When Are Marathon Supremes Worn Out?

[PH]

Does that include the Almotions?

No, I haven't tried those. I have them down as being a bit slower / less easy rolling than Supremes, but better off-road, from what I have heard. And I don't do much off-road. Is that an accurate assessment?

I'd say that was about right, for the V-guard version, but the differences are small, just generally a bit tougher and a bit heavier, also a bit wider though nominally the same size. The difference between the Supreme and the Almotion is far less than the difference between the Almotion and the Greenguard. The bit of tread is reassuring when the lanes are mucky, but I wouldn't consider them much better off road than a Supreme.

[iandusud]

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like it is probably time to fit the new ones, particularly as I am off on a 2 month trip soon. However, I haven't been getting any punctures and it still looks like there is a bit of rubber left even though all the markings have been worn off. Maybe I'll save and put on my spare bike if I decide that there is some life left in them.

Re future replacements. I use 26" and the Allmotions don't do that size. I was wondering about the Marathon Racers - sounds unlikely as a touring tyre, but has similarities to Supremes. Don't really want any super heavy touring tyres, don't feel I need them anymore.

I also wonder about the Greenguards. The tread on the current Schwalbe website looks slightly different to the early ones that I tried (and didn't like). Is it possible that those who say they aren't too bad are actually riding a later version than us early adopters and rejecters.

I could buy another set (or maybe just a rear) of Supremes for the future, but I am not too happy about using tyres that are already a couple of years old and I have then stored for a couple more years.

Ho hum.

Edit Slowster posted while I was writing.

The link to SJS does show Allmotions in 26", which are not shown on the Schwalbe website, so presumably discontinued and old stock.

Hi, I'll be needing to replace the 26x1.6 Supremes on our tandem and am looking at alternatives. I've been tempted towards 26x1.75 Marathon Greenguards but have also noticed the Energizer Plus which seems to compare very favourably according to Schwalbe's comparison. They weigh much the same but the Energizer rolls better. BTW I can't see the Allmotion in 26" on the SJS site.

More on the Energizer Plus here https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.co ... -plus-2015

[slowster]

Hi, I'll be needing to replace the 26x1.6 Supremes on our tandem and am looking at alternatives. I've been tempted towards 26x1.75 Marathon Greenguards but have also noticed the Energizer Plus which seems to compare very favourably according to Schwalbe's comparison. They weigh much the same but the Energizer rolls better. BTW I can't see the Allmotion in 26" on the SJS site.

SJS list folding 26" tyres separately:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-26-559-folding/ (Supreme in stock as well as Almotion)

I would have thought that the Greenguard would be noticeably slower than the Supreme, albeit harder wearing and providing better grip on dirty roads in winter. I cannot comment on the Energizer, but I would have thought that a good cheap alternative to the Supreme for tandem use would be the Big Apple - https://www.schwalbe.com/en/tour-reader/big-apple. I use the 29" x 2.35" version on an MTB (often with two heavy panniers) and find it rolls well both on the road and on gravel tracks.

NB There are K-Guard and Raceguard versions of the Big Apple, and Raceguard is the one to buy - the K-Guard versions are much heavier. Wiggle are selling the Raceguard model for the same price as SJS, but offering two of the three sizes (50mm and 55mm) - SJS only list the 50mm (SJS also list a 55mm for £17.99, but that is K-Guard).

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-big-a ... -raceguard

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres/schwa ... nch-50559/

[iandusud]

SJS list folding 26" tyres separately:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-26-559-folding/ (Supreme in stock as well as Almotion)

I would have thought that the Greenguard would be noticeably slower than the Supreme, albeit harder wearing and providing better grip on dirty roads in winter. I cannot comment on the E
nergizer, but I would have thought that a good cheap alternative to the Supreme for tandem use would be the Big Apple - https://www.schwalbe.com/en/tour-reader/big-apple. I use the 29" x 2.35" version on an MTB (often with two heavy panniers) and find it rolls well both on the road and on gravel tracks.

