Quick question for fans of Marathon Plus tyres...

[- Baz -]

I fancy fitting a pair of Marathon + which seem to get excellent reviews - seen the vid from Spa Cycles about first fitting. But what are they like if (heaven forbid) if I need to take one off in the middle of nowhere? Easy? Will bog standard nylon tyre levers work with these? Presumably, once they're on, they go back on easier the second time than the first?

Thanks in advance,

Baz

 

[Unfit Fifer]

I have got them on two of my three bikes and they are fairly easy to change.

Only one fairy visit so far.......

Using Park Tool levers which seem pretty bulletproof.

 

[BSRU]

You need to try them on your wheels, as some wheels can be easier than others.
Metal levers are cheap enough anyway mine are from Sainsburys and work on my M+'s no problem.

 

[Piemaster]

Pig to fit first time as were very misshapen from storage. Otherwise I've only had to take them off once, and that was to fit studded tyres last winter. Much easier then using topeak plastc levers.

 

[trickletreat]

I have just found this video on another forum, and it may help anyone who doesn't use this method here.

I have had nagging doubts after being told of peoples problems with removing/refitting, as I run these including the atb M+.

I bit the bullet after watching the video in the link, and removed/refitted the tyres from 20" and 26" rims in 20mins. I have poor strength in hands and upper body, but still managed this without levers or ties.

YouTube - How to fit a Marathon Plus Tyre.mp4

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I put a pair on a bike last week only to discover the valve wasn't working on one wheel so I had to take the tyre off and replace the tube, so they do come off ok. When you put them on they're tricky tucking into the rim to start with but overall they're not that bad really.
Metal levers were mentioned above - I, personally, would avoid using them as you could damage the wheel.

 

[- Baz -]

Thanks to all for the replies. I'm going to get a pair tomorrow and fit them over the weekend. I was just a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to get the buggers off again if I have to! So it's reassuring that it's not too much of a hassle. Sorry BSRU, but I don't fancy metal levers either, but I've found these which are cheap enough and recommended by SJS so should be OK.

Edit: typo

 

[MessenJah]

Depends entirely on your rim.




Difficult to get of Velocity Deep V's, easier to get off Mavic A119's.

 

[Stingy]

I've got a pair of them on 20" 406 bmx rims and they are perfectly easy to fit and remove. So should be slightly easier on a larger wheel. Metal tyre levers are the key, never used the steel core ones like you linked to so can't comment on those but plain plastic ones are just a waste of plastic.

Poundland & Poundworld are both selling puncture repair kits that come with a couple of excellent metal levers in them at the moment.

 

[Panter]

You should be Ok.

I really struggled to fit mine and was dreading refitting them out on the road but when I finally did puncture, refitting was pretty easy so I guess they do stretch or distort to fit your rim better after time.

 

[CopperBrompton]

Even I managed it on 20-inch rims, so those at least are easy.

 

[betty swollocks]

Much easier to fit second time round.
When i initially fitted mine and it was a struggle, I took them straight off and fitted them again. This is the only time I've had to re-fit in two years1

 

[Johnny Fox]

I decided to have my LBS fit a couple of marathon plus’s on my Kona Sutra, as an impulse I also requested green slime tubes as well.
Collected the bike, got home and thought……..
As I understand it, if the tube is punctured the air activates the green slime to “heal” the puncture.
Well, with this in mind, how do you top up the air in the tyre? Is it easy or will it be complicated by the activation?

Please advise a numpty who acts without thinking

 

[Panter]

I decided to have my LBS fit a couple of marathon plus’s on my Kona Sutra, as an impulse I also requested green slime tubes as well.
Collected the bike, got home and thought……..
As I understand it, if the tube is punctured the air activates the green slime to “heal” the puncture.
Well, with this in mind, how do you top up the air in the tyre? Is it easy or will it be complicated by the activation?

Please advise a numpty who acts without thinking

It will be absolutely fine, just top up as normal.

I'm not a fan of the slime tubes, personally, but some others rate them. They'll probably never get to see anything sharp anyway, being encased in M+'s finest rubber

 

[- Baz -]

Update: Fitted both this afternoon - easy peasy. Went on like a dream. All you need is thumbs. Don't know what all the fuss is about... (Thanks to Colin at Spa cycles for the vid, though

)

Here's hoping that when the time comes to take 'em off it's 'cos they've worn out!

Anyway, thanks for the help, guys. Much appreciated.