Originally Posted by
mstraus
Thanks for the detailed info. So you really like the Marathon Supremes better in the wet then GP 4 Seasons? I am now debating getting two sets of tires, one for the rainy season and one for the dry season. Was thinking GP 4 Seasons would be my wet, but wonder if I should consider the Marathons for wet. Was thinking the gatorskins for dry season, but maybe I should consider the 4000s...do they have decent flat protection?
Unfortunately my route seems to always be full of debris, particularly the urban part that almost alway has broken glass and such I am trying to avoid.
Be careful now. You're begining to get into apples and oranges of tires.
There is no comparison between Conti 4-Seasons and Schwalbe Marathon Plus. They are designed with completely different buyers in mind.
Every tire is a compromise. The 4-Seasons prioritize in the direction of weight, giving up something on the puncture resistance and tread life sides. The Marathon Plus prioritizes in exactly the opposite direction.
As a result, a 28mm 4-Seasons weighs 260 grams, will likely last 2500 to 3500 miles in the rear (based on my experience) and will occassionaly get punctured. (Typically once per tire in its lifetime, in primarily urban commuting, based on my experience.)
The Marathon Plus in 28mm weighs 740 grams, and based on reports here, will likely last 7500 miles in the rear and will never flat.
Both tires get good ratings from their intended buyers, and both tires get poor ratings from those who prefer the other one.
Which is the "better" tire depends on how you prioritize weight, puncture resistance, tread life, and grip.