Schwalbe Marathon Plus

[Deleted member 4366]

Hmmm! I've fitted loads of MPs, and I never needed any tools other than my hands. As soon as you mention tools, it implies that you're using the incorrect procedure!

There's one exception: The Sun CR18 rims for Bromptons, which are a nightmare for some reason. I think it's because they don't have a deep enough well.

Those rims you have are deep, so shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Gubbins]

Hmmm! I've fitted loads of MPs, and I never needed any tools other than my hands. As soon as you mention tools, it implies that you're using the incorrect procedure!

There's one exception: The Sun CR18 rims for Bromptons, which are a nightmare for some reason. I think it's because they don't have a deep enough well.

Those rims you have are deep, so shouldn't be a problem.

Shouldn't be, but is! I found it impossible to get the bead to stay in the not very deep well at the bottom so I could press it over the rim at the top. The bead just will not go anywhere near... not even nearly there.. I have tried zip ties to keep one end in place, washing up liquid as a lubricant... I have just fitted the Durano that came with the bike without a problem..
And it's not only me.. Just Google fitting marathon plus to a road bike.
Strangely I am able to fit the front tyre with my hands but not the back. I now have a fitting tool so no more sore hands.

 

[georgehenry]

Any recommendations for a similarly robust (puncture proof) tyre with perhaps better grip and less vulnerable to clumsy fitting?

Specialised Crossroads Armadillo 650B 27.6” Wired Clincher tyres in 1.9”.

Though I have found all the Armadillo branded tyres really good.

I got mine from my local Evans Cycles.

See my comment earlier in the thread.

 

[RobF]

In fact at 20 psi even a "Thunb Test" gives no indecation of pressure!

That statement is truer than you think.

A 'thumb test' is a very unreliable way to gauge pressure in a Marathon Plus because of its stiff construction.

As you've found, even 20 psi feels 'hard'.

 

[Gubbins]

Specialised Crossroads Armadillo 650B 27.6” Wired Clincher tyres in 1.9”.

Though I have found all the Armadillo branded tyres really good.

I got mine from my local Evans Cycles.

See my comment earlier in the thread.

Just tried Evans and its not avaiable in my size.. will do a bit of research befor my Halfords order arrives..

 

[Gubbins]

That statement is truer than you think.

A 'thumb test' is a very unreliable way to gauge pressure in a Marathon Plus because of its stiff construction.

As you've found, even 20 psi feels 'hard'.

When i bought the Road bike the tyres were pumped up to 100psi, but I have never understood the need for this . I have read all the arguments both for and against and choose to run them much softer. in fact if I cant make any indentation with my thumb then they are ok for me (excluding the MP's).
In the past I have tried high pressures but all I get is a harsh ride, so I now pump to 40 psi on the road bike and 30 on the MTB.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

When i bought the Road bike the tyres were pumped up to 100psi, but I have never understood the need for this .

The higher the pressure, the lower the rolling resistance because less energy is lost distorting the tyre.

Most important of all though is the protection against pinch flats that you get from the higher pressures. That's not so important if you ride on good roads, but on anything rough or pot-holed, you need the higher pressure. I reduced my pressure to about 45 PSI for comfort when I went for a ride along a long cycle trail. Someone came the other way on the wrong side and ran me off-course across a pot-hole, where I got six pinch-flats all at once!

 

[anotherkiwi]

At the moment I am running the Big Bens at 3.8 bar (55 psi) rear and 3.5 bar (50 psi) front on the trike and 3 bar (43 psi) on Number Two.

I am lucky I guess in that I don't have any hawthorn hedges and few potholes on my regular routes, just a bit of broken glass and the usual bits of sharp metal that falls off cars and trucks.

 

[RobF]

When i bought the Road bike the tyres were pumped up to 100psi, but I have never understood the need for this . I have read all the arguments both for and against and choose to run them much softer. in fact if I cant make any indentation with my thumb then they are ok for me (excluding the MP's).
In the past I have tried high pressures but all I get is a harsh ride, so I now pump to 40 psi on the road bike and 30 on the MTB.

My point wasn't about pressure numbers, although I agree with much of what you say particularly about the rider establishing his own preference.


I was passing on what Schwalbe say which is the thumb test is not a reliable inidcator of pressure on their tyres with puncture protection because the protection belt always makes them feel hard.

 

[Gubbins]

My point wasn't about pressure numbers, although I agree with much of what you say particularly about the rider establishing his own preference.


I was passing on what Schwalbe say which is the thumb test is not a reliable inidcator of pressure on their tyres with puncture protection because the protection belt always makes them feel hard.

i think thats half of the probem with fitting is with the carcase presenting itself like a fully inflated tyre.
Anyway, just had a call from Halfords to say the replacement is ready for collection so I will soon find out if the fitting tool is of any use..