Just rode 220 miles on The Katy Trail, packed gravel (sharp) and some goat heads.. Everyone else on the trail complaining of flats. We had these on 2 bikes and no flats.. Rode smooth with good traction on the gravel.
I just finished riding the Katy Trail and these tires went through severe punishment due to the weather conditions and conditions of the trail. I can honestly say if I'm riding a tour or long distance these tires will be on my bike.
Let me start by saying that this is probably more of a vent than a review. I was hoping the puncture resistance of these would live up to Schwalbe's boasts of being The only true flat-less tire.
I have been riding these tires for less than 2 weeks (few hundred miles) on clean roads and on the shoulder of rural state highways - relatively clean but some gravel, debris, broken glass, etc. I didn't really expect them to be flat-less and I was impressed with the apparent robustness and quality of the tires. Unfortunately, today I managed to pick up a nail that punctured the tread and exited out of the sidewall. The damage to the sidewall is enough, imo, that the tire is no longer road-worthy. Thirteen calendar days on the bike and the tire is shot. -(
I doubt that any other tire would have faired better and I have no way of knowing if these tires saved me from other prior flats. The point of my comments is to add balance that in my limited (and certainly unlucky) experience with these tires punctures do happen. I am left wishing I had more confidence in these tires. Will have to keep looking.
If you do loaded touring on the road this is the tire to use. This tire seems to be the most popular among the long distance experienced tourists. I also use it for commuting in a 32mm 28mm configuration and am quite happy with how smooth they roll. No they don't take off like a rocket but once up to speed they're fine. They really do last forever compared to most tires. But best of all they have great flat resistance which keeps you on time for work or wherever your going.
I've been using this tire for training and long distance rides. Great puncture resistance and durability. I've worn the tread completely off and it is still going strong with no thread showing.
I have sets of these tires on 2 bikes and I really like the durability and reflective stripe.
However - it's a challenge to mount these tires on some of my newer rims, especially some of the low volume ones that are tubeless-compatible. Really tight to get on.
Regardless, I'd buy again in a second.
Just replaced the 700 x 35's on my Salsa Vaya after a couple of puncture flats on the stock tires. I have used this tire on my other bikes as well and have simply not had flats. For me it is well worth the price for not having to deal with stopping, unloading tools, using another tube or finding and patching the puncture, smiling and thanking everyone who stops to ask if I need help, putting it all back together, inflating, inflating, inflating, loading up again.... (you have been there). I would rather just ride and skip the drama. If that suits you as well, these tires are for you. Besides that, they are a fine feeling tire on the road, the equal of any I have used for quality of rolling, turning and stopping.
Durable and very well made.
I recently put these on my hybrid Scott bike. my OEM Schwalbes (semi-knobby with Smart Sam) lasted over 3000 miles but we're prone to punctures from goat heads. I was getting flats almost every ride. they weren't great in the rate wet that we rarely get in the southwest. with the Marathons, no flats in 300 miles so far. these are definitely grippier than my other tires were. a little less compliant ride but I can accept that as a compromise. tires are not light but also not an issue. I will be putting these on our other bikes too, very happy with them.
Got good reviews from many people and are deserving of these good reviews.
I use this tire as rear on my commuter.Rough roads & lots of sharp trash make this tire a godsend!
This tire is wonderful. The tire has a solid ride. I like the reflective surface, really bright at night.
A true upgrade from traditional tire offerings. I highly suggest a try.
Great quality in these tires.
Zero flats or problems for 12,000 of loaded touring!
Due to liw income and its cheap rent I was forced to move to Trenton NJ. Its roads and infrastructure are some of the worst in Jersey.Anyway, the Schwalbe Marathon Plus keeps me safe and sound! I don't even have to think twice about blazing through shattered asphalt or filtering past cars using the gutter filled with sharp stones and glass. The dead of Winter is so not the season to be fiddling with a flat tire.
I have about 3500 miles on these tire and they will probably last 5000. I live in goathead country and have only had 3 flats when riding with these tire. I once rode off the path and end up going through a goathead patch. I picked up about twelve thorns in my tire. I pulled them out finished the last10 miles of the ride without going flat. The tube did develop a slow leak afterword.
Overal I am very pleased with the tires.
Put size 700x35 on my Gary Fisher Utopia. The tires look sharp with the reflective strip. But, more importantly they ride great. Cushy ride and super easy rolling.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700C tires are the best I have ever used for long-distance touring. In a recent ride from Bar Harbor, ME to New York City they provided stability, rolling ease, and ... no flats! Highly recommended.
Early in the season, I did ride with one of my buddy and he rode his 26 Surly LHT while I rode my Jamis Bosanova. The snow had just melted and there were some some parts that were soggy and the path was still a mess and also some parts that was just plain gravel. I was envious that he passed through any of these with ease.
I knew I'd never trade in my Bosanova and I couldn't afford having another touring bike at home, so getting bigger tires was my only option.
I found out the maximum I could put on my bike was 700x42 and after researching I found that the Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x35 was close to 700x38 because of the extra thickness, so these are what I got now. I could've put on some cross tires, but I wanted something that is more puncture resistant. Plus, I have had good lucks with Schwalbe's warranty.
I have crossed the country with these tires several times and they are the most puncture resistant available with good mileage as well. The initial installation is difficult as the edges are stiff but if you ever need to change one they will remount much easier.
