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Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour 700c Bike Tire, Performance Line, SmartGuard, Addix, E-50

Marathon plus tour 700c bike tire, performance line, smartguard, addix, e-50.

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Asphalt or off-road? Everyday use or bicycle expeditions? The Marathon Plus Tour is a versatile tire that always does the job. Its robust construction handles almost any mistreatment, protected by SmartGuard, the most effective puncture protection belt available for bicycle tires.

• Marathon Plus tires make your bicycle nearly flat-less. The 5mm thick puncture guard protects even against thumbtacks
• Although it's impossible to guarantee that a flat will never happen, the Marathon Plus has the best defense against everyday tire wreckers such as glass, flints or metal shards. Use a pressure gauge to adjust tire pressures as the common 'thumb check' is insufficient due to the special construction of the Marathon Plus
• Rated for e-bike use

SPECIFICATIONS

• Color:   Black/Reflective
• ISO Width (mm):   35
• Flat Protection:   Tread
• ISO Diameter:   622 / Road / 29"
• Designed for ebike:   Yes
• Tire Intended Use:   Touring-Hybrid
• Defined Color:   Black
• Tire Type:   Clincher
• Tire Bead:   Wire
• Tire Diameter:   700c

SKU: TR6156

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Schwalbe Marathon Plus Review

Schwalbe Marathon Plus

Schwalbe’s three-tire Marathon Plus lineup is among the company’s most popular, and has been around for more than a decade and a half. For the most part, it’s immensely popular among most who’ve tried it. After all, they report it delivers a solid mix between comfort, low rolling resistance, high puncture protection, and a variety of tread patterns from which to choose, depending on terrain. As with most products in the cycling industry, though, you’ll pay for the technology.

• Fitting/Removal
• Puncture Resistance
• Responsiveness
• Rolling Resistance
• Long-standing favorite among cyclists
• Great puncture protection
• Ultra-low rolling resistance
• Resistance to wear and signs of aging
• Variety of models/tread patterns available
• Suitable for a wide variety of terrain
• Can handle a range of air pressures
• At the upper end of the price spectrum,
• Will come with higher rolling resistance than thinner tires, or those without tread patterns

User Review

After riding Schwalbe Marathon Plus bike tires for hundreds of miles, as well as finding out what online consumers are saying, we’ll help you learn more about the lineup, including their technologies, pricing, and competitors.

Now that the northern hemisphere is squarely in the midst of fall, many cyclists are changing out their tires for something more robust, puncture resistant, and ready to take on less-than-stellar weather. And near the top of many lists is the Schwalbe Marathon Plus .

This three-tire lineup features patented, 5 mm-thick puncture protection belts made from a highly elastic combination of natural rubber and recycled material. Together, the company promises they deliver “the best possible protection against glass, flints, or metal shards,” dubbing them “the only tire worldwide that can be called “flat-less.”

Despite this, Schwalbe advertises the lineup is lighter than, and rolls as dynamically as, third-party tires without puncture guards.

As mentioned on the website, it’s impossible to guarantee that you’ll never have a flat tire. But, is it worth sacrificing weight for the added protection potentially provided by Marathon Plus’s puncture belt?

Here, we’ll combine our first-hand experience, along with publically available online information, to help you narrow down your options. Before exploring the differences between each tire in the lineup, though, let’s zoom in on their commonalities.

The Technologies You’ll Find in Each Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tire

Each Marathon Plus tire comes in a Black-Reflex color, with a wire bead, and 67 ends per inch, along with the following technologies:

SmartGuard & Flat-Less

Schwalbe’s SmartGuard technology, which is attached to the tire’s carcass as a belt, is the primary component that delivers Marathon Plus’s ‘flat-less’ functionality. According to their website, they’ve used it on their tires for more than 15 years.

Related: A Visual Guide to Bike Tires

This technology involves 5 mm of flexible rubber, part of which is natural, while the remainder is derived from recycled polymers. It’s thickest in the center for maximum top puncture protection and gradually thins toward each sidewall.

E-Bike Ready 25 & Performance Line

Schwalbe’s E-Bike Ready technology can accommodate the higher loads and average speeds of motor assist bikes (otherwise known as e-bikes), up to 50 km/h.

On the other hand, the Performance aspect is said to deliver excellent quality for intensive use, and the best value tires for the money.

What Are the Differences Between Each Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tire?

Now, let’s look at their differences. Here’s a quick overview of the aspects we’ll discuss:

Marathon Plus Original HS 440

According to the Schwalbe website, this is the company’s best-selling model, which they advertise as “The most puncture resistant pneumatic tire there is.”

Compared to older versions, the new Marathon Plus Original features Anti-Aging sidewalls that last longer and are more resistant to cracking caused by adverse weather conditions or insufficient air pressure. It also comes with a new Endurance compound that’s said to offer thousands of miles of “excellent performance characteristics and low abrasion.”

The Original offers the broadest range of sizes among the Marathon Plus lineup, with 18 different versions in 16”, 20”, 24”, 26”, 27.5, 650B, 700C, and 28” sizes available. Weight varies between 480 g and 1,010 g, with load between 65 kg and 115 kg, and PSI ranges between 50 and 100.

Depending on size, MSRP is between $47 and $57, although third-party online retailers offered it for $43 to $53 each as of this writing.

