Which tyre should I get for a Brompton?

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JE201

Regular
Hi guys, I am considering getting a Brompton for my commute in London (~5 miles each way, mainly on a cycle superhighway) and was wondering whether it is worth paying extra to get the Schwalbe Marathon tyres instead of the Schwalbe Marathon Racer tyres that come as standard on the Brompton bikes?
 

Moodyman

Legendary Member
I don't ride a Brompton, but have seen a few and changing a tube looks like a real hassle. Best go with M+. As the wheels are smaller the rotation inertia won't be as noticeable.
 

vickster

Legendary Member
A friend of mine has a folder (similar small tyres) and she said the small M plus we’re an absolute nightmare to get on and off when she did get a puncture

Why not just see how you get on to start with the tyres on the bike. Make sure you learn how to change a tube with the hub gearing before going out
 
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JE201

Regular
A friend of mine has a folder (similar small tyres) and she said the small M plus we’re an absolute nightmare to get on and off when she did get a puncture

Why not just see how you get on to start with the tyres on the bike. Make sure you learn how to change a tube with the hub gearing before going out
I have no idea how to change tyres or do any repairs on a bike. I thought the more puncture resistant tyre might be a good option to mitigate my lack of ability.
 

vickster

Legendary Member
Do these provide more protection that the Marathon one?

Are there any tyres that are pure rubber i.e. have no air tube and so cannot be punctured at all?
Tannus tyres are solid, don’t know if they do a 16” option. Where are you getting the bike, if you buy new tyres, get the shop to fit
edit, the do a Brompton option
https://tannus.co.uk/tires/shop/
I expect the ride isn't great, the cost is high, they’re hard to fit apparently..., I’d stick with tyres and tubes and deal with the occasional puncture!
 
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JE201

Regular
Tannus tyres are solid, don’t know if they do a 16” option. Where are you getting the bike, if you buy new tyres, get the shop to fit
edit, the do a Brompton option
https://tannus.co.uk/tires/shop/
I expect the ride isn't great, the cost is high, they’re hard to fit apparently..., I’d stick with tyres and tubes and deal with the occasional puncture!
I will likely either get it via Evans or Brompton directly. At Evans it comes with the Marathon Racer tyres, but they have the Marathon plus available for an extra £41.49 x 2 (https://www.evanscycles.com/schwalbe-marathon-plus-flat-less-brompton-16-commuter-tyre-EV216356)

At Brompton directly, they charge an additional £25 according to their bike builder (https://www.brompton.com/bikes/build/bike-builder?id=9919602&cid=18), and I think the tyre they use is this: https://www.brompton.com/brompton-g...-marathon-reflective-strip/c-24/c-1031/p-1524. I think it may be different than the Marathon Plus that Evans use?
 

Origamist

Legendary Member
I agree re changing the Marathons. But P* visits rare

I am very attracted at trying these and suspect they handle massively better https://www.condorcycles.com/products/continental-urban-tyre-for-brompton?variant=29468363325523

I have recently fitted these and like them a lot. I have not put many miles into them but they roll well and whilst I'm not expecting M+ levels of puncture deterrence, they do seem robust enough for urban commuting. Currently they are coming up undersize at 33mm on my rims, but I expect them to stretch a bit after a few more weeks. The earlier samples from what I read ballooned to approx 37mm and there were probs accommodating them with the rear mudguard.
 
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JE201

Regular
I have recently fitted these and like them a lot. I have not put many miles into them but they roll well and whilst I'm not expecting M+ levels of puncture deterrence, they do seem robust enough for urban commuting. Currently they are coming up undersize at 33mm on my rims, but I expect them to stretch a bit after a few more weeks. The earlier samples from what I read ballooned to approx 37mm and there were probs accommodating them with the rear mudguards.
How noticeable is the difference in roll/speed between the Continental and the Marathon puncture resistant tyres?
 

Origamist

Legendary Member
How noticeable is the difference in roll/speed between the Continental and the Marathon puncture resistant tyres?

In the absence of comparative rolling test results, which renders my view purely subjective, I'd say they have better rolling resistance than M+.
 

Smudge

Veteran
Location
Somerset
The Marathon Racer doesn't have bad puncture protection at level 4. Marathon + are highest level 7 PP, but will be a fair bit heavier than the Racer and will have more rolling resistance.
I would stick with the Racer and see how they go.
 
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