Puncture-proof tyres...Marathon+ or bust?
- Thread starter Maz
- Start date
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As usual, different things work for different people I suspect.
I'm using vittoria rubino's (700c x 25) for about 20 miles a day in London. They're light and cheap, not particularly grippy in the wet (but what is), and I've only had one puncture in about 6 months. Downside is I've flat spotted one right through to the carcass in a skid (this is definitely user error). Used to have Bontrager race hard cases also 25s, they where a bit heavier weight, but similar in use.
Never heard anything bad about marathon pluses, but haven't used them.
Have a 26 x 1.5 spesh armadillo on my other bike which has never punctured.
HTH,
Leo
I'm using vittoria rubino's (700c x 25) for about 20 miles a day in London. They're light and cheap, not particularly grippy in the wet (but what is), and I've only had one puncture in about 6 months. Downside is I've flat spotted one right through to the carcass in a skid (this is definitely user error). Used to have Bontrager race hard cases also 25s, they where a bit heavier weight, but similar in use.
Never heard anything bad about marathon pluses, but haven't used them.
Have a 26 x 1.5 spesh armadillo on my other bike which has never punctured.
HTH,
Leo
Maz said:
I am running 700 x 25's Marathon plus's for my commute and now 2500 miles in without any unplaned stops. Yes they are a bit heavier but still good enough for a 15 mph plus average commute speed.
When I was at my LBS they had a cut out sample of the M+ and the thickness of the tyre was quite amazing, drawing pin pushed right in and did not protude through. I had to change my tubes at the same time to some skinny ones as the extra thickness of the tyre prevented my old tubes fitting.
I had used continental sports contacts (700 x 28) before that and went 10,000 miles before getting 7 punctures in 6 weeks. To be fair I probably should have replaced them a month earlier and if so I probably would still be running on them now..
I had Specialized All Condition Armadillos 700x28 before I changed to Schwalbe Stelvio Plus 700x23
http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/c1-1016-racing.html
Although narrower, they're just as comfortable as the 28's (I'm guessing it's due to the smartguard protection)... but... they are considerably faster.
I see you're already running 23's but M+ only go down to 25's. If you want speed with comfort and protection as well, I'd recommend the Stelvio Plus in 23's.
http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/c1-1016-racing.html
Although narrower, they're just as comfortable as the 28's (I'm guessing it's due to the smartguard protection)... but... they are considerably faster.
I see you're already running 23's but M+ only go down to 25's. If you want speed with comfort and protection as well, I'd recommend the Stelvio Plus in 23's.
Peter
Senior Member
008 said:
I'll second that - I've two sets of wheels, both with Schwalbe Stelvio Plus. One set has been on for 2 years (6000 miles) and the other for 1200 miles - not a single p******e! I had used the Conti Ultra gators before and p******ed every second week - very frustrating.
In this months cycling plus they are doing a review of tyres and they summing up puts the michelin pro 3 race as best for toughness and speed, marathon plus as best for puncture protection with vittoria rubino pro slick highly recommended
PatrickPending
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
take it you're on the tyres that come with Specialized bikes - I found them to be fine but they do tend to pick up cuts etc reasonably quickly, that combined wih the fact that its hedge clipping time in Leicestershire (and warwickshire) make it a dangerous time to cycle.....
I Use schwalbe something or others myself - no probs - get approx 2000km + between punctures. Manke sure your tyres are pumped up.
I Use schwalbe something or others myself - no probs - get approx 2000km + between punctures. Manke sure your tyres are pumped up.
theboytaylor
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Charlton, London
Was looking at M+ for the winter as well, but the Schwalbe website suggests they don't do 23s:
http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/c2-1071-schwalbe-tires-marathon-plus.html
Ended up with a Gatorskin on the front and Bontrager Racelite Hardcase on the back (don't ask, long story
...) and both seem fine to me so far, even in a couple of sudden downpours.
http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/c2-1071-schwalbe-tires-marathon-plus.html
Ended up with a Gatorskin on the front and Bontrager Racelite Hardcase on the back (don't ask, long story
...) and both seem fine to me so far, even in a couple of sudden downpours.
too many variables, routes, riding style, pressures, widths, tyre condition
I ride through the shoot that is London roads, potholes everywhere, I hit something in the road (in the dark) every other day
perhaps one flat every other month, don't bother me overly, takes ten odd minutes to repair? too many people are frightened of flats, I'm happy to fix one every other month if it lets me have fast/cheap/whatever tyres
I ride through the shoot that is London roads, potholes everywhere, I hit something in the road (in the dark) every other day
perhaps one flat every other month, don't bother me overly, takes ten odd minutes to repair? too many people are frightened of flats, I'm happy to fix one every other month if it lets me have fast/cheap/whatever tyres
I hate to say it but no tyre is p*ncture proof.
Changed from Armadillo All Conditions to M+ tyres a month or so ago due to monthly p*nctures.
Sadly got a p*ncture the other night. Small but deadly sharp piece of flint got picked up by the tyre, then I imagine worked it's way through the layers of rubber, kevlar and what have you until it found paydirt!
And M+ are a PITA to change at the road side!
So live with it, learn to embrace the p*ncture fairy, and use it as an opportunity to exchange sympathetic smiles with fellow cyclists.
Rufus.
Changed from Armadillo All Conditions to M+ tyres a month or so ago due to monthly p*nctures.
Sadly got a p*ncture the other night. Small but deadly sharp piece of flint got picked up by the tyre, then I imagine worked it's way through the layers of rubber, kevlar and what have you until it found paydirt!
And M+ are a PITA to change at the road side!
So live with it, learn to embrace the p*ncture fairy, and use it as an opportunity to exchange sympathetic smiles with fellow cyclists.
Rufus.