Marathon Plus Tour HS 404

The Marathon Plus Tour model adds a more robust and distinctive trekking tread than the Original, which is designed for long tours and everyday use alike, both on and off-road. Together, they advertise it offers the same rolling resistance, road grip, protection, and durability, but adds a slightly improved off-road grip.

Schwalbe only offers five different versions of this Tour model in 26”, 700C, and 28” sizes. MSRP is $57, while many online sites sold it for between $23 and $60 apiece.

Load is measured from 105 kg to 130 kg, with 30 to 85 PSI and weight between 890 g and 1,100 g.

Marathon Plus MTB HS 468

The MTB version of the Marathon Plus is available in 26”, 27.5“ and 29“ versions up to 57 mm wide. Built into its dual-compound rubber are central ribs designed to reduce rolling resistance on roads and hard-packed dirt, with smaller outer ‘lugs’ to maximize off-road traction.

Together, this model—advertised as the most puncture resistant MTB-tire available—offers the same road grip, protection, and durability as the Original, and adds a slightly improved off-road grip. As expected, this also slightly increases the weight to between 1,150 g and 1,350g, as well as the tire’s rolling resistance.

Load ranges between 120 kg and 132 kg, with acceptable air pressure between 30 PSI and 65 PSI.

Schwalbe’s MSRP for the Marathon Plus MTB is $62, while we found online retailers selling it for between $32 and $61.

My Experience With the Schwalbe Marathon Plus Original Tire

I rode a set of 26” Marathon Originals across Missouri’s Katy Trail, a rail-to-trail project that spans more than 220 miles across the state, roughly from Kansas City to St. Louis.

The tires were mounted to an older mountain bike fully loaded with approximately 40 pounds of gear, food, and clothing. (Yes, it was my first tour and I massively overpacked.) I found the mounting process straightforward and easily accomplished in a few minutes.

During the tour, I logged 50 to 70 miles daily over the course of four days, primarily on a packed crushed limestone surface. This was highly variable, though, and was more akin to asphalt in some areas, while shallow beach sand in others.

Despite all of the added weight, I felt the Marathon Plusses tracked straight, were predictable, handled well, provided minimal rolling resistance, and didn’t feel overburdened. I did get one rear flat during about half-way through the ride, though.

Related: Which Bike Pump Should You Buy?

Again, since the mounting process was easy, I had the tube changed out and was quickly back on my way again.

After returning home and placing the Marathon Plusses in storage for a couple of years, I dusted them off and mounted them on a single speed cruiser bike, which was mainly used for getting around town within a couple of miles of home.

Here, they were used only on asphalt, and often in urban conditions with plenty of obstacles to avoid, as well as debris that would puncture most standard bike tires. In these conditions, I felt the Plus’s low rolling resistance was much more noticeable, and I’ve yet to experience a flat tire.

Bottom line : After well over 300 miles of testing, I found the Marathon Plus rolled well on a wide variety of surfaces, despite its moderately deep tread. Riders can also implement a range of pressures, depending on their cushioning preferences, and the tires are incredibly adaptable and work very well in many different scenarios (touring, commuting, cruising, etc.).

And despite the fact that my Marathon Plusses have been in storage for several years, the rubber remains pliable and looks great, with no visible dryness or cracking.

Online Feedback For the Schwalbe Marathon Plus Lineup

Between sites like Amazon, Road.cc, Chain Reaction Cycles, Bike Tires Direct, and REI (to name just a few), we encountered well over one thousand combined online professional and customer reviews for Schwalbe’s Marathon Plus tires—some going as far back as 2007.

And with average ratings 4.5 stars or higher, it seemed like most were pleased with the ride delivered. As was the case with our firsthand experience, many praised its puncture resistance, adaptability, and low rolling resistance.

Pro tip : Speaking of which Bicycle Rolling Resistance tested the Marathon Plus Original back in 2015 and found it provides 25.5 watts of resistance. This is meaningfully lower than the manufacturer’s claimed 34.9 watts.

On the other hand, the relatively few gripes related to a greater number of flats and lower quality than expected, as well as high price.

Competitors to the Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tire Lineup

Although the Marathon Plus lineup is often at the top of many cyclists’ lists, several popular competitors could provide just as much performance value, depending on your preferences. These include similar traits like puncture resistance, minimal rolling resistance, and broad functionality:

What do we mean? Here are a couple of preference-based examples:

If budget is your main priority, Schwalbe’s Marathon Supreme tire is the highest in the list above, followed closely by Marathon Plus, along with Continental’s Grand-Prix 4-Seasons.

However, the 4-Seasons are not available as mountain bike tires. Even if you’re solely interested in 700C sizes, they still offer far fewer selections than pretty much every other competitor in the table.

Price-wise, WTB’s ThickSlicks come in at the lowest price point and also offer a wide range of sizing options, depending on the bike you ride. However, as the name suggests, none of their tires feature tread, so they’re probably not ideal for venturing off-road.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus: Bringing it All Together

Considering their high puncture resistance, low rolling resistance, and wide range of sizes, Schwalbe’s Marathon Plus tires have been popular among cyclists of all stripes for years. And it shows, considering the almost wholly positive reputation the lineup has among online consumer reviews.