NB There are K-Guard and Raceguard versions of the Big Apple, and Raceguard is the one to buy - the K-Guard versions are much heavier. Wiggle are selling the Raceguard model for the same price as SJS, but offering two of the three sizes (50mm and 55mm) - SJS only list the 50mm (SJS also list a 55mm for £17.99, but that is K-Guard).

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-big-a ... -raceguard

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres/schwa ... nch-50559/

Ah, I hadn't spotted that they list the folding tyres separately. Thanks.

We're not speed merchants and do a lot of touring loaded with camping gear, so I'm not sure how much difference a change to the Greenguard would make. I also note that they are rated very well for low rolling resistance https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.co ... athon-2015

Comparisons here https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews

We often end up on gravel paths where the Supremes cope remarkably well but I'm sure something with a bit of tread and bit more robust would be better suited.

The Big Apples might be an option in 2" although a bit bigger than really want to go to.

[slowster]

We often end up on gravel paths where the Supremes cope remarkably well but I'm sure something with a bit of tread and bit more robust would be better suited.

The Big Apples might be an option in 2" although a bit bigger than really want to go to.

A lot of my riding is on gravel tracks, and my experience is that it is width that makes the difference, not tread. I use three different width semi-slick tyres on gravel tracks, and I would summarise the differences as follows:

38mm semi-slicks - I have to concentrate and pick my line more carefully, and get the occasional heart in mouth moment if I let the bike pick up speed going downhill.

50mm semi-slicks (Supremes) - Noticeably more cushioning and comfort. On the flat I can generally just ride with my hands on the tops and look at the scenery without worrying about choosing a line.

60mm semi-slicks (Big Apples) - I am happy to let the bike pick up speed downhill on gravel, i.e. no braking to slow. I often sit up to straighten my back for a bit and ride no hands (both on the flat and downhill). I find grip sufficient even in winter when the tracks are wet and the gravel is mixed with mud.

[iandusud]

A lot of my riding is on gravel tracks, and my experience is that it is width that makes the difference, not tread. I use three different width semi-slick tyres on gravel tracks, and I would summarise the differences as follows:

38mm semi-slicks - I have to concentrate and pick my line more carefully, and get the occasional heart in mouth moment if I let the bike pick up speed going downhill.

50mm semi-slicks (Supremes) - Noticeably more cushioning and comfort. On the flat I can generally just ride with my hands on the tops and look at the scenery without worrying about choosing a line.

60mm semi-slicks (Big Apples) - I am happy to let the bike pick up speed downhill on gravel, i.e. no braking to slow. I often sit up to straighten my back for a bit and ride no hands (both on the flat and downhill). I find grip sufficient even in winter when the tracks are wet and the gravel is mixed with mud.

I tend to agree with you about width being more important than tread on poor surfaces. However a more robust tyre isn't a bad thing where there are sharp stones to contend with. Have you tried Kojacks?

[slowster]

However a more robust tyre isn't a bad thing where there are sharp stones to contend with. Have you tried Kojacks?

I agree, and I've probably been lucky so far in how few* punctures I have had with the Big Apples, although the wider the tyre, the lower the risk. I've not tried Kojacks.

* Two - one caused by a large thorn in the sidewall, the other because of too low a pressure over a long period resulting in the internal surface of the sidewall and the inner tube moving and rubbing against each other, with the result that both were abraded.

