Tires arrived on time and the order was correct. Cheaper than bike shop. Very pleased
So many goat-heads around here. I was constantly dealing with flats. Had Gatorskins in the past, but like these a lot better. Hope I didn't jinx things by reviewing this...
Per recommendations I read by bike tourers online, shortly after buying my touring bike I swapped out the rear tire in favor of this Schwabe Marathon. I left the original front tire on for the moment.
Since, I've had ongoing problems with the front tire a series of flats due to thorns on my first tour ride that forced me to change tubes & very carefully inspect the tire multiple times before that was resolved. Since, the front tire looses air pressure over several days tho I cannot find any leak in the tube.
In contrast to all that hassle, my Schwabe rear tire has had NO issues whatsoever. It survived the thorns unscathed, and tire pressure remains stable. They are indeed highly reliable as promised.
If I were to go touring, I would put a Schwabe on both wheels. For now, just trying to wear out the front over time.
Although a bit tough to get on, these tires are really pretty great. Tread pattern is super quiet and as a 250lb rider, inflation to 80psi rides pretty well per the inflation directions.
this bike tire is the next best thing to a run-flat. It does require pushing a little harder on the pedal due to the extra weight, but it's well worth it for the dependability. It's quality craftsmanship and has lasted several years on my bike (daily commuter).
A fellow cyclist recommended these tires. This is my first set of Schwalbes and Im very impressed so far. They are mounted on a Specialized Roubiax. The reflective sidewall is an added bonus.
I'm on my 2nd version of this tire, the first lasted me 5 years bike commuting in Chicago year-round, zero flats. I've biked through glass, pot holes, snow, rain, etc, no issues.
I mostly train for tours and, of course, tour-ride, so a little extra weight to avoid a flat is a fair trade. No flats with Schwalbe tires in over 3,000 touring miles. in the interest of full disclosure about 2,500 miles road touring, about 500 miles off-road touring on two (2) different bikes.
This is my 4th pair of these touring/road tires and I love that I don't have to worry to much about running over the usual puncture debris. They aren't bullet proof but darn near close.
This tire offers great punctue protection but at the cost of high weight per tire. Bought for a cannondale caadx. I found my bike time was not increasing so i pulled the continentals off my old bike. I do like the tires but to heavy for my needs. Ride mostly on streets and paved rail trails. Tire would be great for someone that commutes with there bike.
Crazy think and heavy. Definitely for folks that don't like to change a flat in the rain. They do what there supposed too.
Very durable and smooth ride, but very difficult to get on the rims. Recently rode 400 miles thru the Adirondacks with full gear and no flats or any problems.
After 5000 miles or so I'll run them at 10psi less than max to help prevent the side walls from tearing. I've run the 35 and 42 width. I could get about 8k-9k miles out of the tires on a loaded touring bike.
Best tires I've ever had for my REI Novara touring bicycle!
Best touring tire made!! Best price from bike tire direct! The world may be flat, but my tires ain't.... no flats 4000 later....
I have around 4000 miles on mine. The tread still looks brand new. Never had a puncture. Just ordered a backup set.
A bit difficult to get on the rim given the extremely stiff side wall but once you get it on it looks great and rides smooth.
The Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires (700c x 35) were purchased to ride the Rhine River Cycle Trail. Everything you read says they won't go flat...and I believe that. They are built tough...heavyweights. Touring however is about riding light. After wrestling the Marathon Plus tires onto my wheels I discovered it gained 5 pounds - and I discovered that the hard way. The airlines told me my bike suitcase was 5 pounds overweight. So I had to shuffle my saddle, chain and other items into my carry-on at the last minute. My touring bike is one of those bespoke beauties that has 'S&S' couplings which allows me to put it on a plane in a suitcase. My lesson was learned - weigh the suitcase after you change gear.
What's more, I could no longer get my wheels into the suitcase with the tires mounted...they were just too big. I had to twist-turn them to fit into my case. Twist-turing your Schwalbe Marathons is like 'two wraps and a hooey'. You'd better fact check that! These were hard for me to mount.
I actually mounted and rode on the rear tire with the bead hanging over the edge of the rim. This had to be user error. I think I got the tube in twisted and did not allow the tire to seat properly. My bad mounting job made a bulge and the bulge rubbed on the bead. I hope my tire mounting error doesn't cost me a tire. This speaks well of the tires as they didn't just pop off the rims.
I've purchased the Panaracer Panela ProTites (700c x 35) to replace the Schwalbe Marathons for my Rhine River Cycle Route tour. They are half the weight and they are folding! I don't expect a lot of broken glass and thumb tacks along the European bike trails.
I'll use the Schwalbe Marathons on the roads here in Hawaii because the locals throw their Aloha (glass, cans, garbage) along the roadways.
I bought these to replace my knobby stock tires that came on my Giant Roam hybrid bike, hoping they'd make commuting a bit easier.
Really impressed with the quality, very durable feeling rubber that should last for years and many miles.
They weren't that difficult to get on, and definitely improved my ride.
The tread is nice and deep-grooved for the rain, but I haven't been out much yet in bad weather to put to the test.
Definitely recommend these!
Tread seems to be wearing very little. Happy with my purchase.
