Cycling UK Forum

Love 'em, had them on for about 3 years now, no punctures, they don't come off the bike which is used for shopping, towpath riding and long distance touring.

1. Not totally puncture proof. But nearly. I had them on a commuter and had a couple of punctures in each year.
2. They can be beggars to get onto the rims.
3. Slower than a lot of nearly as puncture proof that are easier to fit. I replaced them with Pasela Tourguards and had no more punctures and they were a lot faster!

Have been using them on my folder for over 3 years - not a single puncture. For a standard bike with derailleur gears and quick release wheels, I would second the vote for Continental 4 Seasons - far smoother and faster ride and very robust.

"The narrower ones (700x25, 700x28) are so stiff they give a bumpy ride, and they are a bit of a wrestling match to put on."

Try using talcum powder. Works wonders.

I use them on my tandem and I've taken it over the Alps.

No worries

I don't use SMP+ and I didn't have a single puncture in 5 years of riding all sorts of terrain. When I compare them side by side against other makes of tyre, SMP+ are so gut bustingly heavy plus I heard they don't roll so well. So not for my bikes which includes Brompton which uses the Brompton Kevlar tyres - no punctures in 9 years of ownership.

I've used them once for a few hundred miles in winter,I didn't like them at all.Yes they're P/proof but they are also a very very harsh ride and heavy compared to the now discontinued ordinary Marathons.
For a very Puncture resistant tyre that rolls extremely well with a nice supple and comfortable ride quality,Panaracer RiBmo's take some beating IMHO, if you buy the folding variety they're about 50grms lighter than the steel wired ones (400grms for a 700x32mm compared to 450grms for steel),we've been riding these on the tandem for a couple of years with only one puncture in that time,which was the biggest meanest looking piece of flint I've ever seen stuck in a tyre!

I've just looked at Spa's site,they are showing stocks of ordinary (discontinued) Marathon H368's in all sizes,these tyres are a very good touring tyre IMO and at £15 a very good price too.

I think Marathon Racer are a better tyre. Puncture resistance is good and IMHO they roll better than Marathon. Just bought another pair (700X32)for £11each delivered from CRC. Happy bunny.
Just my 2penneth.

I've always been a fan (said so already in this thread). I did however find that I was bouncing around a bit on the descents in yesterday's Nyctophobic. I wondered if I'd over-inflated the front, so tried letting a little pressure out, but I am not sure that that is it.

I wouldn't use anything else for commuting. I'm reading with interest for other rides, and may try some alternatives.

PDQ wrote:I think Marathon Racer are a better tyre. Puncture resistance is good and IMHO they roll better than Marathon.

+1 currently running a pair of 700x35mm on a solo very light supple and quite quick though I think if I were on a loaded tour the ordinary marathon would have to be my tyre of choice.

Just bought another pair (700X32)for £11each delivered from CRC. Happy bunny.
Just my 2penneth.

I'm off to check them out

Edit:- Marathon racers don't come in 32mm and the cheapest I can find them on CRC is 32.99

Ah but they did when I bought them on special offer about 2 months ago. Sorry if I raised your hopes.They do make the them in 700x32 it's just that CRC don't have them at the moment. They come in 20" sizes too I've got 'em on the front of SMGT.

Thank you all for all your replies!!!!

PDQ wrote:..........They do make the them in 700x32........

Not according to the Schwalbe website http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/tour/marathon-racer/

You are right! I just went out to the shed to photograph them and they are 700X35.Which is a better size on my tourer.
They are narrower than the Contis I took off hence my being fooled into half thinking they were 32s. I would have fitted 38s if they had been on offer but I have to say that I am pleased anyway. I think I could loaded tour on these OK inflated hardish.
And they were 11 quid delivered. I thought it a bargain.

PDQ wrote:You are right! I just went out to the shed to photograph them and they are 700X35.Which is a better size on my tourer.
They are narrower than the Contis I took off hence my being fooled into half thinking they were 32s. I would have fitted 38s if they had been on offer but I have to say that I am pleased anyway. I think I could loaded tour on these OK inflated hardish.
And they were 11 quid delivered. I thought it a bargain.

The 700x35mm Racers are more like a 32mm in size I agree £11 is cheap as chips,Planet X are currently selling 700x35mm folders at £20 with postage,I bought five .