Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyre: 700c x 38mm Reflex Wired. HS 348, 40-622, Performance Line, SmartGuard

Product Information

Schwalbe tyres are rated on a score from 1 to 6 with 1 being entry-level and 6 being pro level. Schwalbe tyres are rated on construction, rolling, road grip, off-road grip, protection and durability. Schwalbe Hybrid Bike Tyres Tyre 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. 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. Wider tyres can be run at lower pressures than narrower tyres without increasing the risk of punctures. This can make them more comfortable and gives you more grip, useful if you are an all-weather cyclist.

As expected, rolling resistance of the Marathon Plus is higher than the plain Marathon. Depending on air pressure, you're giving up 4 - 6 watts of power per tire (20%). This isn't all that much given the 2 mm of extra puncture protection the Plus provides. I think it comes down to personal preference whether you like the lower rolling resistance or the higher puncture protection. Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres are essentially heavy duty, ultra reliable commu-touring tyres that inspire unprecedented confidence without feeling sluggish or barge-like, as the 970g weight for a pair would imply.Puncture Force Sharp Needle: Pre-2021, this score was known as 'Puncture Resistance'. On some tires with weakly bonded casing wires, the sharp needle can split the casing wires resulting in a lower score. Puncture Force Blunt Needle: The Blunt needle has a flat tip and won't split the casing wires. To puncture the tire, the blunt needle has to cut the casing wires. Peace of mind, great handling and modest rolling resistance aren't easily married in the same sentence but the Marathons are notably faster at 85psi than competitor models, affording a decent momentum in most contexts while turning a lofty seventy nine inch gear. Even inflated to ninety psi, they've delivered a serene, magic carpetesque passage over horribly surfaced lanes and the ability to shrug and speed through shards of broken glass is truly liberating, although there's plenty of scope for split second skirting of these, potholes and other potentially damaging imperfections. Ride through broken glass! The new Marathon Plus with SMART GUARD makes it possible thanks to the highly flexible, special rubber layer. The revolutionary feature of this new puncture protection system is its 'super-ball' characteristics. The Smart Guard special rubber protection belt is so flexible that it has no effect on rolling resistance, unlike traditional puncture protection systems which increase a tire's rolling resistance. The approximate 200 gram extra weight compared with the 'classic' Marathon is hardly noticeable in everyday use. Whether you have a city bike, touring bike, road bike, gravel bike or MTB: The tires affect the riding experience like no other bike component. The choice of tire not only determines how well the wheel grips the ground but also influences how easily and comfortably the bike rolls. Ideally, the tire combines such characteristics as maximum grip, high mileage, optimum rolling properties, low weight and reliable resistance to punctures. Sounds technical? The sum of these properties is tangible to every cyclist: as an optimum riding experience. At Schwalbe, we work to continually refine and improve this riding sensation – day in, day out.

Delivery times may be extended during the event as we, and our carriers will be processing a higher work load. NOTE: As of 2021, we've improved the puncture resistance tests and now provide 'Total Puncture Score' as the main puncture resistance indicator. If the text below mentions puncture resistance, we're referring to 'Puncture Force Sharp Needle' which was our original test. You should make sure that you don’t go too wide for your bike though, as rubbing will damage your tyres and can damage your frame - as well as slowing you down.Chain reaction Cycles and CRC are trading names of Wiggle Ltd (In Administration) registered in the United Kingdom at 1000 Lakeside, Suite 310, Third Floor N E Wing, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN, Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. 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. Cycling is today considered a progressive form of personal transport that offers nothing but advantages – with one unfortunate exception: the tire puncture. Schwalbe identified this problem at an early stage and has continually set new milestones in matters of puncture protection. For example, Schwalbe offers touring and city tires that can call themselves “flat-less”. For high-performance cycling, our Tubeless Easy Technology combined with tire sealant also sets new benchmarks in preventing punctures. And almost all other Schwalbe tires have an integrated puncture protection belt. Schwalbe tires for the future.