Tag: schwalbe

The Best Puncture Proof Tyres For Commuting & Touring (Lab Test)

Punctures are every cyclist’s nightmare, always striking at the worst possible moment. Luckily, the most puncture proof tyres make flats a worry of the past.

The website Bicycle Rolling Resistance conducts extensive lab tests on bike tyres. While their primary focus is on rolling resistance, they also test tyre treads and sidewalls for puncture resistance. Thanks to their research, we have access to data on 15 current touring tyre models to analyse.

First, we’ll explore which tyres offer the best puncture protection, and later we’ll see how they stack up when it comes to rolling resistance.

Let’s dive in!

Note: This article was originally published in Apr 2017 but has been updated in Apr 2026.

Testing The Most Puncture Proof Tyres

Bicycle Rolling Resistance (BRR) uses a metric called the puncture score to quantify how puncture-resistant a touring tyre really is.

To determine this score, a 1 mm-thick needle is pressed into the centre of the tyre’s tread (and sidewall) while weight is gradually applied until a puncture occurs. The required force is recorded as the puncture force, with each tyre tested five times to ensure consistent results.

That force score is then multiplied by the tyre’s thickness. This method offers a more realistic measure of real-world puncture resistance, as thicker tyres generally reduce flats by increasing the distance debris must travel before reaching the casing.

To rank these touring tyres, I’ve assigned “CyclingAbout points” to each puncture score. The points decrease in line with the puncture scores, and we’ll use them later to determine the best overall touring tyres.

Puncture Score Tread

	BRR Puncture Score	CyclingAbout Points
Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus	163	10
Vittoria Randonneur	150	10
Schwalbe Marathon Plus	129	8
Continental Pure Contact	126	8
Continental Top Contact Winter II	119	8
Schwalbe Energizer Plus	117	8
Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Tubeless	83 (+30)	6 (+2)
Schwalbe Marathon Mondial DD	108	7
Schwalbe Green Marathon	105	7
Schwalbe Marathon Racer	97	7
Continental Contact Urban	95	7
Continental Top Contact II	95	7
Continental Urban Taraxagum	84	6
Panaracer Pasela ProTite	76	6
Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency	69	5

For tyre tread puncture test, the Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus leads the pack thanks to its exceptionally high puncture score. To get this score, this tyre combines a strong puncture-proof material with a very thick tread.

The Vittoria Randonneur uses a ridiculously puncture-proof tyre fabric, the toughest of any on this list. The tyre itself is a little thinner, so the puncture score doesn’t quite match the Marathon E-Plus, but it still gets the full 10 CyclingAbout points nonetheless.

Next up was the Schwalbe Marathon Plus, which uses a similar puncture protection layer to the E-Plus, but with slightly less reinforcement. These are a super popular touring bike tyre for a reason.

Other strong performers with a puncture score over 100 include the Continental Pure Contact, Continental Top Contact Winter II, Schwalbe Energizer Plus, Schwalbe Marathon Mondial and Schwalbe Green Marathon.

Also in this lineup is the Schwalbe Marathon Almotion TLE. Technically, it scored lower on the puncture test, but because it’s a tubeless tyre that can be used with sealant (which can quickly seal small punctures), I added two CyclingAbout points to its total. This adjustment better reflects how rarely you’re likely to experience flats with this tyre.

Puncture Score Sidewall

	BRR Puncture Score Sidewall	CyclingAbout Points
Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus	26	10
Schwalbe Marathon Plus	21	7
Schwalbe Green Marathon	21	7
Schwalbe Marathon Mondial DD	20	7
Continental Top Contact Winter II	19	6
Continental Top Contact II	19	6
Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Tubeless	17 (+2)	5 (+1)
Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency	18	6
Continental Pure Contact	18	6
Schwalbe Energizer Plus	18	6
Vittoria Randonneur	14	4
Schwalbe Marathon Racer	13	3
Continental Contact Urban	11	2
Continental Urban Taraxagum	10	2
Panaracer Pasela ProTite	7	0

In the sidewall puncture test, the Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus stands in a league of its own once again. Its durable sidewalls and thick casing earn it a BRR puncture score of 26, securing the full 10 CyclingAbout points once again.

Close behind, but still offering excellent sidewall puncture resistance, are the Schwalbe Marathon Plus, Green Marathon, and Marathon Mondial DD, all scoring 21. With any of these tyres, sidewall punctures should be a relatively rare occurrence.

