Tyre advice req

[Blaster Bates]

Good morning
I am in the process of planning to swap 700-28 road tyres to 700-32 and some form of hybrid tyre to cope a little better with canal tow paths and light gravel, nothing too extreme. I didn't realise there would be so many options, quite a few people have mentioned schwalbe marathon plus as a very good option and at around £25 quite reasonable. I checked a little further and most people point to the strength (puncture proof) of them as a major plus, which it is for me. The other thing that stood out was so many people questioned the grip and mentioned coming off the bike at some point, which at nearly 70 I am not too keen on .
I have several bike shops within distance and a Halfords just a mile away and there is always online. What would be a decent alternative ?
Most of the cycle paths I use have been asphalted but there are sections where I will need something a little more substantial.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Benjahmin]

I believe that Schwalbe Marathon Plus TOUR, may be the ones for you. Slightly deeper tread pattern but same level of puncture protection.
Here's alink to the Schwalbe sight so you can see what they say about their various tyres.

Tour

<span style=font-weight:bold; font-size:12px; color:#000000>UNPLATTBAR - MIT MARKANTEM TREKKINGPROFIL.</span><span style=font-size:12px; color:#000000><br> Ob Asphalt oder Naturstraße, der vielseitige Reifen ist auf allen Wegen zu Hause. Im Alltag oder auf ganz großer Tour. Der robuste Aufbau...

www.schwalbe.com

I use Marathon plus (mostly tarmac riding) and never had an issue. It's possible that those that have may be believing they are still in their teens and hooning around

 

[sjpt]

I think I was one of those that suggested the Marathon Plus, and commented there are drawbacks. Taking the positives as read, I'll expand a little on the drawbacks. I (a few years over 70) still swear by them despite the drawbacks.

The grip isn't that great, but more than adequate for road riding, canals and light gravel. OK on most off road bridleways too as long as they aren't churned up by horses. It's mud that really gets them; the worst being if you are going along a slippery muddy path that slopes from one side to the other. If you don't reckon you'll be doing much of that, no problem. If you get a bit more adventurous you may find you choose to walk very occasionally.

I've never had any issues with slip on cornering, but then I tend to be pretty careful on corners anyway. Despite calling yourself 'blaster' I suspect you are too?

They don't roll brilliantly. When I go to much lighter tyres I notice they roll a little easier. You might lose a few seconds, but nothing to the time you might otherwise spend mending punctures. The rolling is less important on an electric bike.

Final drawback, it takes a little getting used to getting them on and off rims. Start at the nozzle and work around in both directions at the same time (as for a normal tyre). As you go, keep pushing them up towards the last bit of rim they've got to get over. Work back up from the nozzle if necessary. You'll then find they can get over that last bit of rim without too much difficulty.

p.s. after previous post. The Tour are a little grippier with more tread. Between me, my wife, the tandem and my son we've got some standard and one or two Tour. I don't really notice a significant difference. Schwalbe also make MTB Matathon Plus tyres. I've never tried them; they might help with the slip but I don't think they'd suit most of our riding.

~~~
2 punctures to my son in 10 years extensive off road (not mountain) riding, none [touch wood] to us in the same time. Just before I first started using them I was getting 2 a week on my 1/2 off-road commute; none in the next 3 years commute with the Plus, and the next >10 years retirement.

 

[sjpt]

I've just noticed there are now Marathon Plus Tour tyres as well: look promising
with a purposeful trekking tread. Asphalt or off-road? Everyday use or bicycle expeditions? This versatile tyre always does the job.
Good prices at SJS: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/search/?term=Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour

First time I'd heard of tyres being single sex: Schwalbe Men's Marathon Plus Tour, on Amazon at

Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour Wired Tyre - Black, 28 x 1.40: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

Shop Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour Wired Tyre - Black, 28 x 1.40. Free delivery and returns on all eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[Essgeebee]

Some very helpful info on this thread as I am thinking about the tyres on my Tourer ebike. They're fitted with Continental Eco Contact but I think I need something with a slightly chunkier tread for some gravel and grassy stretches I do.
I haven't changed a tyre for decades and never on a bike with a rear hub motor or disc brakes. Is it as complicated as it appears? Got to disconnect the motor. Are there any other things to watch out for?

 

[Benjahmin]

Yes, when you plug the motor back in make sure you line the pug up correctly (it's probably got arrows on it) and make sure it's pushed fully home to the insertion line.

 

[georgehenry]

And in case you want an alternative to the ubiquitous Scwhalbe brand.

I have been running a pair of Specialized Crossroads Armadillo 650B 27.6” Wired Clincher Tyres in 1.9” width.

They have proved tough as old nails having now covered over 6,254 since 5th January 2017.

Hard wearing and highly puncture resistant (No punctures in the rear so far).

They Shrug of road miles and work better than they should off road.

About half these miles have been proper off road miles all year round, thorns, mud, stones, high temps. low temps etc etc.

 

[Bobajob]

I can only comment on two types as like you I was looking a few weeks ago. I’ve just bought Schwalbe land cruiser plus. Runs well on tarmac and silent with it. Off road, well I only do trails but seem ok, having not experienced the mud yet I can’t comment there. They are better than the previous tyre fitted, those were schwalbie tyrago.