Schwalbe

[Badger]

Since I seem to have a tire fetish these last few days I was wondering how well the Schwalbe tires hold up.  I just bought a pair and now I'm doing the research on them. Oh well it must be the season.

[ptaylor]

I bought a pair last spring for my touring bike - have put perhaps 2,000 miles on them without a flat. I will buy nothing else in the future, even though they are quite expensive.

Gramps

[Badger]

I'm not sure where you live but Nashbar has them on sale.

[TheDaltonBoys]

No car...MTB commuter w/Schwalbe Marathons 26X1.75's and they are incredible!!!! Will always go with Schwalbe's, or Specialized Armadillo's.  Enjoy the voyage AND the Christmas Season....Mark of The Dalton Boys

[biker_james]

I bought a pair of Schwalbe Marathons for my Cannondale. I found the handling of the bike seemed far worse than with the Continental Top Touring. I have no idea why. I rode them a few hundred km's before giving them away, and had 1 flat in that time. Far worse record than the Conti's. I do know that they are popular, and considered a quality tire, I just never felt comfortable with them on the bike.

[Willyjog]

I haven't used Schwalbe but a friend has Panaracer Pasela TG, which he really likes.  He said the Continental Top Touring were just too difficult to get off the rim.

[MrBent]

I've got about 6,000 miles of experience on Schwalbe Marathons, and I've only had two flats in all those miles.  Great tires!  

Scott

[Badger]

I just put my new schwalbe tires on and they sure look good.

[bentrider1a]

I USE Schwalbe Marathons SLICKS AND HAVE HAD ONLY ONE FLAT IN 6500 MILES!! I THINK THEY ARE GREAT I USE A 700-30C ON THE BACK AND A 406X1.35 ON THE FRONT. THEY ARE A GREAT TIRE!


Steve
2002 GOLDRUSH

[Peterpan]

I did a 1000 mile tour on them last fall, I hit a rock on a rail trail, noticeable, but it did no damage to anything else, no flat, the tire casing split, almost ended my tour.  I really like these tires, and replaced the broken one, but I will for sure carry a folding spare if I can find one.  I normally would carry a folding spare, just couldn't find one before I left on that trip.

[ptaylor]

PeterPan. Schwalbe also makes folders. I have one, a Marathon XR 700x35C. I haven't yet unfolded it , (and hope I never do), but it appears to be the same great quality of their regular Marathon & Marathon Plus.

Gramps

[cyclesafe]

Performance was selling folding Marathon XR 35's until about a month ago.  They currently stock only the wire bead non-folding version - or so they say.  The WB version is sold in Europe, but is not listed on the Schwalbe North American site - only the folding are listed there.

Call Performance to nag them about stocking Schwalbe XR's in 35 and 40mm.  I've done so, but I am only one voice!  (1-800-727-2433)  I have on order two "wire bead" XR's.  We'll see.  I hope they aren't the regular Marathons...  

[cyclesafe]

Let's not confuse Marathons with Marathon XR's!!!

Stephen Caulker is the technical advisor for Schwalbe NA.  He responded in Crazyguyonabike to resolve the confusion between the two tires as follows:

Hi Guys,

I have been following this string and wanted to clear up a couple questions.

One respondent felt that the Marathon XR and PLUS were marketing gimmicks! They were designed for different applications.

Marathon Plus: Is designed for the commuter, who wants a tire with maximum puncture protection, excellent wear characteristic but isn't concerned about weight or folding capabilities. It features:

* Smart Guard puncture protection system: a dense highly elastic rubber that provides very high puncture resistance and does not effect rolling resistance.

* Designed for the daily commuter where the tire is subjected to a daily dose of staples, thumb tacks, flints, metal shards, glass etc.

* The Plus is a heaver tire, this result slower acceleration due to rotating weight but once rolling resistance is equal to the Marathon XR

* Non-foldable
* No chafing strip
* Lower load range

Marathon XR: Was designed for the world traveler who is counting on their equipment not to fail out in the middle of Mongolia (The "old" XR series was deservedly referred to by touring and trekking cyclists as the no compromise tire for long distance touring and expeditions. It was only available as wire bead tire).

When it came time to upgrade the tire our testers asked for a folding version with out any sacrifice in the durability, load range, wear characteristics or protection. So what is the difference between the Marathon XR and the Marathon Plus?

* The Marathon XR uses Travel Guard an Amarid fabric that is used in stab proof vests and gloves (It has 2.7 seven times more puncture resistance of the old Marathon XR tire).

* The XR's Travel Guard is a more flexible material then Smart Guard; it's lighter, and helps to lower rolling resistance.

* The XR has a special chafer strip to protect the lower portion of the sidewall and bead from cuts from the rim due to tire 'scrubbing' (lateral movement under heavy loads).

* The XR tire compound is slightly harder and will provide higher mileage.

* Foldable

* Higher load range then the Marathon Plus.

* Lighter then the Marathon Plus

Hopefully this clears up questions regarding the difference between the Schwalbe XR and Plus series tires. Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.

This message was edited by cyclesafe on 3-18-06 @ 6:26 PM

[ptaylor]

Excellent info cyclesafe and Stephen Caulker. Thanks!

Gramps