Will i regret this.

[welsh dragon]

I have been told that the kenda tyres on my bike are more than a little rubbish so I am thinking of changing to schwalbe. I have been told that though these are pretty bomb proof but they are really difficilt to fit. Does anyone have any advise? Should I walk away and try something a little less robust.?

I have an ebike 20x1.75 inch tyres.

Would the cheaper ones be easier to fit but just as good considering the difficulty of fitting the more expensive ones?

 

[Ajax Bay]

The 'M+' tyres will be among the top ones meeting your (inferred) spec, and way better than Kenda variety. But you're right: they are a b****r to fit, and apparently, the smaller diameter ones are a dark nightmare. But you'll only have to fit them once in their long lifetime. And their poor rolling resistance and weight are not significant factors on an e-bike (I assume).

 

[welsh dragon]

Would the cheaper ones be easier to fit? It's not the money I'm bothered about, it's getting the dam things on that's the problem.

 

[Sharky]

In what way rubbish? Puncture resistance, grip, speed?

If the Kendo's are new, I would ride them for a while and see how they last.

 

[welsh dragon]

In what way rubbish? Puncture resistance, grip, speed?

If the Kendo's are new, I would ride them for a while and see how they last.

Puncture wise. I have had them for 4 years now

 

[Ajax Bay]

This is the Spa Cycles classic 'fitting M+' video (5:32, not long):

View: https://youtu.be/-XUFVrl0UT4

 

[Sharky]

Puncture wise. I have had them for 4 years now

They've lasted well then, time for replacement.
Have a look at continental contacts - they have similar treads to the marathons.

 

[welsh dragon]

They've lasted well then, time for replacement.
Have a look at continental contacts - they have similar treads to the marathons.

Indeed I think they are due to be changed.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

I'd stick the Marathon or M+ on the rear wheel and wear out your existing tyres on the front, as you are more likely to get a puncture in the back wheel therefore it makes sense to have the most puncture-resistant type on the rear. I've not got any personal experience of M+, but I swear by Marathon Greenguards and I have several of them currently on my bikes, with no visits from the Fairy in over two years. I've not found them to be a nightmare to fit. They need a bit of persuasion and it helps if you've got strong hands, but I've always managed to get them on the rim without using tyre levers so far.

 

[Dogtrousers]

My experience of M+ is they are really hard to fit the first time

When new they are kind of "flat" with the beads quite a distance apart. Fitting them from new is a performance, maybe involving aids like the toe straps in the Spa video, or duck tape.

But once they've been on the wheel for a while they get less"flat" and more normal tyre shape. Still not exactly the easiest to fit, but the big first time performance is a bit of a one off.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

The cheaper tyre are a lower puncture resistance version of the marathon with a thinner / less tough protective layer, they will fit a bit easier I'd think, and of course you compromise slightly on protection but it's a compromise. They're very good for that price.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Some riders also complain about the ride quality on M+, saying they are very stiff and dead feeling. Some even say the same about regular Marathons as well, although I have always found the ride quality to be perfectly acceptable, along with the fairly low rolling resistance.

 

[Slick]

There is no way round it, they are definitely much harder to fit, but as Mrs Slick has them on her ebike, I don't envisage having to take them off any time soon. (Touch wood) The trouble free cycling once they are on, mean they are worth while for me, and I know this could happen anyway round you care to mention but I've had a couple of visits from the fairy whilst out with her whilst she managed to avoid them.

 

[welsh dragon]

Thanks for all your help. I went with the lesser of 2 evils in the end. As I am a dummy where tyres are concerned I didn't want something that would make me want to take a hammer to my bike, so it's the Marathon rather than the Marathon +.

They will still be better than the Kenda tyres.

 

[roley poley]

M+ on hybrid no punctures in 3 years a bit of patience to fit but well worth it. Shop around for the best price.