Schwalbe Marathon Pluses - very chunky?

I've ridden across France and over mountains on Marathon Pluses. The
trick is to inflate them to the top of whatever's recommended. They then
run mostly on the central strip. I soon forgot they were "heavy" tyres.

I find ordinary Marathon's pretty good and puncture resistant. Rode the
End to End in the wet last June and boasted I never even expected a
puncture while others on brand X where having two or three a day. Should
have kept mouth shut because a needle of flint did get in on the
penultimate day!

Peewiglet said:

I've just got the Marathon Pluses in the hope of defeating the thorns
on my route to work. They're very wide and chunky though - yesterday
it felt as though an enormous dynamo had been fitted to my bike,
slowing me down.

Is it usual to take some time to adjust to the different width and
tread? My previous tyres were much thinner.

Wet fishes,

Peewiglet said:

I've just got the Marathon Pluses in the hope of defeating the thorns
on my route to work. They're very wide and chunky though - yesterday
it felt as though an enormous dynamo had been fitted to my bike,
slowing me down.

M+ comes in 4 widths at 700c (28, 32, 35 & 38), which ones did you get?

If you've got one of the wider flavours, maybe change them for something
thinner...

Having said that, the rolling resistance of the M+ will probably be
higher than you were used to anyway at the same width of tyre: nothing
comes for free, and you've got a thick, heavy anti-puncture band.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Wichita said:

I find ordinary Marathon's pretty good and puncture resistant. Rode the
End to End in the wet last June and boasted I never even expected a
puncture while others on brand X where having two or three a day. Should
have kept mouth shut because a needle of flint did get in on the
penultimate day!

I average less than one hole a year on standard Marathons, but we don't
have any hawthorn hedges around here. After previous multiple puncture
fiascos on tour I think Roos was pleasantly surprised with not a hint of
one in 300 miles on last summer's tour where we both used standard
Marathons (26 x 1.5, running at max pressure of 100 psi).

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Peewiglet said:

I've just got the Marathon Pluses [...] it felt as though an
enormous dynamo had been fitted to my bike, slowing me down.

I fitted some Marathon Plus 700x32 a couple of weeks ago. I didn't
notice any significant difference in rolling resistance over the
previous (lighter weight) 700x32s. I suspect the key is to keep
them very well inflated (mine are at ~90psi).

They would however have to feel like tractor tyres to overcome the
joy I've had from a puncture free fortnight!

stephen

Whats a good pressure gauge to buy? I've never had one - just pump
tyres until hardish.

cheers

Jacob

Peter Clinch said:

Peewiglet said:

I've just got the Marathon Pluses in the hope of defeating the thorns
on my route to work. They're very wide and chunky though - yesterday
it felt as though an enormous dynamo had been fitted to my bike,
slowing me down.

M+ comes in 4 widths at 700c (28, 32, 35 & 38), which ones did you get?

Good question. I didn't realise they came in different widths: I just
asked the LBS to order and fit them for me. I'll find out, though: if
they've ordered the v. wide ones I think they may have to change them.
Thanks for the info.

Quoted message said:

If you've got one of the wider flavours, maybe change them for something
thinner...

Having said that, the rolling resistance of the M+ will probably be
higher than you were used to anyway at the same width of tyre: nothing
comes for free, and you've got a thick, heavy anti-puncture band.

I expected a difference, but this is more marked than I'd anticipated.

I'll nip to the bike shed at lunch time and see whether I can work out
what width they are. Tha nks, Pete.

Best wishes,
--
,,
(**)PeeWiglet~~
/ \ / \

On Tue, 25 Oct 2005 08:43:45 +0100, Wichita <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I've ridden across France and over mountains on Marathon Pluses. The
trick is to inflate them to the top of whatever's recommended. They then
run mostly on the central strip. I soon forgot they were "heavy" tyres.

That's helpful, thanks. The shop fitted and inflated them for me: I
assumed they'd done it right. I'll check this evening at home. Thanks
again.

Quoted message said:

I find ordinary Marathon's pretty good and puncture resistant. Rode the
End to End in the wet last June and boasted I never even expected a
puncture while others on brand X where having two or three a day. Should
have kept mouth shut because a needle of flint did get in on the
penultimate day!

After the misery of regular punctures I thought I'd go for the most
formidable anti-puncture tyre available 🙂

Quoted message said:

Best wishes,
--
,,
(**)PeeWiglet~~
/ \ / \

Quoted message said:

Peewiglet said:

I've just got the Marathon Pluses [...] it felt as though an
enormous dynamo had been fitted to my bike, slowing me down.