Coupled with our highly positive experience touring and cruising around town on them, we’d strongly recommend the Marathon Plus tire if you’re in the market, despite its higher price. If you’re dissatisfied, most retailers offer at least 30-day refund policies, and Schwalbe offers warranties on all of their tires.

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No mention of how they perform in the wet, as far as I can see. I've been running them on my commuter bike for years, and they're pretty scary on wet tarmac. Brake hard and they will lock up and skid for miles. Also, I strongly disagree with the claim that they're easy to mount. A brand new Marathon Plus is almost impossible to mount from cold. Tyre leavers will snap. Curse words will be uttered. Your rims will get scratched. I'm not ashamed to say I've given up and I get the bike shop to fit new ones for me - and even then it takes two strapping young lads at the shop to get the job done. Once they're on and have been used, they're easier to get off and back on - especially if they're warm, so a little tip - if you're at home, this is - is to stick them by the radiator, use a hairdryer, or even run them under hot water til they warm up - but I've found they're still far, far more difficult to remove and refit that any other puncture-resistant tyre. And I'm not alone - search online and you'll see there are thousands of users like me who really, really struggle with them. Despite all the above, they're my preferred tyre for commuting, as they really are as close to puncture-proof as you can get, and they last for thousands of miles.

I have recently fitted them to front and rear of a Electric Commuter / MTB - 350W (that sits at 27kg with always loaded Panniers and camera and lights etc) - I am 90KG and wanted something that was puncture resistant as I didn't want the hassle and time of attending to punctures! After 6 Punctures in 1,150 km (mainly from thorns / glass and 1 * construction nails in road gutters) and cost me $35 AUD for a new tube and labour to fit I decided to go this way and decided to pay bike shop to put them also! I am running them at about 50psi to 60psi. I am recovering from a major lower leg & knee operation and just resumed riding after 12 weeks off and only done about 50km since the tires were put on. I am riding in western australian winter on sidewalks and cycle paths and I am finding the traction at my slow speeds to be spot on. As my leg improves and I push the speeds I will know better about traction and, handling and wear. Riding for exercise at all times and also in my daily commutes so weight of tires & bike etc are not an issue (but battery life is .. lol) .. All said and done I am extremely pleased with these ...

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Schwalbe Marathon Plus tire review - robust and reliable

...because life's too short to be fixing unnecessary punctures

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If you value reliability over other elements of performance, then the Marathon is one to consider. It is best suited to commuter and utility bikes, although other, less performance oriented, riding can also benefit from its features. It has good rolling resistance for its type and is a comfortable ride. Its downside is shown with hard cornering where it can lose its composure a little.

Highly puncture resistant

Long lasting

Quality made

Proportion of recycled material used in its construction

Reflective sidewall

Not as secure with hard cornering as some

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

• Construction
• Value and conclusion

The Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires build on their long held reputation for reliability and puncture resistance. They are also able to be used on e-bikes, as well as conventional bikes.

Marathon Plus tires claim to be flat-less, thanks to their unique patented puncture protection belt. They offer a long life, dynamic rolling behaviour and an anti-aging technology - which prevents ugly cracks in the tire sidewalls - and rank amongst the very best road bike tires for reliability and puncture resistance

That puncture protection belt is super strong and manufactured from a highly elastic special rubber. Even sharp thumb tacks/drawing pins cannot puncture it - and it is rated at 7/7 on Schwalbe's puncture protection scale.

It is purposed primarily for tarmac roads and paths and secondarily for light gravel surfaces, such as canal tow paths.

There are a wide variety of sizes from 35-349 (16") to 47-622 (700c/28") available, with 18 options in total.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus: construction

The Marathon Plus 28c tire uses a wire bead with the ADDIX rubber compound being used in the tread. Underneath the tread, the SmartGuard anti puncture strip uses a proportion of recycled C50 rubber from old latex products. 

The 28c tires weigh 750g each (which I confirmed with my scales). They also require an inner tube, rather than being tubeless compatible - but considering the puncture-proof credentials, sealant really would be overkill. The tires feature a reflective sidewall, which is good safety feature, particularly for night or winter commutes.

They are also e-bike ready with this model being E-25 (up to 25kph - UK assisted maximum), whilst others in the lineup are E-50 (up to 50 kph) compliant.

Pressure range is listed on the sidewall as 5.50 - 7.50 Bar (80 - 110psi) for the 28c model, but this is much higher than you'll really want to be using them. Previously Schwalbe has advised us to use as low a pressure as you can before the tyre feels like its folding over a bit in the corners and moderate square-edge hits touch the rim.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus: the ride

My first job, after weighing the tires, was to fit them. I decided to try them with the Pinnacle Laterite 2 bike that I had on test. The Pinnacle's wheels had a 17mm internal rim width, which was a reasonable match for the Marathon tires. I did find that the wire beaded tires were a bit of a fight to fit. They weren't a tight fit, like some can be, but more awkward. 

What I found was that the stiff sidewall/bead would pop off the rim on the opposite side to where you were fitting the tire. You almost needed three hands to fit them, with two hands to hold the bead in place and the third to lever the tire into place. Since that isn't the case, it meant that the struggle went on for a while...

I lined the centre of the sidewall writing up with the valve, for the sake of good form, and initially pumped them up to 90psi. Even at this pressure, you can feel a softness under the central ridge of the tire if you squeeze it. This is the 5mm thick puncture guard (the blue section in photo below), which is able to resist punctures from thumb tacks, says Schwalbe.

