SchwalbeMarathon Plus 700c Tire (HS 440)(Return to Product Page)

I heard lots of good things about this tire, so bought a set a few years ago. The initial cost is higher, but the savings in tubes andor time repairing flats is well worth it. Have had one flat in 30,000 km of commuting... and that was when the tire was close to needing replacement.

Burned through a set in about 3500 miles of year round riding. I like the versatility of the tire and road mainly on pavement with occasional side trips onto the gravel. Provided a decent amount of traction although I don't know if it was worth the sacrifice in rolling resistance. They were also a fair amount heavier than the Hardcase tires they replaced.

I did get a large number of flats, although probably less than other tires. Seemed like, once I got a small hole in the tire, small pieces of grit would work their way into the same small hole. They seemed kind of expensive for such a heavy tire.

In conclusion, I'll probably try a different tire for the next time. Maybe Specialized Armadillo.

These tires are absolutely puncture resistant. I have ridden them for six months 50 miles per week with no flats. Virtually bombproof. That's the good news.

The bad news is that to me, they feel VERY slow. When I first put them on my bike I felt like I was pushing through molasses. I've gotten used to them, and as a NW commuter I will take the sluggishness due to the great durability of these tires. For a basic commuter tire they seem a little pricey, but time is money, so not having to change flats is worth something.

I found these tires by luck and there great. Only problem is that I don't know what size tube fits in a 700c x 28 tire. Cant someone help me with this?

Initially I was skeptical of the reviews, can any tire be that good? Then, after a flat in the rain on a busy road at dusk, I told myself "I am not doing this again". So I ordered the Marathon Plus, it is easier to mount with a spring clamp to hold tire in rim, but not that bad for what you gain. Now after an accumulation of 6000 miles on three different bikes with them on I have had no flats. I love the confidence of riding on rough roads with blackberrys or star thistle thorns around and not worrying about a puncture. I put them on our tandem trike and we ride a gravel road surrounded by berry bushes with no flats. They roll well, have good traction, I am very pleased with these tires.

These are great tires and very durable. I ride about 5k mikes per year, with a pretty heavy commuter load, and the marathon plus last about 6 months on the rear wheel. I have not had a single flat with this tire event though I ride in pretty gritty conditions ... in rain, after snow melt. Tires are sturdy and grip the road well.

The first time putting them on, the tires are stiff because the rubber is so heavy. I use 700x25s, which actually size out closer to a normal 700 x 28. I use a pair of heavy spring clamps to squeeze the tire down as I work it onto the rim.

I would not ride anything else ... you won't either once you have tried them.

I really love this tire, I have had them for several months now and so far they fit the bill for what I was looking for.

Pros: puncture resistant; great tread - very grippy; handles well; side wall reflector stripe

Cons: One of the toughest tires to mount, be prepared for a serious wrestling match!; Little heavier than most tires; Little noisy on smooth roads not sure if this one really matters

One note worth mentioning - I must of gotten some of the tube pinched between the tire bead and rim, it basically shredded my tube - double check after mounting, mounting this tire really demands patience and tire-mounting know how.

I purchased 700x28c Marathon Plus tires. This is a bomb proof tire, and will go on a touring bike with lower grears. I originally put it on my main road bike, it is slowed me down more than I expected, probably due to weight. I replaced it with same size Gatorskins, which are much lighter. Keeping them, but putting them on a touring bike.

If you find the drop in speed unacceptable, look for a lighter tire. Otherwise, they are bombproof. And there are times when I really need a bombproof tire.

This is my second set of Schwalbe tires that I use mostly for recreational riding, 2,000 to 2,500 miles year, with some light touring. I got the plus designation this time and am finding them to be a very sluggish ride. Here in West Virginia I do not leave my driveway without crossing a short and steep hill, and those conditions persist wherever I ride in these hills. My ride times are slower and knees more stressed with the poor rolling qualities. No question this is a durable brand, but if you live in the mountains, particularly the steep-graded mountains of the East, I would give it a second thought before buying these.

Toured 7500 km without a flat. A great tire that saved me from annoying fixes in dust, rain and clouds of mosquitoes. The rear tire that carried bulk of load still has tread.

Amazed at toughness of this tire.

30 to 50 miles a day for several years without a flat. I had to replace the tires once due to wear. Thank you Schwalbe.

I am very satisfied with this set of tires. I looked at a lot of different sets before buying and for the money, I am extremely pleased. Very nice ride and I would recommend to anyone for a road tire.