I fitted some Marathon Plus 700x32 a couple of weeks ago. I didn't
notice any significant difference in rolling resistance over the
previous (lighter weight) 700x32s. I suspect the key is to keep
them very well inflated (mine are at ~90psi).

That's interesting,thanks. I'll check what width they are - they may
be too wide.

Quoted message said:

They would however have to feel like tractor tyres to overcome the
joy I've had from a puncture free fortnight!

Amen to that! :-)

Best wishes,
--
,,
(**)PeeWiglet~~
/ \ / \

Peewiglet said:

That's helpful, thanks. The shop fitted and inflated them for me: I
assumed they'd done it right.

Tyres come with an inflation range, and "right" can be anywhere in the
range. Towards the lower end you'll get more suspension effect, towards
the higher end you'll get less rolling resistance for smooth surfaces.

I personally prefer tyres pumped up to the top of the range, but some
people find that gives a bit harsh ride. Experiment to see what works
best for you.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Quoted message said:

Whats a good pressure gauge to buy? I've never had one - just pump
tyres until hardish.

If it works for you then it doesn't necessarily need fixing.

OTOH, for best results get a good track pump, and the great majority
have an integral pressure gauge anyway. Some people are amazed to find
that what they thought was Really High Pressure turns out to be well
down on what their tyres can take.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Peewiglet said:

I've just got the Marathon Pluses in the hope of defeating the thorns
on my route to work. They're very wide and chunky though - yesterday
it felt as though an enormous dynamo had been fitted to my bike,
slowing me down.

Is it usual to take some time to adjust to the different width and
tread? My previous tyres were much thinner.

Wet fishes,

Marathon Plus are so puncture resistant they are worth the slight
increase in weight and rolling resistance. I can't tell you how long or
how many miles they will go without a puncture because it hasn't
happened yet! 2 years and a few thousand miles - not a single puncture.
Pumped up hard I don't notice the slowing effect.
Jo

"Peewiglet" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've just got the Marathon Pluses in the hope of defeating the thorns
on my route to work. They're very wide and chunky though - yesterday
it felt as though an enormous dynamo had been fitted to my bike,
slowing me down.

Is it usual to take some time to adjust to the different width and
tread? My previous tyres were much thinner.

In the middle of the winter the extra weight won't matter - you'll have
peace of mind. You won't be stuck somewhere with a flat happy that at least
you have got light tyres rather than those nasty heavy ones!

--
Simon Mason
http://www.simonmason.karoo.net

Quoted message said:

Marathon Plus are so puncture resistant they are worth the slight
increase in weight and rolling resistance. I can't tell you how long or
how many miles they will go without a puncture because it hasn't
happened yet! 2 years and a few thousand miles - not a single puncture.
Pumped up hard I don't notice the slowing effect.
Jo

My Marathon back tyre did about 7000km without a puncture including
heavy use camping trips e.g. lejog and tracks and trails. Still useable
but middle of tread is smooth and a bit slippy on autumn roads. There
were a few tiny flints embedded but non had penetrated.
Front tyre same mileage but looks OK for another 7000km.

cheers
Jacob

Peewiglet said:

Is it usual to take some time to adjust to the different width and
tread? My previous tyres were much thinner.

Yes, after a while you'll be completely used to them. But that just means
you'll have forgotten about the old ones, rather than the new ones
becoming faster ;-)

~PB

Peewiglet said:

That's helpful, thanks. The shop fitted and inflated them for me: I
assumed they'd done it right. I'll check this evening at home. Thanks
again.

If the shop fitted them make sure the brakes are centered properly
and the blocks aren't catching the tyre if the tyres are a lot bigger.
The rolling resistance shoudn't be that much more unless tyres are too
soft. You notice more over a distance like five miles takes a minute or
two longer.

Ivor Cave

Pete Biggs said:

Peewiglet said:

Is it usual to take some time to adjust to the different width and
tread? My previous tyres were much thinner.

Yes, after a while you'll be completely used to them. But that just means
you'll have forgotten about the old ones, rather than the new ones
becoming faster ;-)

Maybe I'll manage to get fitter, though 🙂

Wet fishes,
--
,,
(**)PeeWiglet~~
/ \ / \ pee AT [guessthisbit].co.uk

Peter Clinch said:

Peewiglet said:

I've just got the Marathon Pluses in the hope of defeating the thorns
on my route to work. They're very wide and chunky though - yesterday
it felt as though an enormous dynamo had been fitted to my bike,
slowing me down.

