Originally Posted by
rekmeyata
Schwalbe makes a lot of different Marathon models; the Marathon Plus their most flat resistant touring tire are indeed a bit harsh riding, but it's the price you pay to have an almost flat proof tire that will last 8,000 miles. However, Schwalbes lighter touring tires, the Marathon Amotion and the Marathon Supreme, are very subtle tires...for touring tires. Both the Amotion and the Supreme have lower rolling resistance than the Conti has, which is something to consider when touring with a load.
Yes, they do make a whole bunch of different ones. A quick search at my favorite store reveals 72 different Marathon products (not including different widths of the same model). I admit to only having ridden a few of them. And to each, his or her own, as far as I'm concerned.
I have noticed, however, that the Marathon, whatever sub-model, is often presented as the only viable commuting or touring tire, with superhuman-like qualities. They are certainly good tires, but there are other good, safe, long-lasting tires. And these other options often don't carry the price premium that one pays on the Marathon. In my market, you can get a pair of Ride Tours for the cost of 1 (of the cheapest versions of the) Marathon, and I am not convinced the Marathons last twice as long. But again, everyone has their favorite tire and their own budget.
I don't place a whole lot of faith in rolling resistance numbers, no matter who does the test. Everyone has a slightly different test that produces different results because the tests (purposefully or inadvertently) favor or disadvantage certain characteristics. Only some testers actually do a statistical analysis to show whether differences are significant at all. Move this over to the real world, and if you commute with slightly maladjusted hubs or a mucky chain, or if you tour with fresh instead of freeze-dried food, then you can throw the difference out the window.
But the OP didn't start a rolling resistance thread, so I don't think it's worth arguing about here. Or arguing about it at all. Everyone has their convictions and reasons behind them.