Although they are nominally a 28c tire, when fitted to the rims mentioned above I found that they came up a little wide. I measured the tires at 30mm - worth bearing in mind if you have tight tolerances, say with fenders, you may wish to size down to keep a safe gap between the tire and bike.

Once out cycling, I was pleased how comfortable they were to ride with. I was surprised how well they hid their 750g weight too. The Laterite test bike came shod with Schwalbe Lugano II wired bead 25c tires, which are less than half the weight of the Marathons at 365g - and yet the Marathons felt more comfortable. 

Both setups felt that they kept similar pace, although I didn't take any timing measurements. Schwalbe claims that the rolling resistance remains excellent, certainly when compared to other tires with puncture belts of similar thickness. This would seem to be a reasonable claim, as they did roll well.

The one area that let the Marathons down a little was with harder cornering. There is a corner I ride which tightens up on you mid bend. The road surface is nicely tarmacked and quite smooth. When I first rode it with the Marathons it was 6°C / 43°F and a cool, cloudy day with damp road surfaces. As I leant in initially, I didn't feel as secure on the Marathons as I normally do on other tires, so I straightened up a bit a took the corner wider, wondering if this was because the tires were new and not bedded in yet. 

So, a few rides later I tried the same bend again. Conditions were broadly similar (9°C / 48°F this time) and I found the same thing. I had to straighten the bike up mid-corner as I didn't feel 100% secure. Note that with the Lugano tires there was no issue when ridden two days later. 

But other than this tight and technical corner, I didn't have any issues with the Marathons' handling. I wonder whether is is the softer anti puncture strip that is causing this slight squirming sensation. I do appreciate that this is a tire purposed for reliability over performance, and that you're probably not riding super hard on a commute or a trip to the shops!

One of the key reasons to use these tires is because you don't want the inconvenience of punctures. So, as if on cue, a local farmer was hedge cutting on the lane that I was riding. I'd normally tiptoe through the shards, but sensing a testing opportunity I rode full tilt through the detritus. Nothing! I even deliberately rode back down the same lane on the return leg to catch more hedge cuttings. Needless to say that the tires remained fully inflated. 

After six weeks of riding, and removing them from the test bike, I inspected them closely for any wear, rips, cuts or thorns and could see nothing untoward. My friend has been using a pair of these (32c) for a number of years without issue. In fact he needs to replace the rear tire soon as he's worn it out!

This frame can take up to a 32c tire. Plenty of clearance in this case.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus: value and conclusion

At $50.00 / £44.99 RRP these tires are fairly expensive, yet represent good value for money as they come from a quality manufacturer, last well and are highly puncture resistant. The improvement in rolling resistance is a good thing and the fact that they use an amount of recycled C50 rubber in the SmartGuard is an environmental and recycling plus, too. The reflective sidewalls are a good safety feature when riding at night.

Although they are a quite heavy at 750g, this is similar to others in this segment. They rolled surprisingly well, which probably helped to hide their weight, as well as being a comfortable tire to ride with. Although they weren't great with hard cornering it should be kept in mind that this is not their purpose. Moderate cornering was good. 

Overall I enjoyed ticking off the miles with these tires as they rolled well and didn't leave me fixing a flat at the side of the road in the rain! 

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Over 40 years cycling in a variety of disciplines including road riding, commuting, a self-supported Land's End to John o' Groats trip, XC mountain biking and several Polaris Challenge two-day events. Adventure, escape and fun are the motivations for my riding. I also love bike and kit design and have fillet brazed a couple of framesets using Reynolds 853 steel tubing for myself. A very satisfying experience to ride your own bespoke bike!

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Marathon Plus Tour 2022

• Kostenloser Versand ab 24,95 € Bestellsumme, sonst 3,95 €
• Standardversand innerhalb von 3-4 Werktagen

Product Description

FLAT-LESS – WITH A PURPOSEFUL TREKKING TREAD. Asphalt or off-road? Everyday use or bicycle expeditions? This versatile tire always does the job. Its robust construction handles almost any mistreatment. Protected by SmartGuard, the most effective puncture protection belt available for bicycle tires.

FLAT-LESS WITH MARATHON PLUS. Only Marathon Plus tires make your bicycle flat-less. The 5mm thick puncture guard protects even against thumbtacks. www.schwalbtires.com/blog/news/innovation/flat-less/

It is impossible to guarantee that a flat will never happen, but the Marathon Plus has the best defense against everyday tire wreckers such as glass, flints or metal shards. Use a pressure gauge to adjust tire pressures as the common 'thumb check' is insufficient due to the special construction of the Marathon Plus.

Technical Data

• Size: ETRTO 47-622 (28x1.75 Inch)
• Type: Wired
• Compound: Addix
• Version: SmartGuard
• Colour: Black-Reflex
• Weight: 1050 g
• Pressure: 3.0-5.0 Bar (45-70 psi)
• Maximum load: 125 kg
• E-Bike: E-25
• Profile: HS404
• Product number: 11101057
• EAN: 4026495778763
• Price: US$60.00

SmartGuard®

The most effective protection belt for bicycle and e-bike tires. 5 mm of highly elastic special rubber. Only tires with SmartGuard® and Smart DualGuard can rightly call themselves "unplattbar" or "flat-less". Exclusively from Schwalbe. Partly obtained from recycled material.        

