Hi, I have been a Brompton owner for almost two months. I have been getting used to the bike and enjoying it very much over the summer! However, I had a puncture last week and decided to replace the tyres (the B "yellow flash" ones) with a pair of Schwalbe Marathons (I do a lot of riding on fairly rough cycle paths and country lanes as well as city tarmac, so I figured I would need a rugged tyre). Thing is, these tyres seem to make the bike much more hard work to ride even though I have pumped them up to 100psi. Is this a normal characteristic for Marathons, or is it just my imagination? Can anyone suggest one which will feel less "draggy"?
Hi, I have been a Brompton owner for almost two months. I have been getting used to the bike and enjoying it very much over the summer! However, I had a puncture last week and decided to replace the tyres (the B "yellow flash" ones) with a pair of Schwalbe Marathons (I do a lot of riding on fairly rough cycle paths and country lanes as well as city tarmac, so I figured I would need a rugged tyre). Thing is, these tyres seem to make the bike much more hard work to ride even though I have pumped them up to 100psi. Is this a normal characteristic for Marathons, or is it just my imagination? Can anyone suggest one which will feel less "draggy"?
I've just done exactly the same, fitting two Marathons yesterday. The first ride out is today - starting with a half mile uphill climb.
Thanks for the warning - I'll have three Shredded Wheat before setting off.
Is this a normal characteristic for Marathons, or is it just my imagination?
Unfortunately, that's the price you pay for extra p+nct+re resistance...
However, I'm slightly surprised it should make /that much/ difference - are you sure there isn't a brake rubbing or something like that?
If you want to trade some p+nct+re resistance for extra speed, the slick Schwalbe Stelvio is 140g lighter than the standard tyre and reported to be the fastest rolling tyre you can get for the Brompton. I've been thinking of getting some of these myself, since I very rarely take it anywhere other than on tarmac, but if I were in your position I would probably stick to the Marathons.
Can anyone suggest one which will feel less "draggy"?
Here's some more info (from a company that is very well-respected in this NG) on the tyre choices for small-wheeled bikes (they are also a stockist if you want to buy some): <url:http://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/html/tyre_guide.shtml>
