike then on my car, when I depend on my bike more than upon my car?
Vredstein Trigger tires = 1 flat per two weeks
Vredstein Trigger + Mr. Tuffy = 1 flat every month
Marathon Plus + Mr. Tuffy = No flats in over four years and counting
Paul
Vredstein Trigger tires = 1 flat per two weeks
Vredstein Trigger + Mr. Tuffy = 1 flat every month
Marathon Plus + Mr. Tuffy = No flats in over four years and counting
Paul
02-21-07, 03:18 PM
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Hi,
I ordered a pair of Marathon Racers directly from Schwalbe North America an hour ago. You will prob have to leave a message. I did, and a couple hours later they called. They can help you pick a tire.
I was VERY tempted by the Marathon Supreme, but it's just too big for my bike.
https://schwalbetires.com/company
I ordered a pair of Marathon Racers directly from Schwalbe North America an hour ago. You will prob have to leave a message. I did, and a couple hours later they called. They can help you pick a tire.
I was VERY tempted by the Marathon Supreme, but it's just too big for my bike.
https://schwalbetires.com/company
02-21-07, 03:19 PM
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I'll echo the positive experience with Peter White. You might want to give him a call as it appears he prefers personal interaction versus the whole "no human contact" internet buying/selling experience. He can reccomend something that will work for you and let you know what is in stock.
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02-21-07, 03:32 PM
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The plain Marathon is probably the toughest tyre you can buy.... apart from the Marathon Plus.
Punctures are so rare on the Marathons that I run that I have never once felt like I should have purchased the plus instead. Better rolling resistance and lighter weight trump supreme flat protection on the hills where I live.
Punctures are so rare on the Marathons that I run that I have never once felt like I should have purchased the plus instead. Better rolling resistance and lighter weight trump supreme flat protection on the hills where I live.
02-21-07, 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by thdave
Looks like Peter White Cycles is the place to go ($36 for the Plus and $32 for the 2006). Anyone have experience with them, or can you offer other advise?
02-21-07, 04:37 PM
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i know you are settled on Schwalbes, but in case you'd like options:
I've been running continental contacts 700x37 and have nearly 2500 miles on my rear tire, zero flats. I'm riding around boston and weigh 220. These tires can be found for $20 either at nashbar or airbomb if on sale. They roll nicely (still weight 670g though) when pumped up to 85psi and are really comfy at 65-70.
I'd love to try the marathon supremes or racers though... anyone with any direct experience with these tires?
I've been running continental contacts 700x37 and have nearly 2500 miles on my rear tire, zero flats. I'm riding around boston and weigh 220. These tires can be found for $20 either at nashbar or airbomb if on sale. They roll nicely (still weight 670g though) when pumped up to 85psi and are really comfy at 65-70.
I'd love to try the marathon supremes or racers though... anyone with any direct experience with these tires?
02-22-07, 06:36 AM
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Here's a thread I started about my purchase of Marathon Pluses. Bottom line: They are heavy, and I had to get used to them, but I really like them.
Here's my OP and my final post. Click on the above link to see replies from others.
Here's my OP and my final post. Click on the above link to see replies from others.
Originally Posted by Daily Commute (opinion after two weeks)
I've been commuting on my new Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tires for a week now. I put the 32's on my Surly Cross Check. I commute 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 miles each way every day on a mix of urban roads and MUP's. I paid $79 bucks for the pair from Wallbike.
They are a lot heavier than the Urban Max I took off, but they seem to have less rolling resistance. I think less tire actually touches the ground because they are so stiff. They appear to be bomb-proof, but ask me about that a year from now.
They can corner fast (20-25 mph), but they feel a little weird doing that, almost like they're a little flat. I think that's because they have a thick layer of protective stuff in the center, and when I turn sharply and fast, I start to ride on the edge of the protective layer.
I also like the reflective sidewall, but I doubt they would really do any good. Tire reflectors only work from close-to 90 degree angles, and if a car is coming at you from a side street on a collision course, by the time it's at a 90 angle from you, it's too late.
They were advertised as definitely not racing tires and they definitely are not. If I don't have any flats in the next year, they will be worth it.
Edit: I recently saw the front tires in at a 45 degree angle in the dark while my bike was on the stand. The sidewall still reflected at that angle, so the stripes provide more reflection than my original post suggested.
Second Edit, 10/21/06, See post 35 on the second page for a two-month opinion.
They are a lot heavier than the Urban Max I took off, but they seem to have less rolling resistance. I think less tire actually touches the ground because they are so stiff. They appear to be bomb-proof, but ask me about that a year from now.
