Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700C tires are the best I have ever used for long-distance touring. In a recent ride from Bar Harbor, ME to New York City they provided stability, rolling ease, and ... no flats! Highly recommended.
Early in the season, I did ride with one of my buddy and he rode his 26 Surly LHT while I rode my Jamis Bosanova. The snow had just melted and there were some some parts that were soggy and the path was still a mess and also some parts that was just plain gravel. I was envious that he passed through any of these with ease.
I knew I'd never trade in my Bosanova and I couldn't afford having another touring bike at home, so getting bigger tires was my only option.
I found out the maximum I could put on my bike was 700x42 and after researching I found that the Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x35 was close to 700x38 because of the extra thickness, so these are what I got now. I could've put on some cross tires, but I wanted something that is more puncture resistant. Plus, I have had good lucks with Schwalbe's warranty.
I bought this as a commuter tire as I can't afford to spend time changing tires during my commute. I was surprised on how comfortable these tires are. Definitely better than the Conti's / tire liner combo. I have full confidence in these. Weight-wise, I don't care and unless you are planning to race, neither should you. I'll put another set in my touring bike.
I commute daily in all weather and do loaded touring. I am on my second set of these tires. I rode my first set for 9,200 miles with only one flat at 7,900 miles. By the amount of tread wear, I probably could have gotten another 1,000 miles plus out of them. I changed them only because I wanted a fresh set of tires on a 9-day tour. One criticism frequently heard is that these tires are heavy. Heavy compared to what? On tour or commuting in the rain in the dark, reliability and the resultant peace of mind are paramount. Hard to mount? Perhaps, but you only mount them once. Like any new tire, they are stiff. But I was able to mount them with fingers only (patience and easy going is the trick). Rims might make a difference - I use Velocity.
I've been rocking this tire on my back wheel for a couple years, and have yet to get a single flat (knock on wood). This tire rocks!
So far so good. I like the new tread pattern. Works well for my urban commuting needs. Grippy in the wet anf I would say it rolls faster than the older pattern. Some say they're slow but I think you just need to understand that what you may lack in speed you more than make up for in puncture resistance. You know you only get flat tires when you actually have to be somewhere.
Best multipurpose tire I have ever had on ANY bike! Super durable & great performance/handling in both wet and dry conditions. They are a tad bit on the heavy side, but I'll take that in exchange for their toughness.
Would reccoment these tires for any city rider/tourer. Great traction, durable, no flats in hundreds of miles and the reflective sidewall is a nice touch for visability. Can be difficult to mount the first time but worth ever minute.
These tires wear very well, and are exceptionally puncture resistant. I rely on them for multi-day tours, loaded with gear, as well as local rides; they have never let me down. They are worth every penny.
I have used these tires on my touring bike for the last several years.They are tough, puncture resistance, and can handle a lot of miles even while touring. I usually get about 5000 miles out of them before tread is showing some wear and time to replace. The have not had a single flat in over 10000 miles.
I rode my Trek 520 from San Francisco to Portland, Maine on one set of Marathon Plus Tires without one flat tire. I have tour bikes and they all have SMP tires. I don't like to waste my time fixing flats when I'm out for a ride.I love these tires.
St Petersburg, Russia to Madrid, Portugal, 5000 miles no flats. Buenos aires, Argentina to Lima Peru also 5000 miles and no flats. No tires better.
These are absolutely the best tires I have ever had. I road from San Francisco to Portland, Maine, and never had a flat tire...4,000 plus miles, and continued to ride on them when I got home for another 1,000 or so. I have them on all my bikes and will continue to use them as long as they are available.
Rich from Sacramento, CA
I have used these tires on a vintage Raleigh Touring Bike for the past 2 years. With nearly 1500 miles on them I am yet to have a flat. My most recent purchase will put them on my hybrid bike as I prepare for a trip down the Katy Trail this summer. Best tires I have ever used. Make sure you get the Marathon PLUS tires...not to be confused with just the Marathon version.
I use this tire on my commuting bike. It has been great. 1 year of riding and no flats (most important consideration). There is still plenty of tread. It may be a little less supple than other tires but since I don't want a flat at 4am this is a wonderful tire.
I love that fact that I haven't got one flat since I've got my Scwalbe marathon plus tires.The down fall is that you lose speed ,but I guess ill save the Schwalbe Ultremo DD for the friendly races.
I use this tire on my winter commute bike, 27 miles round trip daily over surface streets littered with glass, sharp objects and crumbling pavement. 7,000 miles over the past 2 years, with only 1 puncture on the rear from a rather large piece of glass. Pretty reliable tire for sure!
This tire works well on my old beat up 7100 trek. I use this bike for errands around town, mostly paved roads and some hard packed dirt. No flats so far. This is a much better tire then what the locale bike shop had to offer (prices about the same).
This tire has that hard rubber feel to it so flat tires are not likely. If you do get a flat it will be by something big and aggressive like a big nail of large cactus thorn (I live in a desert). Tire also has some kind of built in liner so no need to add that liner strip you can buy at the bike shop.
My first impression is 'awesome'. I use these on my 'city' bike, which is also my 'beater' road bike. I get a smooth ride with the 28s and great handling, especially cornering. I don't worry about all the small roadway debris and patches of sand that I might with my 23s.
These are my favorite tires. I have had ones that have lasted me over 10,000 miles, no flats. And that's in goathead territory