Old products made of natural rubber (such as gloves, tubes...) are crumbed and, over several procedural steps, used as base material in the puncture protection system.

Performance Line

Excellent quality for intensive use.

Endurance Compound

The Marathon compound for the highest durability.

Exclusively from Schwalbe. Only tires with SmartGuard® and Smart DualGuard puncture protection can rightly call themselves "unplattbar" or "flat-less". Proven a million times over - the safest choice for bikes and e-bikes. The flat-less puncture protection even protects against thumb tacks.

Tires with the recommendation "E-25" are the perfect choice for all pedelecs with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h. The most important criterion for this recommendation: safety.

Product overview

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Schwalbe Marathon vs. Marathon plus: Detailed Comparison

The Schwalbe Marathon and the Schwalbe Marathon Plus are two of the most popular tires in the Schwalbe range, but what are the differences between them and which one should you choose?

We’ll compare the Schwalbe Marathon and Marathon Plus, based on their specifications, performance, and reviews.

Table of Contents

Specifications

The Schwalbe Marathon and the Schwalbe Marathon Plus are both wire bead tires with a 67 TPI casing and an Endurance compound. They are available in various sizes , from 16 to 28 inches , and various widths, from 1 to 2 inches. The main difference between them is the type and thickness of their puncture protection layer.

Schwalbe Marathon

The Schwalbe Marathon has a GreenGuard layer , which is made of 3 mm thick recycled latex products . This layer provides a high level of puncture resistance, but also adds some weight and rolling resistance to the tire.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus

The Schwalbe Marathon Plus has a SmartGuard layer , which is made of 5 mm thick special rubber that can even resist thumbtacks. This layer provides an even higher level of puncture resistance, but also adds more weight and rolling resistance to the tire.

Manufacturer’s Specifications

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Schwalbe Marathon Plus is about 170 grams heavier and has about 20% higher rolling resistance than the Schwalbe Marathon per tire.

Both tires have reflective sidewalls and anti-aging features that prevent cracking due to low inflation pressure.

Related: Ardent vs. Rekon: Compared

Performance

The performance of the Schwalbe Marathon and the Schwalbe Marathon Plus can be evaluated based on their rolling resistance, puncture resistance, grip, and comfort.

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance is an important factor for touring bike tires, as it affects the speed and efficiency of your ride. The lower the resistance, the faster and rolling easier you can pedal . However, lower rolling resistance usually comes at the expense of puncture resistance, grip, or comfort.

The Schwalbe Marathon and the Schwalbe Marathon Plus have both been tested by Bicycle Rolling Resistance , a website that measures the rolling resistance of different tires using a standardized test method. The test results show that both tires have relatively high rolling resistance compared to other touring bike tires, but also very high puncture resistance.

The Schwalbe Marathon Plus has a higher rolling resistance than the Schwalbe Marathon at all tested air pressures (55, 75, and 95 psi). The difference is about 4 to 6 watts per tire, which means that you need about 8 to 12 watts more power to maintain the same speed with the Schwalbe Marathon Plus than with the Schwalbe Marathon. This difference is noticeable but not huge for most riders.

Puncture Resistance

It affects the reliability and safety of your ride. The higher the puncture resistance, the less likely you are to get a flat tire on your trip . Though, higher puncture resistance usually comes at the cost of weight or rolling resistance.

The Schwalbe Marathon and the Schwalbe Marathon Plus have both been tested by Bicycle Rolling Resistance for their puncture resistance using a standardized test method. The test results show that both tires have very high puncture resistance compared to other touring bike tires, but also very high weight and rolling resistance.

The Schwalbe Marathon Plus has a higher puncture resistance than the Schwalbe Marathon at both tested locations (tread and sidewall). The difference is about 20% for tread punctures and about 50% for sidewall punctures. This means that you are much less likely to get a flat tire with the Schwalbe Marathon Plus than with the Schwalbe Marathon.

Grip affects the performance of touring bike tires, especially on wet or slippery roads. The higher the grip, the better you can corner and brake without losing control . However, higher grip usually comes at the expense of wear or rolling resistance.

The Schwalbe Marathon Plus has a more pronounced tread pattern than the Schwalbe Marathon , which may help to disperse water and improve traction on wet roads.

Some users also report that the Schwalbe Marathon Plus has a lower grip on gravel or dirt roads than the Schwalbe Marathon, which may be due to its harder compound or thicker layer.

Comfort is another factor that influences the performance of touring bike tires, especially on long or rough rides. The higher the comfort, the smoother and more enjoyable your ride will be. However, higher comfort usually comes at the cost of weight or rolling resistance.

The Schwalbe Marathon has a thinner and more flexible layer than the Schwalbe Marathon Plus , which may help to absorb vibrations and bumps better.

Related: Magic Mary vs. Assegai: Compared

The Schwalbe Marathon and the Schwalbe Marathon Plus have both received many positive reviews from users on various websites, such as Amazon, BestAdvisor, and Cycling UK Forum.

The user reviews highlight the strengths and weaknesses of both tires, as well as their personal experiences and preferences.

The Schwalbe Marathon is praised for its durability, puncture resistance, grip, and value for money. Many users report that they have used the tire for thousands of miles without any flats or major wear.

