Bat56

Studded | Schwalbe North America

The tread looks the same as the Marathon Winter. The outermost row of studs are missing but the holes are there. The puncture rating is lower. And the price is lower if you can find them. (chainreaction has the 700x35 for $45 US)

Has anyone seen these in the flesh or have any information? Is it the same tire, but with missing studs? Or is the tire made differently?

Yung Piss

Same tire mold, different casing. Fewer studs but in the section of the tire where it counts most. Haven't used these but they would definitely be a huge improvement over no studs if you ride in icy conditions. Basically a budget stud tire, which is a good thing, especially if you just plan to use them for commuting. Here in NYC, about 90% of the winter the roads will be plowed and you'll be dealing with slushy muck where regular tires perform fine. It's just iced over surfaces at night and stuff where the studs really shine. I keep an extra front wheel with a studded tire on it that I pull out when the conditions require it. Having both front and rear studded is better but one up front will keep you from busting your ass.

jboivin

Had one at the front wheel last winter (which was my first). The fact that it was cheaper did influence my choice. Never fell down, good grip. Bought a new one for next winter when I had to go from 700 to 26" (had to replace my bike).

That being said, I didn't try anything else, so... But worked for me - and we got a particularly icy winter last year.

1983

The comparison can be found on Schwlabe's site.

EPI (TPI): HS - 50; Marathon - 67

Load: HS - 80kg; Marathon - 100kg

Studs/weight/grip: HS - less; Marathon - more

antimonysarah

I have a pair in one of the sizes that aren't made in the Marathon Winter (16"/ETRTO 30-349), so I can't compare the two, but I had no complaints with them.

Bat56

In addition to the stud difference, the marathon has "kevlar protection and a special winter compound."

PaulRivers

Sorry to hear that, I've found 700c to be noticeable nicer for winter riding for the same reason mtn bikers switched to 29ers - bigger tire rolls over junk on the road easier.

fietsbob

Finland made tires here..

arsprod 

If you ride any rutted ice stay with the Marathon. There's a huge difference in position of the side studs. The non Marathons will slide in ruts - the Marathons don't. I now run a Marathon in front, non in back and have another non hanging in my garage!

jboivin

The 26" bike (an old rigid mtb) was given to me, so... I'd have preferred to stay with 700. So far, it's not that bad, though - but I'm still waiting for the snow to come