The Marathon Almotion Tubeless sits slightly behind this group, but again, it receives one additional CyclingAbout point as it’s a tubeless tyre. With tubeless sealant installed, it’s likely to remain more puncture-resistant in real-world use than a tube-type tyre with similar sidewall protection.

Rolling Resistance Test

Rolling resistance describes how much of your pedalling effort is absorbed by the tyres as you ride. In these tests, lighter tyres with less heavy-duty puncture protection typically perform the best.

As I explain in my article on tyre rolling resistance, tyres with high rolling resistance can actually slow you down even more than adding an extra 30 kg (66 lbs) of luggage to your touring bike!

By assigning CyclingAbout points to both puncture resistance and rolling resistance, we can build a clearer picture of which tyres perform best overall. To do this, I averaged the CyclingAbout points from the two puncture resistance tests and combined them with the rolling resistance CyclingAbout points. The total scores are shown in the table below.

The resulting ranking highlights which touring tyres strike the best balance between puncture protection and speed. Ultimately, choosing between them comes down to how you prioritise puncture resistance versus efficiency.

Finally, to put rolling resistance into perspective, most riders cruise at around 100 to 200 watts, meaning rolling resistance alone can consume 20 to 60% of your pedalling power. Minimising it clearly pays off.

	Rolling Resistance (One Tyre)	Rolling Resistance CyclingAbout Points	Total CyclingAbout Points
Schwalbe Marathon Almotion TLE	19.7 W	10	17 (1st)
Schwalbe Energizer Plus	21.5 W	9	16 (=2nd)
Continental Pure Contact	21.9 W	9	16 (=2nd)
Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus	27.4 W	6	16 (=2nd)
Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency	18.5 W	10	15.5 (5th)
Schwalbe Green Marathon	22.4 W	8	15 (6th)
Schwalbe Marathon Plus	25.5 W	7	14.5 (=7th)
Continental Contact Urban	18.4 W	10	14.5 (=7th)
Continental Top Contact II	24.2 W	7	13.5 (9th)
Schwalbe Marathon Mondial DD	26.7 W	6	13 (10th)
Continental Top Contact Winter II	28.5 W	5	12 (=11th)
Schwalbe Marathon Racer	24.6 W	7	12 (=11th)
Panaracer Pasela ProTite	20.6 W	9	12 (=11th)
Continental Urban Taraxagum	24.2 W	7	11 (14th)
Vittoria Randonneur	32.4 W	3	10 (15th)

When considering both puncture resistance and rolling resistance, the overall winner is the Schwalbe Marathon Almotion TLE. It offers exceptionally low rolling resistance for a touring tyre, along with strong puncture protection when used tubeless with sealant.

Close behind is the Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus, which combines an extremely high puncture score with a mid-range rolling resistance rating, securing second place overall. These are the tyres to choose if minimising punctures is your top priority.

The Schwalbe Energizer Plus and Continental Pure Contact also performed very well, pairing high puncture scores with impressively fast rolling resistance.

Other strong contenders include the Marathon Efficiency and Green Marathon. While they offer excellent performance, they do sacrifice a bit of puncture protection for improved speed.

The Most Puncture Proof Tyres Overall

Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus

If you never want to worry about punctures again, my top pick is the Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus ($60 on Amazon).

In lab testing, these tyres required the highest puncture force in both the tread and sidewall tests. Fit a tyre like this, and your bike will be as close to puncture-proof as it gets.

The trade-off is weight; they’re among the heavier tyres in this group. But the good news is that the extra rolling resistance is minimal, adding only 7 to 8 watts per tyre compared to the fastest models, which is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

If you need off-road traction, you can get a version with knobs, the Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB, which uses the same puncture protection layers.

You can find the Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 37 mm HERE, 40 mm HERE, and 50 mm HERE

Schwalbe Marathon Plus

For as long as I can remember, Schwalbe Marathon Plus ($54 on Amazon) tyres have been the go-to choice for long-distance touring. I rode them religiously throughout the 2000s through countless countries, and I can count on one hand the number of punctures I ever experienced!

The lab data support my experience. These tyres ranked third in the tread puncture test and second in the sidewall test – only outperformed by the newer Marathon E-Plus.

The Marathon Plus rolls slightly faster than the E-Plus, comes in an impressively wide range of sizes, is about 10% cheaper, and is a touch lighter.

The only caveat is fitting the narrower 25 to 32 mm models onto your rims – they can be tricky to mount. I’ve never had any issues with the wider versions, though, which slide on without too much fuss.