Some users also compliment the tire for its reflective sidewall and anti-aging feature. The main complaints about the tire are its weight, rolling resistance, and installation difficulty.

It is praised for its exceptional puncture resistance, reliability, and peace of mind. Several users report that they have never had a flat tire with the tire, even after riding over glass, nails, or thorns.

Some users also compliment the tire for its wet grip and e-bike compatibility. The main complaints about the tire are its weight, rolling resistance, and installation difficulty.

Which One Should You Buy?

The Schwalbe Marathon and the Schwalbe Marathon Plus are both excellent tires for touring bikes, but they have different trade-offs between puncture resistance, rolling resistance, weight, grip, and comfort. The choice between them depends on your personal preferences and riding conditions.

If you prioritize puncture resistance over anything else and don’t mind the extra weight and rolling resistance, then the Schwalbe Marathon Plus is the best option for you. It will give you the ultimate protection against flats and save you from hassle and frustration on your trips.

If you prefer a more balanced tire that still offers high puncture resistance but also lower weight and rolling resistance, then the Schwalbe Marathon is the best option for you. It will give you a faster and easier ride without compromising too much on reliability and safety.

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SCHWALBE MARATHON PLUS TOUR TYRES

700x35c 890g £45.99 (each).

I’ve run Schwalbe tyres on various bikes for many years. Each visit to their website reveals further refinements to the range. At one time a set of Marathon Plus tyres for the tourer made selection easy. Now, with the Marathon Mondial, the Marathon Supreme, the GT, GT360 there are fine decisions to be made. Well, the Marathon Plus Tour is a robust choice for mixed surface touring where speed is not of the essence, but durability is. It has offered sound handling on all the surfaces, wet and dry, I’ve taken it over. It may be a compromise, but then there are many people out there who do not specialise in surfaces, just in riding their bikes all over the place.

Pros: a rugged all-rounder.

Cons: no 700x32c option.

Spec 4.25/5

Fundamentals are these: a wired, directional, twin-skinned tyre. Nothing unusual there. It comes in five sizes; 26x1.75 and 26x2.00; and 37-622, 42-622, 47-622. This fits very nicely with recent trends in trekking and touring bicycles. Just check your clearances, especially if you like to run with mudguards.

A moderately aggressive tread promises road and off-road potential in roughly equal measures, according to Schwalbe’s publicity. 67 EPI is not the highest possible, but above this durability is sacrificed on the altar of rolling. Even so, you’d expect these to be lively enough for a touring bike. Schwalbe score rolling at 3.5/6.

​ The “Endurance” is common in Schwalbe’s touring range. They score it as 7/7 for durability – a definite requirement for mixed-surface touring. 

The same score for puncture protection comes via their “Smart Guard” system. Rather than acting as a single line of defence, this uses defence in depth to expel infiltrators.

Pressures run from 50-85psi. Our two testers are both over fourteen stone, so testing tended to be toward the top end to preserve them from pinch punctures. More of that later. That range is actually pretty good, and should give something for everyone. Lower pressures may best be reserved for the larger profile versions.

There’s a reflective “reflex” strip and a track for a bottle dynamo.

Schwalbe state a weight limit of 105kg. Don’t panic. Remember, you have two tyres. 205kg should manage most touring rigs and riders.

Fitting 3.75/5

Fingers only onto SON and Jalco rims. Likewise, Mavic and Ryde Sputnik. Schwalbe seem to have ditched the Marathon Plus’s reputation for stubbornness of bygone years. Removal, of course, requires tyre levers, but I’ve not had to resort to anything like the long handle. LifeLine tyre levers out of my touring tool-kit have sufficed. Definitely, no need for the long-handled tyre-wand.

Puncture Protection 4.25/5

Well, 350 miles of mixed surface riding has not yet heard the hiss of death. That has included urban cycle paths with the usual detritus left by our glass-smashing-brethren, as well as a long chunk of rocky single-track with technical rocky sections, as well as road and gravel.

Although the tread is moderately aggressive, it hasn’t picked up flints and shattered glass readily. I managed to find a hawthorn twig – usually enough to sink any tyre and inner tube. This was the exception. A puny hawthorn or a tough tyre – well, this is not an exact science.

My conclusion? Schwalbe’s Smart Guard is still as good as you get.

Having said that, if weight is no problem, I may well go for Tannus Armour to allow running at lower pressures. Fortunately, I’ve found the combination performs equally well under a touring load when I’d like to keep pressure higher.

Durability 3.5/5

OK, as ever, this report would be a long time in the making if we were to look at getting a couple of thousand miles in. At this early stage, there are no signs of marking on the tyre, despite a teenager’s skid-pulling antics on gravel tracks. In fact, with a little spit and polish they still look as good as new. With the emphasis on durability, and much experience of Schwalbe tyres, I’d expect these to last a long old time on a 

commuter-touring- hack-leisure machine in use for all-purpose riding. In other words, as good as you’ll get for mixed surface tours.

Handling 3.5/5

These were not designed for fast-rolling. On the other hand, they’ve gone well-enough mounted on the aluminium frame of an all-purpose Pinnacle. On the heavier, big tour Swallow – hub dynamo on the front wheel – they take on a more stoical persona. Even so, they’ve plenty of life, perhaps a product of the supple side-walls.