M+ comes in 4 widths at 700c (28, 32, 35 & 38), which ones did you get?

I can't work it out. Here's what it seems to say on the side of the
tyre (I've just been kneeling out there with a torch).

50-559 (26 x 2.00)
H5 353
Inflate to min 2.5 BAR (35 PSI) - max 5.0 BAR (70 PSI)
88R - 002024

I'm not sure what you mean by 700c (remember this is all totally new
to me), and I can't see anything there that seems to refer to the
sizes you mentioned. Does any of it make sense to you?

Even the shop commented on how wide they were, incidentally, and said
they were going to be quite a lot heavier. They said they'd had
trouble getting them to fit with the mudguards (SKS Chromoplastic).

Help!?

Wet fishes,
--
,,
(**)PeeWiglet~~
/ \ / \ pee AT [guessthisbit].co.uk

Peewiglet said:

I can't work it out. Here's what it seems to say on the side of the
tyre (I've just been kneeling out there with a torch).

50-559 (26 x 2.00)
H5 353
Inflate to min 2.5 BAR (35 PSI) - max 5.0 BAR (70 PSI)
88R - 002024

I'm not sure what you mean by 700c (remember this is all totally new
to me)

700c is the slightly bigger wheel size common on many hybrids:I'd
assumed you had 700c, but assumed wrongly as it turns out, and you have
26" by the look of it. M+ for 26" also come in different widths, 2",
1.75" and 1 3/8" are listed at
http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/shop.sfxp?page=category&id=93&usmSID=576281-538-698

You've got the hugest and fattest, which are very probably wider than
your original tyres. Most 26" hybrids will come with something like
1.5" or 1.6", and if that's the case it seems a bit odd that they got
you the 2" ones. I'd ask them to change them for something nearer your
original tyres, probably the 1 3/8" should be fine and have quite a bit
less rolling resistance.

The narrower section also allows higher pressures, 3-6 bar (45-90 psi)

Quoted message said:

Even the shop commented on how wide they were

Well they ordered them, so I don't know what they expected unless
someone at their wholesaler dropped the ball before they did...

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 09:22:27 +0100, Jon Senior

jon_AT_restlesslemon_DOT_co_DOT_uk said:

Peewiglet said:

I can't work it out. Here's what it seems to say on the side of the
tyre (I've just been kneeling out there with a torch).

50-559 (26 x 2.00)

559 is the nominal diameter of the rim in mm (Bead seat diameter
actually). 559 is the standard 26" MTB / hybrid rim.
50 is the nominal width of the tyre.

So your tyres are even wider than Peter's! 50mm is pretty wide. I think
I'm running the a slightly narrower one on the front of the bent and I
consider that to be oversize.

Ahaa! Thanks for explaining. I think I'm going to have to take them
back to the shop. They're so wide that it even feels weird when I turn
the wheel - I thought something wasn't right.

Any further comments, anyone? I think I'm going to need some
ammunition at the bike shop. They're really nice down there and very
helpful, but I can't understand why I've ended up with these ultra
wide things.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Inflate to min 2.5 BAR (35 PSI) - max 5.0 BAR (70 PSI)

That's the key line. If you have a track pump (or any pump with a
gauge), take them to the maximum pressure. With a 2" tyre, you're not
going to find the ride getting excessively harsh even at the max pressure.

Thanks - I'll check the pressure this evening (can't find the pump!).
I had the impression from what others said, though, that they expect
to pump their M+s up harder than that, which adds to my impression
taht I've got the wrong ones.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm not sure what you mean by 700c (remember this is all totally new
to me), and I can't see anything there that seems to refer to the
sizes you mentioned. Does any of it make sense to you?

700C is the traditional name for the modern road bike standard (663
IIRC). It is a few mm different from the original 27"1/4 standard. I
strongly advise you not to delve too deeply into the world of tyre
sizing, as the vast number of conflicting standards (26 x 1 3/4" is not
the same as 26 x 1.75"!!!) make any attempt at comprehension liable to
cause a headache. ;-)

Is it possible that these are the wrong sort of tyre altogether? i.e.
for cross country or something, rather than roads?

Wet fishes,
--
,,
(**)PeeWiglet~~
/ \ / \ pee AT [guessthisbit].co.uk