Fitting A Marathon Plus

[slowmotion]

Cloth rim tape doesn't help with M+ tyres. The bead doesn't move very easily down in the well of the rim because the radial friction is greater. Also, the extra thickness of cloth tape increases the circumference of the well giving you less slack to play with.
Don't despair....you'll get it on eventually and the bloody fingertips heal in a month or two...

 

[Acyclo]

I haven't tried this myself, I use Armadillos or Hardcases, but if you find an old wheel and grind a bit off the flange to make fitting really easy, then fit the tyre and leave it inflated at full pressure overnight I think you will find fitting much easier, based on my observation of tyres 'relaxing' after being fitted once.

 

[Pauluk]

I've just received another M+ for my front wheel today and managed to fit it fairly easily with no aids, levers or swearing, yeah.

 

[Davidc]

I've just received another M+ for my front wheel today and managed to fit it fairly easily with no aids, levers or swearing, yeah.

I find that hard to believe. All tyres need to be sworn at to make them go on don't they? Mine certainly do.

I have never used a lever to get a tyre on, only off. I respect my tubes too much to use a lever for the on operation, but I find the swearing absolutely essential!

As I said above I've not had a real problem with M+s over fitting, other than slightly painful hands, but I don't like the tyres much. I do like the original Marathons (no+) and still have some spare new ones in the garage, both sizes. I've found the originals very good on puncture resistance, they last well and are comfortable to ride. It's the ride comfort that I found poor with the M+s.

 

[Ivan Ardon]

To make fitting M+ easier, I recommend spending some time removing and refitting motorcycle tyres by hand. Preferably some old Pneumants or Barums at least a quarter of a century old, so they've had a chance to turn to a bakelite consistency.

You'll never swear at a Marathon Plus ever again.

 

[Stromtrooper]

Just wish I had watched that video before putting a set on the other night - 2 pinch punctures later I eventually found the video with a oh that's how you do it and then remembered that was how I used to put on tyres to 700c's waaaaay back when I was into time trials (pre MTB days)

 

[Wester]

Which tyre levers are best plastic or metal or is there no difference

 

[ianrauk]

Which tyre levers are best plastic or metal or is there no difference

Plastic preferable. Metal can damage your rims. Park Tools are my levers of choice.

 

[Stromtrooper]

Managed to snap one of mine while doing the job.

And snapped my rear mudguards