Handling has been really good. True, they don’t cut into the surface as well as the G-One All Round or the GT365, but they’ve taken on some tight turns on forest gravel with confidence as well as feeling reassuring on wet tarmac in city traffic. Sound braking, too – including on those deliberate skids. I’ve found them more than adequately responsive, but faster rough-riders may prefer, suppler, less durable, tubeless set-ups (like the aforementioned G-One All Round).

As you’d hope, under load, their performance doesn’t diminish – within reason. Trucking long with full camping gear – or heading home after a supermarket run – corners will be taken more cautiously, but that isn’t caused by the tyres.

With this sort of profile, a comfortable ride should be expected – especially for someone who regularly runs 28s or 32s. As the trend is toward fatter tyres for touring, these hit the mark pretty well.

The best part of £92 for a pair of tyres is a big investment, but not unreasonable, especially when one considers the reliable miles you’ll get for each penny. In any case, you are likely to find them discounted on-line.

Other tyres in the Marathon range come in within a similar range, although the Marathon Racer is £37.49.. OK, the magic carpet, ultra-durable, multi-surface  Marathon Mondial  are significantly pricier. At just under £60 each, The Marathon Supreme are probably a better bet if your bias is for asphalt. Equally, we found the slightly cheaper Marathon GT365 a good bet, especially for mixed terrain riding in a typical UK winter.

Other brands of tyre are available, of course. For example, we found the  Vee Tire Co Zilent MK2  worthy choices, not just for commuting and city work, but also for gravel and touring ventures (as opposed to the Zilent originals, which were best without a hefty touring load). The Marathon Plus Tour probably edge it on handling and rougher surfaces, in my opinion.

Goodyear County Premium   tyres are a bit pricier, but may be preferred by some lighter-weight tourers looking for a bit more speed on a mixture of surfaces.

More than workhorses, though very good for the daily commute or shopping trip, the Marathon Plus Tour do well on mixed surfaces when underload or travelling light. Strong puncture protection is not unusual these days, and compromise is perhaps key to the good all-round touring tyre. Road-biased tourers may prefer, Conti Top Contacts or the good old Schwalbe Marathon Plus or the Marathon Supreme. More extreme terrain may require knobblier rubber, but I can’t think of a mixed-terrain tour that I have ever done that these would not have handled with aplomb.

Verdict 4/5 Taking its place in the subtly differentiated Schwalbe touring range, this is a lively, reliable all-rounder.

Steve Dyster

https://www.schwalbe.com/en

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2020

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• Tire Accessories

Energizer Plus Tour

• Kostenloser Versand ab 24,95 € Bestellsumme, sonst 3,95 €
• Standardversand innerhalb von 3-4 Werktagen

Product Description

AS LONG AS THE BATTERY LASTS. Non-stop riding fun with the E-touring specialist Energizer Plus Tour. The 3mm strong GreenGuard provides the same level of security as Energizer Plus. Equipped with a revised tread design which for years has successfully proven itself on our Marathon GT Tour, the Energizer Plus Tour is the ideal companion for E-tours on the road or unpaved surfaces. Of course, it has a high-quality carcass (67 EPI carcass), specialized ADDIX E-Compound and ECER75 certific ation for all classes of E-Bikes.

Technical Data

• Size: ETRTO 55-622 (28x2.15 Inch)
• Type: Wired
• Compound: Addix E
• Version: GreenGuard
• Color: Black+Reflex
• Weight: 1250 g
• Pressure: 2.0-4.0 Bar (30-55 psi)
• Maximum load: 132 kg
• E-Bike: E-50
• Profile: HS485
• Product number: 11159342
• EAN: 4026495902564
• Price: €32.90

Product overview

Find your perfect tire even faster. Use the search to narrow down the articles or sort the tires with the arrows directly in the table according to your interest.

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Best Cycle Touring Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Plus Review

• Good traction in wet and dry conditions
• Superior puncture protection
• Long-lasting

You can trust us. We only review items we use on long-distance cycle trips or hikes. Or, items that made the shortlist for our trip's kit list; all items were heavily researched by us.

We've been riding on Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres for five years. We cycled JOGLE with him, the Outer Hebrides and countless other bike rides. We even cycled 13,000 miles from the UK to Vietnam on one pair of tyres, each.

I thought to write a round up blog comparing one tyre against another, but knowing what these bad boys can do I decided, screw it, give the people what they want: the best cycle touring tyres.

In our minds, it is, without a doubt, the Schwalbe Marathon Plus.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres Review

So, if you haven't guessed already, we're going to be reviewing Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres, crowning them, King of the Cycle Touring Tyres. It's 5/5 stars for us!

Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres

Schwalbe marathon plus tyres are the best tyres for long-distance riding. They boast superior puncture protection to keep you rolling, puncture-free, for as long as possible. If we did 13,000 miles on them, you can, too.

Our experience with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres

For us, Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres pay for themselves over and over. We've had nothing else on our bikes for over five years and we've barely had a problem.

When we cycled half way around the world we didn't have a problem with punctures until we made it to China.

Zoe had zero punctures in 13,000 miles thanks to Schwalbe.

Stew did have a harder time with his, racking up about thirty punctures, all in one tyre and all within about a week of each other. Admittedly, it was hell, but we think, we simply didn't identify the source of the original puncture. Plus, Stew carried all the weight in two panniers on the back of his bike; we think the pressure contributed to the punctures.