You can find the Schwalbe Marathon Plus on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 25 mm HERE, 28 mm HERE, 32 mm HERE, 35 mm HERE, and 38 mm HERE
26″ x 1.75″ HERE, and 2.00″ HERE

Schwalbe Marathon Almotion TLE

If your bike has tubeless rims and you want to reduce rolling resistance without giving up too much puncture protection, the Schwalbe Marathon Almotion TLE ($74 on Amazon) is the obvious choice.

Each tyre is about 300 grams lighter than the Marathon E-Plus, and they roll noticeably faster.

I’ve ridden around 25,000 km around South America on these tyres with virtually no punctures. They’re also highly durable – you can expect roughly 15,000 km per set.

What’s especially impressive is how fast and responsive the Almotions feel, even under a fully loaded touring bike – they’re not like your typical touring tyres!

You can find the Schwalbe Marathon Almotion TLE on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 40 mm HERE, 50 mm HERE, and 55 mm HERE

Schwalbe Energizer Plus

If you’re running inner tubes, the Schwalbe Energizer Plus ($45 on Amazon) is the clear choice for combining strong puncture resistance with fast rolling performance.

Its newly developed Addix E-Compound features a smooth centre tread and reinforced diamond-patterned side sections that deliver good grip, even at higher speeds.

According to the lab data, the Energizer Plus offers low rolling resistance and puncture protection up there with some of the best. It’s also $15 to $30 cheaper than most of the other options here, making it an excellent choice for riders looking to save some money without sacrificing performance.

You can find the Schwalbe Energizer Plus on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 37 mm HERE, 47 mm HERE, 50 mm HERE, and 55mm HERE
26 x 1.85″ HERE
27.5 x 2.00″ HERE

April 7, 2026

A Guide To The Best Touring Bike Tyres from Schwalbe

Flat tyres are every cyclist’s nightmare – suddenly you’re stopped on the side of the road, dirty hands, struggling with a tube, and losing precious riding time.

Luckily, modern tyres have come a long way. Today’s designs are stronger, lighter, and more durable, letting you ride faster and worry less about flats.

Schwalbe has built a reputation for producing some of the most puncture-proof touring tyres in the world. In this guide, I’ll break down the 11 best Schwalbe touring tyres, from blazing-fast tarmac options to tough dirt-road performers.

Whether you chase speed, durability or simply want puncture-free peace of mind, there’s a Schwalbe tyre here for you.

Note: This was originally written in Oct 2011, but has been updated in Dec 2025.

Schwalbe Tyre Performance Ratings

We can compare these tyres using several performance ratings provided by Schwalbe:

Puncture Resistance – How well does this tyre stand up to things that cause flats?
Speed – How quickly and efficiently will this tyre roll?
Grip – How confidently will this tyre stick to the surfaces you ride?
Durability – How long can you expect this touring tyre to last?

Performance ratings for each criterion are listed under every tyre. No single Schwalbe tyre excels in all areas, so choosing the right one requires balancing these factors according to your riding needs.

At the end of the article, I’ve created a table that allows you to compare all the top Schwalbe touring models side by side based on their performance ratings.

Note: I may earn a commission when you purchase a rack through my links. This directly supports CYCLINGABOUT and allows me to continue to provide high-quality cycling information to you.

Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus

The Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus ($60 on Amazon) is the most puncture-resistant touring tyre ever tested. In multiple lab tests, it required the highest force to penetrate both the tread and sidewall compared to other tube tyres.

Its exceptional protection comes from Schwalbe’s SmartGuard layer – a 5 mm-thick elastic rubber insert that blocks glass, road debris, and even thumbtacks. Beneath the SmartGuard, there are additional protection layers and multiple casing layers for extra durability.

Remarkably, this level of puncture resistance doesn’t come at a huge cost to rolling efficiency. Independent tests show the E-Plus is only 2 to 5 watts slower per tyre than the much less puncture-resistant Green Marathon.

The main trade-off is weight: each tyre is nearly one kilogram (around 990 grams). But if you want peace of mind and puncture-free performance on tarmac roads, the Marathon E-Plus is hard to beat.

You can find the Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 37 mm HERE, 40 mm HERE, and 50 mm HERE

Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour

The Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour ($54 on Amazon) offers the same puncture protection as the E-Plus, with the added benefit of better grip on dirt roads. It’s an excellent choice for riders seeking a near-flatless experience while tackling mixed surfaces.

