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.
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.
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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
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
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.
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Reviews
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.
Schwalbe Marathon
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.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus
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.