Outside of the tyre trauma in China, we've literally had two other punctures in five years.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus tech spec

• 5 mm thick SmartGuard layer for rollin'
• Manufactured with a proportion of recycled C50rubber from old latex products

Why you should buy Schwalbe Marathon Plus

No one wants a puncture, especially when you're out trying to explore the world, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy your travels. Punctures are pure misery and if you're out cycling the deserts, as we did, at 40 degrees celsius (and more), the last thing you need is a puncture. When it's that hot, standing still is the worst!

With the Schwalbes you'll get peace of mind. Of course, puncture proofing is not a guarantee, but the Marathon Plus tyre undoubtedly gives you the best chance of making it 13,000 miles (and more) puncture free. Zoe has already proved you can ride 13k with no bother.

The value for money is out of this world. Retailing at £20 to £40/tyre they are a bargain. For our world cycling tour we paid £147.96 or £6.17 each, per month for blissful cycling.

Seriously, Schwalbe, take my money.

Bike Touring Tyre FAQs

No tyre is fully puncture-proof. There’s always a chance you’ll pick up a puncture. As we said earlier, we got a tonne in China, but this is due to metal shards on the road, the weight of Stew’s bike and to be fair…the tyres, by that point, had done at least 9,000 miles.

When it comes to the best tyre size for cycle touring, this is ultimately going to depend on what the bike needs, but if it helps, we took 700c 38mm.

You want a tyre that’s:

• Robust enough to last
• Slim enough to ride at a decent pace
• Wide enough to weather the bumps in the road and manage the weight of your bike

You would choose the most robust tyre in the industry: the Schwalbe Marathon Plus.

I did think to stretch this cycling tyre review out some and write a load of words to compare one tyre against another, but I vowed that this blog would be as useful as possible and solve problems rather than cause them.

If you want an awesome tyre, take the Schwalbe Marathon Plus.

Generally, wider bike tires are more puncture resistant than slimmer tyres. It does of course depend on a lot of other factors like how good the tyres are.

As a general rule, wider tyres are less likely to puncture because they have a larger surface area in touch with the ground. When the weight is distribute over a wider surface you’re less likely to puncture.

Post written by: Zoe Ashbridge

Ask a question or join the discussion below.

I commute 30 miles a day in Leicester, UK. I deal with quite a lot of grass and different debris on my journey in. I wish I had discovered the marathon 5 years ago when I started cycling again.

The amount of inner tubes I used to go through and the amount of tires I’ve had to give up on cause I was just getting to many punctures is ridiculous. Even the gator skin hardshells which are rated one of the best commuter tires let me feeling less than confident that I wouldn’t get a puncture.

I ride the schwalbe Marathon in the summer on my road bike and then throw on the marathon plus in the winter when the weather gets worse and mor debris is on the ground.

What a tire…

I feel the same as you, Sean! I couldn’t tell you what tires I was riding on before I met Stew, but now I’ve discovered the Schwalbe Marathon Plus I wouldn’t use anything else.

I’m glad you’re finding they’re good for your daily commute.

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Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

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Walking Tour of Moscow's Kolomenskoye Estate

On this walking tour through the Kolomenskoye Estate in Moscow, immerse yourself in Russia’s interesting royal history. Walk around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ascension Church, built in 1532, and enter the Hou...

Moscow Cultural Walking Tour: Red Square, Kitay-Gorod and St Basil's Cathedral

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

For those who like to travel in comfort

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon

Moscow Metro Tour - With Ratings

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 1 Hr 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Details : Get to the Biblioteka imeni Lenina (Lenin's Library, Red Line) or Alexandrovsky Sad (Alexander Garden, Light Blue Line) metro station. Use any exit. Find the Kutafia Tower of the Kremlin. The guide .. read more

The Moscow Metro has a long history to it. Also, the city has an extremely beautiful subway. It is very well maintained and is also extremely decorated. Each station and spot has a different artistic aspect to it. On this tour, experience the efficiency of Moscow Metro.

• Roam around the Revolution Square, with magnificent sculptures of the Soviet people
• Visit the Kurskaya Station Lobby, the Hall of Fame of the WWII
• Be awestruck at the Komsomolskaya , with impressive mural mosaics of Russian glorious victories
• See the artistic side of Novoslobodskaya , with the stained glass, although under the ground.

Know More about this tour

Take our Moscow Metro Tour and discover why our subway is recognized as the most beautiful in the world!

"They used to have palaces for kings, we are going to build palaces for the people!" said one of the main architects of the Soviet subway.

With us you will see the most beautiful metro stations in Moscow built under Stalin: Komsomolskaya, Revolution square, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya. Our guide will tell fascinating stories and secrets hidden underground, urban legends and funny stories.

How many babies were born on the Moscow metro? Where is the secret Metro 2? How deep is the Moscow metro? And where did Stalin give his speech in November 1941? Join out Metro tour and find out!

• Metro ticket

Cancellation Policy

• If you cancel between 0 hrs To 24 hrs before scheduled tour departure, the cancellation charge will be 100%
• If you cancel between 1 days To 180 days before scheduled tour departure, the cancellation charge will be 0%
• Please note that in case of No show, the cancellation charge will be 100% of the listed tour fare.
• Please note tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
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