Like the E-Plus, it’s relatively heavy at around 960 grams, so it won’t roll as quickly as some other tyres on this list. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most puncture-resistant tube-type options for a combination of tarmac and unpaved roads.

You can find the Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 35mm HERE, and 50 mm HERE
26 x 50mm HERE

Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB

For off-road riders seeking maximum puncture resistance, the Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB ($59 on Amazon) is hard to beat.

While I generally recommend tubeless tyres for off-road use due to their lighter weight, lower rolling resistance, and better grip, the Marathon Plus MTB is the go-to option if you want to stick with tubes and minimise the risk of flats.

It features the same 5 mm-thick SmartGuard layer as other Marathon Plus tyres, providing a robust barrier against glass, rocks, and debris.

The trade-offs are its heavy weight (1,275 grams) and higher rolling resistance. However, once fitted, your off-road bike will be about as close to puncture-proof as possible.

You can find the Schwalbe Marathon MTB on Amazon in different widths:
29 x 1.75″ HERE, and 2.10″ HERE
26″ x 2.10″ HERE

Schwalbe Marathon Plus

The Schwalbe Marathon Plus ($53 on Amazon) has long been a benchmark for puncture-resistant touring tyres. I rode them extensively throughout the 2000s across multiple countries, and I can count on one hand how many punctures I ever got.

Compared to the more modern E-Plus, the Marathon Plus rolls slightly faster, comes in a wider range of sizes, is around 10% cheaper, and is a bit lighter too. Despite no longer being the most puncture-proof option, it’s still an excellent choice.

One minor drawback is that the narrower 25 to 32 mm sizes can be tricky to fit onto rims, whereas the wider versions install easily without hassle.

You can find the Schwalbe Marathon Plus on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 25 mm HERE, 28 mm HERE, 32 mm HERE, 35 mm HERE, and 38 mm HERE
26″ x 1.75″ HERE, and 2.00″ HERE

Schwalbe Marathon Almotion TLE

The Schwalbe Marathon Almotion TLE ($74 on Amazon) stands out as one of the fastest touring tyres available, and one of the most puncture-resistant too when set up as tubeless. Its tubeless construction allows the use of sealant, which circulates inside the tyre and quickly seals small punctures as they occur.

I rode roughly 30,000 km across South America on these tyres with virtually no punctures. They’re also impressively durable, with an expected lifespan of around 15,000 km per set.

As long as you’re comfortable topping up tubeless sealant every four months or so, these tyres are an excellent choice for paved roads. That said, I was also happy riding them on dirt roads when needed.

Each tyre is approximately 350 grams lighter than the Marathon E-Plus, and the folding bead makes them easy to carry as a spare.

One important note: the Almotion comes in two versions. The RaceGuard model is tubeless, while the V-Guard version is designed for use with tubes. If you plan to run tubes, there are better Schwalbe options that offer both lower rolling resistance and higher puncture protection.

You can find the Schwalbe Marathon Almotion TLE on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 40 mm HERE, 50 mm HERE, and 55 mm HERE

Schwalbe Marathon Mondial

The Schwalbe Marathon Mondial ($69 on Amazon) isn’t the outright fastest or most puncture-resistant touring tyre, but its durability is exceptional. I once rode more than 25,000 km on a single front Mondial before it finally needed replacing!

The tyre comes in two tube-specific versions, and the distinction matters. The V-Guard folding model is the standout – highly durable and impressively puncture-resistant. The Raceguard version, by comparison, falls well short and isn’t one I’d recommend.

Despite their longevity, Mondials remain relatively light at around 625 grams, roll reasonably quickly, and provide better grip on dirt roads than most touring tyres. With a folding bead, they’re also easy to pack as a spare, making them a practical choice for long-distance touring.

You can find the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial V-Guard on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 40 mm HERE, and 50 mm HERE
27.5 x 2.40″ HERE
26 x 2.00″ HERE

Schwalbe Green Marathon

The Schwalbe Green Marathon ($43 on Amazon) is a strong choice for bike tourers who want to use tubes and who also prioritise speed without giving up too much durability.

Thanks to its Greenguard puncture-protection layer, reinforced with two additional RaceGuard fabric layers, the Green Marathon delivers impressive durability relative to its weight and rolling efficiency.

These tyres have outperformed much of the competition for years, and Schwalbe claims performance has improved even further since the introduction of recycled rubber in the Green Marathon compound.

