Tyre Experts

[awol]

I have been advised by someone who used to regularly ride my route to be prepared for punctures regularly from the bushes thorns especially when farmers trim the hedges. The tyres I have on now are called Kenda Happy Medium which appear thin, I have read advice on this forum that Marathon Plus tyres are the ones to go for to avoid punctures, so went off to order some where I then saw some Marathon Plus Tour which appear to be similar to a car tyre tread and would probably be better. Having never seen any of these tyres in real life would like someone with experience their opinion of these. The route I take is generally tarmac road with some covered in leaves and twigs and apparently thorns sometimes. Do I go for the tour or the other? Whats the difference? Or some other?

 

[SRS]

I have been advised by someone who used to regularly ride my route to be prepared for punctures regularly from the bushes thorns especially when farmers trim the hedges. The tyres I have on now are called Kenda Happy Medium which appear thin, I have read advice on this forum that Marathon Plus tyres are the ones to go for to avoid punctures, so went off to order some where I then saw some Marathon Plus Tour which appear to be similar to a car tyre tread and would probably be better. Having never seen any of these tyres in real life would like someone with experience their opinion of these. The route I take is generally tarmac road with some covered in leaves and twigs and apparently thorns sometimes. Do I go for the tour or the other? Whats the difference? Or some other?

I have fitted the Marathon Plus Tours to my partners dutch e-cycle. More blocky tread than the standard version.

No punctures since fitted, 18 month. The heavier tread is most suited to loose surfaces and ideal in the winter. She often travels along a gravel pathway and has no issues.

All in all, I think they are a good all rounder. Lifespan may be a little less than the standard but so far lasting well.

If asked she'd say, they're ok. I've ridden it and they do inspire confidence in both the wet and dry.

 

[banbury frank]

Hi Iner tubes Thorn proof 4.3 mm thick you can get 26 inch or 700 C


Brand New Kenda Downhill Thorn Resistant MTB Bicycle tubes 26"x1.9-2.125 | eBay

Frank

 

[karl101]

I have a pair of Marathon Plus, best tyres I've ever had. But pump them up hard, towards the maximum psi, the high pressure makes pointy things bounce off. The Continental tyres I had previously split and almost let the inner tube burst out (I have photos).

Also, for road use, bicycle tyres do not need a tread, read this: Cycle Tyres and Tubes it all makes sense.

K.

 

[flecc]

Another vote for Marathon Plus, the most puncture protection bikes have ever had.

 

[filsgreen]

Thanks for that very informative article Karl

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Iner tubes Thorn proof 4.3 mm thick you can get 26 inch or 700 C


Brand New Kenda Downhill Thorn Resistant MTB Bicycle tubes 26"x1.9-2.125 | eBay

Frank

Out of stock and they can't spell Schrader, I never buy from someone who can't spell

 

[peerjay56]

Out of stock and they can't spell Schrader, I never buy from someone who can't spell

Do you mean schraeder?

 

[flecc]

Do you mean schraeder?

Do you mean Schraeder?

 

[banbury frank]

Hi

Link for Kenda


Kenda, Thorn Resistant Inner Tubes from only £9.99. Free UK Delivery | Wheelies

Frank

 

[awol]

Also, for road use, bicycle tyres do not need a tread, read this: Cycle Tyres and Tubes it all makes sense.

Thanks for the replies.
Thats a great article. I think standard Marathon Plus Commuter's are the ones for me since I have no gravel/dirt tracks to benefit from the deeper looking 'Tour treads. Those thorn proof inner tubes look tempting too.

 

[Mike63]

The Continental tyres I had previously split and almost let the inner tube burst out (I have photos).

Oh dear...I don't like the sound of this Karl.
I've used Marathon plus for 20 years with virtually no punctures, recently I was persuaded to try "Continental travel contacts", 1000 miles so far, not yet had a puncture but now worried.

.....Mike

 

[peerjay56]

Do you mean Schraeder?

I do believe I do As I posted I wondered whether some sm@rt@rse would pick me up on an uncapitalised proper noun

 

[peerjay56]

Oh dear...I don't like the sound of this Karl.
I've used Marathon plus for 20 years with virtually no punctures, recently I was persuaded to try "Continental travel contacts", 1000 miles so far, not yet had a puncture but now worried.

.....Mike

Puncture in front tyre, marathon plus, on Sunday. Quiet single track lane, newly cut hawthorn hedging all over the road. I can't say I'm surprised ; mostly I'm grateful that only one thorn got through!

 

[flecc]

I do believe I do As I posted I wondered whether some sm@rt@rse would pick me up on an uncapitalised proper noun

People, living in, glasshouses etc!

 

[peerjay56]

Out of stock and they can't spell Schrader, I never buy from someone who can't spell

I have no such prejudices John, having purchased one of your excellent torque arms

 

[KirstinS]

Oh dear...I don't like the sound of this Karl.
I've used Marathon plus for 20 years with virtually no punctures, recently I was persuaded to try "Continental travel contacts", 1000 miles so far, not yet had a puncture but now worried.

.....Mike

I'm a big fan of the Conti travel contacts mike. I have been running a m plus on rear and conti on front for at least last 2000 miles. No punctures or signs of sides splitting on either

I do pay attention to my tire pressure though. You can knacker sidewalls by having too little pressure

 

[karl101]

Photos of the imminent failure, these were on the rear tyre:
Fit to Burst | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

close up:
Fit To Burst - Detail | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The front went the same way about three months later. I kept them inflated to the maximum pressure as it said on the tyre.

Karl.

 

[RobF]

Photos of the imminent failure, these were on the rear tyre:
Fit to Burst | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

close up:
Fit To Burst - Detail | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The front went the same way about three months later. I kept them inflated to the maximum pressure as it said on the tyre.

Karl.

Fair bit of wear on the tyre, so rubber perishing may have played a part.

Keeping the tyres well inflated is a good plan, but I would run 10-15psi under maximum.

 

[Mike63]

Puncture in front tyre, marathon plus, on Sunday. Quiet single track lane, newly cut hawthorn hedging all over the road. I can't say I'm surprised ; mostly I'm grateful that only one thorn got through!

Oh dear Phil....that is bad news ...into every life a drop of rain must fall

Back in August,new bike fitted with Kenda puncture resistant tyres 10 miles from home, both tyres flat as a pancake, couldn't find punctures to mend 'em, couldn't use spare tube, couldn't make pump work, sat for half an hour hoping for divine intervention, finally gave up and carried bike to a garden centre half a mile away ....aren't they damn heavy to carry ?,, caught 2 buses home to get my van.
When I stripped wheels I mended 6 punctures, Kenda tyres !!! thin as tissue paper.
...They're here FREE in anyone wants them.

.....don't be upset ....Mike