Originally Posted by
Notso_fastLane
For my money? Schwalbe Marathon Plus.
No tire is perfect (and Gatorskins are good). Sharp metal object will puncture even the most 'bulletproof' tire, but for glass, goatheads, etc., then the Marathon+ is great.
FWIW, I think tire liners causing flats is a grossly exaggerated problem, and at most, you might have to sand smooth the edges of a liner to a nice taper (I have been running tire liners in my streetbikes, mtn bikes, and now recumbent and velomobile for over 20 years, and never had a flat caused by the liner.
Since most of my riding is commuting (although I do ride a lot for fun, I don't have separate machines for that), I go with what is the most flat proof. I'd rather be a little slower, but be able to get to work without worrying about flats.
Currently: Velomobile - Marathon+ (2 x 20" front) 26" rear with Mr. Tuffy liners. The fronts also have Flat Attack sealant in them (the rear doesn't currently). My recumbent is running Schwalbe Kojaks, which are a little faster, but I also have liners in them.
I check my tires ~weekly. Last sunday, after a 30 mile ride, I checked my tires, and pulled a total of 3 mostly intact goatheads, and 8-9 broken thorns from goatheads out of my tires. No flats.
I will take note of the Schwalbe Marathon Plus. But I really do not know what to think. One or maybe two guys just trashed liners, calling them a gimmick that don't work and come loose and cause flats. You say you have been using them for 20 years with no problems with a little care. Do you think they prevent flats? Two or three guys said injecting Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire Sealent in your tubes does not work on narrow, high pressure tires. It just creates a mess. While on the internet finding out just the heck you all call a goat head I saw a video where a guy injected the sealant into the tube of a mounted tire,pumped it up to pressure and drove two tacks and a 4P finish nail into the tire and the sealant sealed it. I do not know what brand of sealant he used. Flat attack works?
If I wanted maximum flat protection you would recommend Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tires, Mr. Tuffy Liners and Flat Attack sealant in the tubes?(see your line about going about your business without worrying about flats)
.