You can find the Schwalbe Green Marathon on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 38 mm HERE, 42 mm HERE, and 45 mm HERE
26″ x 1.25″ HERE, 1.50″ HERE, 1.75″ HERE, and 2.00″ HERE
27.5″ x 1.65″ HERE, 2.15″ HERE, and 2.35″ HERE

Schwalbe Energizer Plus

The Schwalbe Energizer Plus ($44 on Amazon) is very similar to the Green Marathon, but independent testing suggests it delivers slightly better puncture protection along with around 5% lower rolling resistance.

It also offers marginally improved grip on paved roads, with a small trade-off in off-road traction compared to the Green Marathon. Overall, for riders using tubes who want a touring tyre that strikes an excellent balance between speed and puncture resistance, this is one of the strongest options available.

The latest Addix E-Compound features a smooth centre tread paired with reinforced, diamond-patterned side sections, providing confident grip even at higher speeds.

Lab testing backs this up, placing the Energizer Plus among the best in its class for both rolling efficiency and puncture protection. It’s also typically $15 to $30 cheaper than many of the other tyres listed here, making it a standout value choice without meaningful compromises in performance.

You can find the Schwalbe Energizer Plus on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 37 mm HERE, 47 mm HERE, 50 mm HERE, and 55mm HERE
26 x 1.85″ HERE
27.5 x 2.00″ HERE

Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency

The Marathon Efficiency ($68 on Amazon) is Schwalbe’s lightest and fastest-rolling touring tube tyre. I ran these across the Middle East, and although I picked up the occasional puncture, they felt exceptionally quick on the road.

Compared to the next-lightest option, the Marathon Almotion, they save around 100 grams per tyre. Independent testing also shows roughly 5% lower rolling resistance. As folding tyres, they’re also an excellent choice to pack as a lightweight spare.

The downside is durability: they’re the least puncture-resistant tyre on this list, they aren’t tubeless-ready, and their lifespan is shorter, typically around 10,000 to 12,000 km.

You can find the Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 40mm HERE, 45mm HERE, 50mm HERE, and 55mm HERE
27.5 x 2.15″ HERE, and 2.35″ HERE

Schwalbe G-One Overland 365

The Schwalbe G-One Overland 365 ($63 on Amazon) is a gravel-style tyre and the fastest tubeless option on this list.

These tubeless-ready tyres feature a lightweight design, bringing the weight down to just 600 grams – significantly lighter than the 900 to 1,200 grams typical of traditional touring tyres.

What’s particularly impressive is the puncture resistance relative to its weight. In blunt puncture tests, the Overland 365 performed very well and even led the rankings for sidewall protection.

Being tubeless, it can be paired with liquid sealant, which often seals punctures instantly as the sealant flows into any holes. This makes it one of the most puncture-resistant tyres here, as long as you’re willing to top up the sealant every four months.

The main compromise is durability: you can expect around 7,000 to 8,000 km of use, compared with 10,000 to 15,000 km for heavier, touring tyres.

You can find the Schwalbe G-One Overland 365 on Amazon in different widths:
700C x 40 mm HERE, 45 mm HERE, and 50 mm HERE

Schwalbe G-One Allround

The Schwalbe G-One Allround ($65 on Amazon) is a tubeless tyre available in a 2.8″ width, making it an excellent gravel touring tyre – and it’s the model I’m currently using on a trip through 40 countries in Africa.

In over 30,000 km of off-road touring on this thorny continent, I haven’t had a single puncture. These tyres hold air exceptionally well and rarely develop small holes that even need to be sealed.

They also roll quickly, offer impressive grip, and provide outstanding comfort, making them nearly perfect for touring over rough, thorn-strewn terrain. I especially appreciate being able to lower the tyre pressure into the single digits (psi) when crossing sandy sections.

This model comes in two versions: the DD Raceguard version is what I use, which is a touch slower but has more puncture protection.

The main trade-off remains durability. I typically get around 7,000 to 8,000 km from these tyres, compared with roughly double that distance for the heavier, tube-based touring tyres mentioned earlier.

You can find the Schwalbe G-One Allround DD on Amazon in different widths:
27.5 x 2.25″ HERE, and 2.8″ HERE

Which Tyre Should You Choose?