They can corner fast (20-25 mph), but they feel a little weird doing that, almost like they're a little flat. I think that's because they have a thick layer of protective stuff in the center, and when I turn sharply and fast, I start to ride on the edge of the protective layer.
I also like the reflective sidewall, but I doubt they would really do any good. Tire reflectors only work from close-to 90 degree angles, and if a car is coming at you from a side street on a collision course, by the time it's at a 90 angle from you, it's too late.
They were advertised as definitely not racing tires and they definitely are not. If I don't have any flats in the next year, they will be worth it.
Edit: I recently saw the front tires in at a 45 degree angle in the dark while my bike was on the stand. The sidewall still reflected at that angle, so the stripes provide more reflection than my original post suggested.
Second Edit, 10/21/06, See post 35 on the second page for a two-month opinion.
Originally Posted by Daily Commute (opinion after two months)
After two full months, I don't think cornering is a problem. What I was perceiving was the higher/tighter profile of the Marathon Plus 32's. Actually, because they are so still, they ride like 28's in many ways. I think I was perceiving the same thing that I notice when I switch from my winter Nokkian 35's to spring 28's or 32's.
I haven't had any punctures. One tire was inexplicibly flat before I started riding one morning. I pumped it up, and I haven't had any other problems. Very strange.
I haven't had any punctures. One tire was inexplicibly flat before I started riding one morning. I pumped it up, and I haven't had any other problems. Very strange.
Last edited by Daily Commute; 02-22-07 at 06:41 AM.
02-22-07, 07:10 AM
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For all of you puncture resistant tire seekers, let me recommend against the Kevlar belted Bontrager Race Lite.
Mine was two years old, had been run on average about five miles per day during that time (rough estimate only) and the rubber on this slick tire was far from wearing through. However, a couple months ago a section of rubber started peeling away from the casing. It was only a 1 1/2 inch section so the casing could barely have touched the road (given the couple millimeters thickness of rubber in front of and behind the hold). A few weeks later (last weekend) when I noticed that the rubber was peeling off of the casing most of the way around the tire, i replaced it and tossed it out. If I had ridden another few weeks, I would have been riding on the kevlar casing most of the way around the tire, with little rubber ever touching the road.
Mine was two years old, had been run on average about five miles per day during that time (rough estimate only) and the rubber on this slick tire was far from wearing through. However, a couple months ago a section of rubber started peeling away from the casing. It was only a 1 1/2 inch section so the casing could barely have touched the road (given the couple millimeters thickness of rubber in front of and behind the hold). A few weeks later (last weekend) when I noticed that the rubber was peeling off of the casing most of the way around the tire, i replaced it and tossed it out. If I had ridden another few weeks, I would have been riding on the kevlar casing most of the way around the tire, with little rubber ever touching the road.
02-22-07, 07:30 AM
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You local bike shop should also be able to order Schwalbe tires for you, if you don't want to get them online.
Currently I'm running the original Marathons on my two front tires (no flats in a year!), and a Schwalbe Cross on the rear. I have the Cross on there for traction in the winter; when it gets nice again I'll put a Schwalbe Marathon Racer on there, probably...
Currently I'm running the original Marathons on my two front tires (no flats in a year!), and a Schwalbe Cross on the rear. I have the Cross on there for traction in the winter; when it gets nice again I'll put a Schwalbe Marathon Racer on there, probably...
02-22-07, 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by ldesfor1@ithaca
I'd love to try the marathon supremes or racers though... anyone with any direct experience with these tires?
03-19-07, 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by thdave
I'm convinced. I already have the liners so I'll use both.
I also want to upgrade the tires on my Breezer Villager, and I also already have Tuffys.
03-19-07, 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by golftdi
Did you get the Marathon Pluses? How do you like them?
I also want to upgrade the tires on my Breezer Villager, and I also already have Tuffys.
I also want to upgrade the tires on my Breezer Villager, and I also already have Tuffys.
I've had the tires on for just a week and a half and I'm very happy with them. They are much faster than the studded Nokians I had.
I don't notice if they are faster or slower than the OEM tires, but I think they have better traction. They are very smooth and quiet. My trip times are back to where they were in the fall, so I did not get noticeably slower. Undoubtably, I could have put the Plus's on both tires and not noticed a difference.
03-19-07, 11:22 AM
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Great review, Dave. As I mentioned before, my city's street cleaning services has kept me at just 2 flats this year, so I don't see much of a point in switching now, but this is good to keep in the back of my head.
Sounds like running the studded tires got you very ready for these tires.
Sounds like running the studded tires got you very ready for these tires.
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03-19-07, 01:15 PM
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I have ordered from Schwalbe on line - no complaints
03-19-07, 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by thdave
So, from following the advise here--I'd like to get some new Marathon's.