User submitted reviews
Review by JB
The Marathon is a great tire. I use it primarily for commuting approximately 20 miles per day. I have tried various other tires, Vittoria, Continental etc. and was always less than pleased with the ride and puncture resistance. I have about 1,000 miles on the 700x35's. So far no puncture issues and the tire rolls very smooth. This tire is not inexpensive when compared to others, but based on my experience thus far it is worth the extra dollars.
Review by Mark
My last tire just like this one lasted 6000 miles. Never had a flat. We have sand spurs in Florida which cause frequent flat tires. These tires are worth every penny.
Review by Veloscotto
Bought as a spare for the original tire. I have had no issues with the original in about 4000 miles of riding. No flats.
Review by Iowa trail rider
Great value tire, you will not be disappointed. Over 2000 miles on my first set. Just had to rotate tires as rear tire tread was wearing down, so probably a few thousand more miles to go. If you catch them on sale, an even bigger value. Nothing but praise for these tires.
I no longer need to keep buying tubes like with previous brand tires, carrying the same tube for over five years now. If you want to become rusty on changing tubes, this tire is a must. I bought a second set of slightly narrower tires, but since I have had no issues, I will likely wait until my rear tread wears before switching them out.
The profile is a little larger than typical 700 tires, so you will likely need to adjust odometer settings for accurate distance readings.
Review by Anonymous
Tires a little heavy but roll very nice. 500 miles so far with no flats. Tires went on with no problems and run true. Very happy.
Review by David W Miller
I ride a hybrid bike and have been riding 100 miles/week for over 10 years. These are my favorite tires because I hate flats. I think I've had only 1 over the last decade, which is roughly 50K miles. I find them to be durable and have given me excellent service. The last two I bought were spares, to make sure I had them on hand in case I had to replace a tire for any reason.
Review by Snosnake
Installed these on my Class 3 Ebike after 3 flats in first 500 miles with OEM tires. I've now put 1000 miles on the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires with no issues. My riding is split between road shoulders and bicycle trails. They ride comfortably and I appreciate the reflective sidewalls for riding after sunset.
Review by Anonymous
Set 1
I had them on my 20 wheeled folding travel bike. I hated the ride because they were stiff and heavy. This bike goes in luggage, so weight matters. I gave them away and got Conti's touring tire with 2mm vs 5mm puncture belt. I've had a flat or two, but it's actually worth it
Set 2
My wife has had them on her folding commuter bike. I don't know how many miles, but the tread is barely worn, and there is a problem with the casing. Every 5mm or so there is an extra heavy thread (wire?) in the woven carcass. These threads have worked their way through the layer of rubber on the inside of the sidewalls and are now chafing against the tube. A new tube gets a series of slits cut by the threads. In about a week you get a flat. This is not how tires are supposed to wear out. We will be contacting Schwalbe with a claim and see how it goes. Unfortunately I don't remember where she got this set.
I like Schwalbe's high-end tires, but these are not up to normal standards.
Review by Michaloatmeal
I use these daily for commuting around New York City. Around 12 miles each day, 5 days a week for the past 6 months. On top of that, I used these for a two week, 700 mile tour around New England. I did not get a single flat or any problems in my entire experience with these tires. I generally keep it between 80-85 psi and they are bombproof. I kinda have no reason to try any other tires right now. 35mm on my Bianchi San Jose.
Review by Jose K
Tires are heavy and hard to put on rims but I hardly ever get flats.
Review by Anonymous
I've been using these for years. Extremely durable, work great with heavy loads and can take abuse. Fairly resistant to flats. No complaints, I will continue to stick with these tires.
Review by PB&J
I have used these tires for commuting during the winter months for the last two years. I cheat just a bit and also put in tire liners that slot between the tube and tire, but over the course of two years and an estimated 8000 winter miles I have had 2 flats with these tires. One was a massive staple that nothing could have prevented the puncture with the other a tube failure. These tires are fantastic, but they are heavy. You'll know it when they are mounted up. but for a good commute and training rides - these guys are great. This is really the only tire I have used over the past 25 years that I give solid marks to across the board. The only way they could improve is to make the tire lighter.
Review by David W Miller
I started riding about 15 years ago when I was 60 years old. I ride 5 days a week, 20 milesride. I really hate flat tires, they are a huge inconvenience. So, I get the best flat preventative combination of tire and tube I can find. I ride a hybrid and rarely get a flat (I think I've had 3 flats in the last six years, plus, I live in Florida and ride year round). I've been using this tire exclusively for the last 7 or 8 years and am sold on it.
Review by Nevada Touring Freak
I own three touring bikes and every one of them is equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. These tires, combined with thorn resistant tubes, are as close to bullet proof as you can get. I've put 3,000 miles on these tires without a single flat. I have pried goat heads and glass shards out of the tread without going flat, all the while wondering how many times my tire rolled over that goat head or piece of glass without puncturing the tube.
I just bought a new Trek 520 touring bike and threw away the stock tires that came with it, replacing them with Schwalbe Marathons. I won't equip a bike with anything else.
Review by TOP
I bought these to replace a pair of Kendas that came with my bike. I ride around Seoul a lot and take weekend trips in the countryside. I can't afford to get stranded with a failed tire.
These things roll much easier than the ones I replaced. It was quite noticable when I put them on and helps a lot when dealing with hills. It seems I can ride in one higher gear now. And this despite them being noticably heavier than the takeoffs.
The two other things I noticed were a noticably smoother ride on sidewalk cobbles and better handling.
And my kudos to these guys for getting them shipped to me on time.
Review by Anonymous
I've been using these tires to commute 34 milesday year around for the past 10 years. They're excellent tires and I have only had a flat after several years of wear on a tire. Once they are this worn I replace them after the first flat. I like the fact that you can pump them over 100 psi. They are very hard to mount the first time, but if you get them warm first (in the sun, heater closet, etc.) that will help a lot. Not a problem to remount after they've been ridden a while. Not cheap, but highly recommended so that you don't have to change flats on your commute.
Review by K brahaney
You better protection against flats and road hazards. trade off is that ride is nowhere nearly as smooth as many other tires. Replaced one rear at 5.5k miles with no flats, and front still going strong,
Review by Mark
The Schwabe Marathon tires are great. I replaced my tires on my Trek Verve+ after 4300 trouble free miles. The rear tire was starting to wear and I had a 330 mile trip coming up. I replaced both tires. I kept the old front tire as a spare. With these tires, I have had not one flat. Great tire produced by a great company. Bike tires direct got my new tires to me quickly. Will definitely order from them again.
Review by Anonymous
Smooth riding and good traction in sand.
Review by Danrack
I bought this tire to replace the dirt tires on my Trek 8.5 DS. My daily ride is 13 miles and involves rough Connecticut rural roads with 2 miles of dirt road thrown in for good measure. The tires have performed flawlessly on all surfaces, I cant imagine a tire performing better. Next week I tackle the Great Allegany Passage and C&O canal. I have no concern regarding theses tires.