	Protection	Rolling	Road Grip	Dirt Grip	Durability
Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus	7	4.5	6	3	6
Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour	7	3.5	4	4	6
Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB	7	3	4	4.5	6
Schwalbe Marathon Plus	7	3.5	4	2	6
Schwalbe Marathon Almotion	6	5.5	5	3.5	5
Schwalbe Marathon Mondial	6	4	5	3.5	6
Schwalbe Green Marathon	5	4.5	5	3	5.5
Schwalbe Energizer Plus	5	4.5	5.5	2.5	5.5
Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency	5	6	5	3	5
Schwalbe G-One Overland 365	6	6	5	3.5	3
Schwalbe G-One Allround	6	5.5	5	4.5	3

The Schwalbe ratings let you quickly compare the different touring tyres in the table above.

Selecting the best Schwalbe tyre for you comes down to prioritising your needs: whether you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of puncture protection for extra speed, or prefer more road grip at the expense of off-road traction. The cheaper Schwalbe tyres often compromise on multiple performance aspects.

Maximum puncture protection: Marathon E-Plus, Marathon Plus Tour, Marathon Plus MTB
Road touring at speed: Marathon Almotion, Marathon Efficiency, Energizer Plus, Green Marathon, G-One 365
Dirt road touring: Marathon Plus Tour, Marathon Mondial, Marathon Plus MTB, G-One Allround
Round-the-world touring: Marathon E-Plus, Marathon Plus Tour, Marathon Mondial, Marathon Almotion

December 18, 2025

What’s The Speed Difference Between Touring Tyres? Rolling Resistance Lab Testing

Bicycle Rolling Resistance is a website that conducts lab testing of bike tyres. They focus mostly on rolling resistance but also test the puncture resistance of the tread and sidewalls. We are fortunate enough to have data available for 19 different touring tyre models to examine.

Recommended reading: what is the most puncture resistant touring tyre?

How Is The Tyre Rolling Resistance Tested?

Tyres are tested on a 77cm steel drum which is covered with a diamond plate to simulate an average road surface. An electric motor spins the drum to 200 RPM (29 km/h or 18 mph) with a tyre and 42.5kg load resting on it. A microcontroller calculates the average power required to keep the drum at 200 RPM over a period of 30 seconds. A correction is made for the electric motor efficiency. The test is conducted three times and the average of the three is the rolling resistance of the tyre.

Is This Form of Resistance Testing Legitimate?

Steel drum testing is not perfect, but it’s able to get consistent results. This is because wind speed, temperature, power input and rolling speed can be controlled to a very high level of accuracy.

My only concern is with regards to the correlation between tyre pressure and rolling resistance. A steel drum indicates that higher pressures equate to lower rolling resistance. The thing that drum testing doesn’t take into account is vibrations. The folk at Bicycle Quarterly have found that vibrations slow you down when your tyres cannot deform adequately. We’re talking about tyres that are running very high pressures or tyres with stiff sidewall casings (or both). If a tyre cannot deform over a bump, our bodies may absorb most of this energy. If the tyre can deform over a bump, the energy is temporarily stored in the tyre then released once you’ve travelled over it.

With this in mind, we should look at the rolling resistance figures while somewhat disregarding the tyre pressure trends. Let’s focus on the rolling resistance difference between each of the tyres at the 45 or 60psi pressures.

Analysis

The results show that there is a great difference between the fastest and slowest tyres. The tyre with the highest rolling resistance was 95% slower (32.6w) than the tyre with the lowest (17.1w). Even between the first and fifth fastest tyres, there was a 25% difference in energy loss. That’s enough to lose you a fair bit of time on a long day.

The king of this rolling resistance test is the Schwalbe Almotion. This is despite it being heavier than nine other touring tyres, suggesting that tyre weight isn’t necessarily a big factor. The key to the tyres success seems to be more to do with the composition. In this case, the Almotion uses the same rubber compound as their fastest Schwalbe road racing tyre.

There didn’t seem to be a strong correlation between puncture resistance and speed either. If we take the top-9 and bottom-9 puncture resistance scores and average them, the tread protection is only 2 points higher in the bottom-9 (15 vs 13) while the sidewall protection is the same (5 vs 5). There isn’t a great difference in average tyre thickness either. The average for the top-9 is 5.28mm and the average for the bottom-9 is 5.98mm.

The rubber composition of tyres seems to reduce rolling resistance the most. Image: CycleTyres.Fr

What Is The Difference in Cycling Speed Between Tyres?

Rolling resistance on a touring bike is particularly important when compared to faster travelling bikes, like a road bike. This is because aerodynamics play a reduced role in a touring bike’s overall speed. The speed difference between slow and fast rolling tyres is very significant – in fact, it may surprise you that the effects of weight pale in comparison.