[PH]

I'll add this here rather than start a new thread, though it's a bit OT
Browsing the Schwalbe website looking for something else, I notice there's a new Marathon tyre for 2023, the Marathon Efficiency. Which Schwalbe claim is their "fastest touring tire to date with the lowest rolling resistance". Is this the Supreme replacement? Only available in very limited sizes and no 26"
https://www.schwalbe.com/en/tour-reader ... efficiency

[pwa]

I'll add this here rather than start a new thread, though it's a bit OT
Browsing the Schwalbe website looking for something else, I notice there's a new Marathon tyre for 2023, the Marathon Efficiency. Which Schwalbe claim is their "fastest touring tire to date with the lowest rolling resistance". Is this the Supreme replacement? Only available in very limited sizes and no 26"
https://www.schwalbe.com/en/tour-reader ... efficiency

As you say, not a great selection of sizes, and heavy. Unlike Supremes. Suited to e-bikes, so I'm suspecting they roll well when pumped up hard, too hard for comfort. They don't sound like they will be supple, a prime requirement of any tyre that I use.

I'm wondering about "gravel" tyres such as the finer treaded Gravelkings, and the G-Ones. I don't do tubeless, but you don't have to do you? My wife has 28mm Gravelkings and they are just fastish road tyres with a bit of extra protection, which is what a touring tyre is.

[PH]

https://www.schwalbe.com/en/tour-reader ... efficiency

As you say, not a great selection of sizes, and heavy. Unlike Supremes. Suited to e-bikes, so I'm suspecting they roll well when pumped up hard, too hard for comfort. They don't sound like they will be supple, a prime requirement of any tyre that I use.

I don't know any more than what's on Schwalbe's website. But as a comparison, in the 40mm size I use they're 20g heavier (490 V's 510). I don't know how the E-bike ratings are tested or calculated, these are rated for 50kph E-bikes whereas the Supremes are only rated for 25kph E-bikes.

I'm wondering about "gravel" tyres such as the finer treaded Gravelkings, and the G-Ones. I don't do tubeless, but you don't have to do you?

My E-bike came with the G-One Allround, with tubes, it's a very different bike and a different wheel size, but I was a bit unlucky with punctures. Thorn recommend the G-One speed, with tubes, I might have given them a go if I wasn't already well stocked with Supremes.

[Woodtourer]

Star Bike in Germany has 26x2 as of yesterday. We are currently touring in Denmark and my Supreme had a sidewall problem. I booted it until I could get a replacement. Not a Supreme but a Schwalbe Marathon.
I live in the US but buy my tires from Star.

[iandusud]

Has anyone tried the Continental Contact Urban? This appears to be a potentially good option in 26"
https://conti-tyres.co.uk/commuting-tou ... tact-urban
https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.co ... tact-urban

[irc]

Has anyone tried the Continental Contact Urban? This appears to be a potentially good option in 26"
https://conti-tyres.co.uk/commuting-tou ... tact-urban
https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.co ... tact-urban

Just to ressurect this thread.

I have a pair of Contact Urbans. Not used them yet. In fact after buying them I have noticed that they are only weight rated to 73Kg. Checking today my rear wheel is 72Kg before I add rear panniers and tent. They look a nice tyre. I think I will use one on the front.

I am getting an alternative for the rear. I'm sure the weight ratings have a margin for error but no point tempting fate. I would feel pretty stupid if had a crash cuased by a rear blowout.

The Supremes are rated at 85Kg and I have used them before with no issues. But possibly sacrificing a touch of weight and rolling resistance I am going for the Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Evo Faltreifen // 40-622 (28x1,5') V-Guard. Rated at 110Kg

Currently £26 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Schwalbe-Marat ... 07X1KDGBJ/

[PH]

But possibly sacrificing a touch of weight and rolling resistance I am going for the Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Evo Faltreifen // 40-622 (28x1,5') V-Guard. Rated at 110Kg

Currently £26 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Schwalbe-Marat ... 07X1KDGBJ/

My experience, as upthread, is there's very little difference between these and Supremes.
That's a bargain price, I think I paid about £35 and that was with a discount.

[irc]

Just to correct my statement about the load rating of Contact Urbans. This was from a website selling various sizes. An e-mail reply from Continental gives the load rating, per axle, for the Conti Urban in 700x42 size as 103Kg.