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Review: Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Tyres

When Schwalbe pulled the Marathon XR tyre off the market, bike tourers worldwide were up in arms that the best tyre around was no longer available. When Schwalbe came back a year later with the Mondial, long distance travellers around the world were relieved to say the least…

Why?

The Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres have a HUGE wear life. Lots of cyclists have achieved over 20,000km on these with very few punctures.

I recommend using the folding Schwalbe Mondial tyres for long distance, mixed-terrain touring – despite the higher price. The folding version uses Double Defence protection which works out tougher than the Performance protection of the wire bead model. Not only do you get superior puncture protection, but there’s always the risk that wire can blow out the side of your wire bead tyre on demanding tours. Folding tyres all the way!

Schwalbe marathon Mondial review
The Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyre is extremely hard wearing.

Why?

– The longest lasting touring tyre I’ve ever used (25,000km+ on a loaded tandem).
– 9/10 long distance bicycle tourers agree that this is the best all-round touring tyre out there.
– I’ve only had 2-3 slow leaks (from thorns) in 25000km+.
– Fast enough on bitumen roads that you don’t feel like you’d be better off with a slicker tyre.
– A decent amount of grip on the rougher roads considering the hard-wearing properties of the tyre.
– Great grip in the wet.

Schwalbe marathon Mondial review
A brand new Schwalbe Marathon Mondial vs. my Mondial with 15000km+.

Why Not?

– Only available in wider sizes.
– The folding models are twice the price of the wire bead (US $90 vs US $45).
– Slippery in muddy conditions.

Schwalbe marathon Mondial review
A well-worn Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyre on my touring bike.

Price

US $90 (Folding bead)

Similar Products

Schwalbe Marathon Dureme
Schwalbe Marathon Plus

 

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