Comparing the Schwalbe Almotion and Schwalbe Mondial there is 19.2w of extra resistance overall (two tyres). This translates to about 1.49km/h (0.93mph) slower travelling speeds on the Mondials with all things being equal (150w, 85kg total weight, flat road). Knowing the speed difference, we can determine the time differences over the course of a typical touring day using Bike Calculator*.

On A Flat 100km Route (0% Gradient)
Over 100km, the 1.49km/h drop in speed from the Mondials will add 11 minutes and 49 seconds to your cycling time (5.4% slower). To put that into perspective, carrying 30kg (66lb) extra on your touring bike would add 7 minutes to your ride time (3.2% slower) over 100km.

On A Hilly 100km Route (10km up, 10km down x5 @ 2% Gradient)
Assuming it’s hilly, rolling resistance plays an even greater role because of the lower travelling speeds. The slower Mondials add 18 minutes to your cycling time (7.0% slower). To put that in perspective, carrying 20kg (44lb) extra on your touring bike would add 17 minutes to your ride time (6.8% slower) over 100km.

*Through my weight testing, I’ve determined Bike Calculator to be close to accurate.

Low rolling resistance tyres can offer the same time savings as 20kg less bike weight on moderately hilly route.

Does Tyre Speed Really Matter?

If speed is your aim, stop thinking about how to shave a kilogram off your kit and start looking at fast tyres.

The rolling resistance difference between our two examples can be equated to adding 20kg or more to your bike. It can be just as significant as the aerodynamic benefits of bikepacking bags over panniers. That’s a lot!

Yes, I know that touring isn’t really about speed. But if you can travel 5-7% faster using the same amount of effort, how is that not a good thing? Even if you don’t care for the increase in speed, you’ll be able to travel every day with less effort. That will leave you with more energy by the day’s end.

Rolling resistance can contribute to the same speed difference as the aerodynamic benefit of bikepacking bags over panniers.

A Few More Thoughts On Tyres

Alee, the rolling resistance savings are huge! Should I swap my tyres?
Not necessarily; rolling speed is only one factor in the tyre equation.

You will want to match the tyre width and tread pattern to the terrain you ride. If dirt roads are your jam, you’ll want wide tyres with tough sidewalls and a bit of tread. The looser, rougher and more rocky, the more tread will be required. If you’re on the road, then the low resistance tyre options from Schwalbe, Vittoria and Continental look to be excellent.

For touring you may also want a tyre that is durable and long-lasting. If you’re completing a long tour, it’s nice having tyres that go and go and go. I have managed to squeeze 25,000km out of my Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres. I can only guess that the Schwalbe Almotion is not capable of this kind of mileage.

Wanna help support CyclingAbout? Grab some tyres from Amazon by using the links below & CyclingAbout gets a tiny bit from each sale. No cost to you, easy as pie!

Schwalbe Almotion $54
Vittoria Voyager Hyper $49
Schwalbe Marathon Supreme $74
Continental Sport Contact II $34
Schwalbe Marathon (Greenguard) $33
Schwalbe Marathon Plus $47
Schwalbe Marathon Mondial $75
Vittoria Randonneur $30

Head HERE To See My Weight Testing and HERE To See My Aerodynamic Testing

February 15, 2017
Surly Releases ExtraTerrestrial 2.5″ Touring Tyres

Surly have just finished putting together their first-ever touring tyre! It’s called the ExtraTerrestrial and it’s FAT!

They’ve incorporated a heap of protection in the rubber too. There’s kevlar between the treads, a nylon breaker in the sidewall for cut protection, a pattern moulded into the sidewall to help prevent cut propagation and a file tread between the main tread blocks for additional puncture protection.

The Surly ExtraTerrestrial touring tyres.

The ExtraTerrestrial’s tread is directional and quite similar to the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial. One advantage it has over the Schwalbe is smaller side knobs which should hook a bit better into dirt surfaces. The sheer width of the tyre provides a bigger footprint and more grip too. You can run the ExtraTerrestrial tubeless, with rim widths ranging from 24-50mm. Given the smooth-ish ridge along the middle, it should be relatively fast on the road.

The tyre is available in one size only: 26×2.5″ (62mm), optimised for the Surly Troll. It will be available in early-2016 for US $60.

October 26, 2015
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!

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.

