Cycling UK Forum

Hi,

I've got a hybrid and am thinking about changing my tyres after having cycled only a few times in the last 10 years. The ones they came with-Michelin I think, are getting very sticky around the beading and starting to perish through lack of use, though the tread is still good. I have thought of Marathon plus, but the weight and associated drawbacks put me off. I'm now thinking about Schwalbe Marathon Cross tyres. Has anybody any opinion on these? They do have kevlar tape, but no doubt far less puncture resistant than the Marathon plus.

lucia wrote:Hi,

I've got a hybrid and am thinking about changing my tyres after having cycled only a few times in the last 10 years. The ones they came with-Michelin I think, are getting very sticky around the beading and starting to perish through lack of use, though the tread is still good. I have thought of Marathon plus, but the weight and associated drawbacks put me off. I'm now thinking about Schwalbe Marathon Cross tyres. Has anybody any opinion on these? They do have kevlar tape, but no doubt far less puncture resistant than the Marathon plus.

Which one :-http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/cross/

Do you think you need a cross tyre?
I ask as I manage all my rough stuff(towpaths,Bridleways and some singletrack) riding on either Marathons or Marathon Racers without problem they aren't so good in mud or wet grass but I find if I'm careful theres no worrries but as most of my R/Stuff entails me riding upto 60% on the road, cross tyres would be slow,not as sure footed and noisy.

Just buy them. I speak as a confirmed user. In 1500 miles to date, cycling in every terrain I've never had a PUNCTURE.

Of course, it depends entirely on what sort of cyclist - no good for the road man - but if you're a hybrid owner like me who just wants to take off, either for the shops/day trip/ laden up tour, forget the others and just get yourself a pair.

The downside? I'm honestly getting scared that I might have forgotten how to mend a PUNCTURE.

Just two points to pick up on ...

I have new 26 x 2.1" MTB's on my expedition bike.

I have had one VERY minor issue to do with new tyres and mudguard clearance.

My bike has braze-on fittings for mudguards and the slight "spill over" from the
factory mould (present on the central ridge of the road surface) was rubbing the braze-on bolt.

closer inspection revealled that in addition to the bolt there were 2 stainless washers either
side of the guard. Removing these provided the necessary clearance to stop the
"techno beat" coming from the rear tyre as I pedalled uphill!

My only other observation is that high speed performance is a bit "twitchier"
that my continental branded "2:1 slick:tread" summer city tyres!

This manifests itself when I lean into a corner. The slight "fall" sensation at the start of the lean
seemed to come on twice as fast the first few times out, but this ultimately came down to rider calibration

Regards

BB

If you don't mind turning round half a kilo per tyre more than is neccessary with the hope of less P*******s, go for it.

As a indication, the difference between Conti Gatorskins folders and Schwalbe M+ is carrying a 1 litre carton of milk to work.

I have 26 x 1.75's fitted to my Thorn Sherpa - awseome tyres in my opinion. P******e protection 2nd to none.

They handle fine and the bike is very comfy to ride, wet grip is good and once the bike's rolling the weight issue is not a problem.

Pete.

I swapped out 26 x 1 3/8 old Dunlops for a pair of S M+ on a gent's town bike. There's was a 10% on my commute and I noticed them instantly.
Then I swapped out the 18 tooth sprocket on the Sturmey for a 24 tooth. Slower but manageable.

I would personally go for the regular marathons , 95% of the puncture resistance and 50% of the weight. The plusses add far too much weight to the wheel rim and require a lot more effort to accellerate in my opinion. I have done 3000 miles on a set of regular marathons with 2 punctures in the last 12 months. I havent had a puncture since May. They have been used ion rural and urban roads, paths and dirt tracks, in all conditions, fully loaded with camping gear at times

dont bother unless you are puncturephobic

Just my twopenneth

Regards

Russell