Hey guys,

I have an older Trek 7700fx (2003 I think) with the original Bontrager Select K (700x35c) still on it. It looks like a thorn got into the back tire the other day, after just having changed tubes too

I think it might be time to get new tires on the bike anyway... any suggestions? Should I get a pair of Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x35c tires?

It's a commute bike so I don't need anything too fancy. But I do want something that's durable and that will last me a while and prevent flats

Do you want Marathons? Do it. Look online for a sale. I use Conti Top Contacts, love em.

I'm not sure... I don't know what the advantages/disadvantages are. I've seen them for $70-80 for a pair at the lowest... is that too much?

I'm running the Bontrager Hardcase AW1-HC 700 x 32 on my Trek 7.3 FX.
I like'em.

Whats the diff between the regular HC and "lite" HC?

I don't know. I just replaced my worn through rear tire with one just like came on it.
I was happy with them and stuck with'em.

Thanks. Did they cost around $45? Or around $30? The lites are cheaper... not sure what the main differences are between the two.

NM: it looks like the lites do not have the puncture resistant sidewalls whereas the normal ones do. These seem to run slightly more than what the Marathons cost. I may end up going with the Marathons in this case. I've heard the Marathons are super stiff though and pretty difficult to install. The Bontrager Select Ks aren't the easiest to install either but I wouldn't say they're super difficult either.

I paid $40 +/- at the local bike shop. Like I said, that's the tire that came on the bike and when I needed the new one, I went with the same tire. I've only tried a couple other brands on a different bike. I'm pleased with these plus, just about anything else has to be ordered and the bontrager is on the shelf.

Best thing against flats is a tyre that can support your weight with a pressure under 4 bars. That's the threshold after which glass and sharp objects seem to puncture tyre much more easily.

I would never sweat a flat - it's a 15-25 minute job to patch and you ride on. Patches and glue are cost a couple of dollars.


Marathon tyres are hard, heavy, I didn't like them all that much. Unless the roads you ride have lots of thorns, you don't need Marathons. Just get 42mm wide rear and 37 or 42 mm wide front tyre and ride on. +1 on Continental Contacts II.

Marathon Supremes. Light, supple (good ride), excellent grip on pavement, good flat protection, expensive. I would buy them again.

I've had good luck with my Serfas Drifters, 700x32, right around $30 per, for commuting.

I don't want flats on my commute. I have an electric bike with a rear hub motor... fixing a flat is not going to be easy or fun. When I did the electric conversion, I installed schwalbe marathon plus tires. I had previously been running specialized armadillos. The armadillos did an excellent job in flat prevention but the ride was harsh compared to the marathon plus tires. No flats yet on the Schwalbe's (it's only been 400 miles.) This video review did a good job of convincing me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqQpyQtLIrk

Learn to patch a flat without removing the wheel and only removing one bead of the tire. Just lever the bead off, pull the tube out, find the hole, put the vulcanizing glue on, find the glass, stick the patch, and put everything back together. Shouldn't really take noticeably more time than swapping tubes with a bit of practice and way more convenient if pulling the wheel off is a hassle.

I've had a few types of Schwalbe Marathons (plain, supreme, winter). It's all I've used for the last two years or so, and I haven't had a flat in that whole time, over about 10,000 miles. To me tires are the one place it doesn't make sense to skimp. You can find plain Schwalbe Marathons for $30 each online.

I've noticed that many of the Schwalbes, especially the plus, seem to weigh significantly more than other tires. Compared to my current ones they probably weigh 600-800g more per tire. With that taken into consideration, will the ride be noticeably *slower*? I just don't want to throw on a heavy set of tires and end up regretting it... then again, I suppose if it makes me work harder, that's better exercise too hahaha.

That has kept me off of those tires. I would rather risk a flat than have a tire that heavy every day. There are plenty of lighter tires that offer decent flat protection.

However, if the ultimate flat protection is worth the weight to ya, they are the tire to get!

Good point. They are great for e-bikes.

On my e-bike I use a slime inner tube. I got a large nail stuck in the tire and didn't realize it until the next day when I noticed the tire wasn't as firm as it used to be. Those tubes are a nice option (and some of them are pretty light).

I recently switched to Marathon Plus after putting 4000 or so miles on 2 sets of Bontrager Hard Cases. I do prefer the ride on the Marathons. I think because of the extra strip of rubber down the center of the tire that the ride is a little more forgiving over bumps than the hard cases were. I also run the Marathons at a littler lower pressure which also forgives the bumps. I feel a bit better running them at the lower pressure because of the extra protection in the middle.

Installation nearly killed me until I learned how to properly install them. The trick is to push the tire as far as you can into the wheel until you get about halfway around and then start using zip ties to hold the tire in place. I was able to install the second tire in about a minute and without the use of levers. Just look on youtube how to do it. You'll thank yourself later.

Bottom line: I don't regret switching to the Marathon Plus tires. The Bontrager Hard Cases were fine, but the ride on the Marathons is much nicer.

It's not the sweat, it's when it's sub-zero, belting rain or hail and you're already late for work. Fixing flats with frozen fingers ain't no fun.

I prefer gatorskins, hardshells or 4-Seasons. SMP's are tanks

They do seem to weigh a bit more. I've never tried to quantify the speed difference or anything. For me it's a good trade-off for the extra durability.

When I got mine "HC" for commuter, they said "HC" full tire, "lite" only tread not side wall. Good luck with "HC" so far, several weeks. Moderately hard to mount, significantly easier than the previous Continental Contact Touring. My other favorite bike is getting due for tires and considering trying the HC lites. Their a little less expensive.

Remembered I had looked up the details on this at one time Bontrager: Anti-flat. Pro performance.

Yes, I understand that it can be done that way. And, if I do get a flat, that's the way I'll end up doing it. However, I'm going to skip the "practice" and just spend my time riding the bike. If my Schwalbe's perform as well, or better than, my armadillo's then I won't be getting a flat for another 3-5 years... I'll deal with it then.

Like I said:

"Best thing against flats is a tyre that can support your weight with a pressure under 4 bars."

Pack a pair of latex gloves - they will help with the cold.

Besides, 90% of flats happen when it's raining, not when it's snowing.