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.

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

Price

US $90 (Folding bead)

Similar Products

Schwalbe Marathon Dureme
Schwalbe Marathon Plus

August 11, 2013
700c vs 26 Inch Wheel Size for Bicycle Touring

What’s better in the 700c vs 26 Inch battle?
The simple answer is that all wheel sizes work well if you use good quality components.

But let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of both sizes in any case.

26inch wheels are slightly smaller than 700c.

Why Go 26 Inch?

– The tyres and tubes are easier to find in developing parts of the world
– 26inch wheels use shorter spokes than 700c to build a stronger wheel
– 26inch touring frames generally have greater tyre clearance for fatter tyres
– There are more 2+ inch touring tyres available in 26inch
– 26inch wheels are MTB tyre compatible, for off-road adventures
– A 26inch bikes lowest gear is effectively smaller than a 700c due to the smaller wheel size

Why Go 700C / 29 Inch?

– Larger in diameter, therefore they can roll over holes and depressions on roads in a smoother manner
– There are more slick and city tyre options

Touring in Remote Locations

Riding in remote locations is the main reason bicycle tourers turn to 26-inches.

But just say that you are running 26inch tyres and your sidewall blows out while you have no spare. The tyre that you find in the closest bike shop (for argument’s sake, in northern India) is low-quality with no puncture protection. It’s going to get you going but isn’t a great long-term solution.

My point is: you won’t find good quality spares for any wheel size in remote locations.

In places like India, I suggest carrying a spare tyre, 2-3 tubes, 1-2 rim tapes and a bunch of spokes. That way it really doesn’t matter what size wheel you’re rolling on.

Carry adequate spares and it won’t matter what wheel size you ride with.

My last pair of Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres lasted 25000km with only a couple of slow leaks (review HERE). Spare tyres work out at about 650g each, which isn’t much for the piece of mind. If you do need additional spares, freight companies will get gear to you all over the world at good rates (provided you shop with the right companies).

What About 650B (27.5 Inch)?

650b wheels (or 27.5″) have been a popular size on randonneur bikes for some time, but have only recently become the must-have size in the mountain biking world, driven by huge marketing campaigns. 650b is the middle size between 26inch and 700c (actually it’s a bit closer to 26inch), so a bike with these wheels tends to have a mix of both 26inch and 700c riding characteristics.

650b is the middle size between 26″ and 700c.

The issue with 650b currently is spare parts. There are barely any touring specific rims and tyres available in this size. Good luck finding 650b tyres and tubes in your average bike shop: 700c is sometimes hard enough! In the next 10-20 years we may well find that 650b will replace 26inch, but until there are the parts available, it’s best to stick to the mainstream sizes.

Wheel Overlap on Small Frames

A 700c wheel increases the chances of toe overlap compared to the smaller wheel sizes. This is one reason why Surly only offer 700c wheels on their touring bike frames over 56cm. If you are on the smaller size, it makes sense to use 26″ wheels that reduce toe-overlap and the stand-over height of your bike.

Toe overlap can be reduced by using a 26inch wheel over a 700c.

Why Do I Choose to Use 700c on my Touring Single?

I like the feel of a larger diameter wheel rolling over uneven surfaces. Durability and spares haven’t been a problem for me in the past as I generally use high-quality components and carry adequate spares when I travel.

Why Do I Choose to Use 26inch on my Touring Tandem?

My priority for the tandem wheelset is strength over all other factors as a loaded touring tandem is really, really heavy! 26inch wheels provide shorter spokes which I lace up to super strong Rigida Andra 30 rims.

What Rims and Tyres Do I Recommend?

Ryde makes the best rims for bicycle touring. The Grizzly 700c and Andra 30 26inch are the strongest around by all accounts. Rim brake users can get these rims with a CSS carbide coating to reduce rim wear. My review of the Andra 30 is available HERE.

Schwalbe makes standout tyres for touring. The folding Almotion, Mondial, Dureme and Supreme are light, durable and puncture resistant. You can read my Schwalbe article HERE and review of the Mondial HERE.

Summary

– If you choose a high-quality 700c wheel and tyre you are able to reap the rewards of a faster and smoother rolling wheel.
– If you use good quality parts, you’re less likely to have issues in remote locations. Carrying spare parts will allow you get to less-remote places to restock.
– Not everyone can afford the highest quality wheel and tyre parts. If this is you, a 26inch wheel will offer more strength for your buck.

December 5, 2011