Schwalbe
I purchased the Schwalbe Marathon Plus (700 x 32c) to put on my Trek 7.3. I am a recreational rider, and not a hard core road biker. I like riding 10 to 20 miles per session. These tires are just what I was looking for and match my style of riding (some paved trails, some gravel trails, some streets). They ride great and I don't feel any difference in the rolling resistance, which was a mild concern. The tires were a little more difficult to install, but you just need to get one side on the rim, move it down into the rim and get the other side on. I was able to do this without levers. I highly recommend these tires, especially if weight is not a super high priority, they are a little heavier. And, Bike Tires Direct service was great. The tires shipped the same day I ordered and arrived a day early!! Thank you Bike Tires Direct.
My e-bike is a harsh ridding and rigged speed pedalic. Below is my comparison of my previous light weight tires the Schwalbe Durano 700c x 32 in contrast the heaver Marathon E-plus 700c x 40.
Pros of the Marathon E-plus
-The ride is a bit insulated. Hitting a big bump or pothole at high speeds my bike maintains better control. It's as if I plow over as opposed to being launched.
-Tracking is improved, feels more sticky. I have greater confidence when unexpectedly coming across water or sand, especially on turns.
-The harsh ride of my bike a bit smother, but not nearly as much as I had hoped for. Not to blame the tires, my next speed pedalic will have a front suspension.
Cons of the Marathon E-plusi
-Modest reduction in speed top speeds on flat surfaces and hills.
-Modest reduction of battery milage.
-A bit less nimble when quick turning.
I don't have the experience any other tires for this bike, but overall I can say that the ride is much different and I prefer the change that the Marathon E-plus provides. Because of my lack of tire experiences with this bike, I can't say that these are life changing or are the best tires.
One final note, the Marathon E-plus appear to be much taller, most likely due to the added flat protection. If you have fenders or if you currant tires are tight fitting, the Marathon E-plus might not fit.
This is the only tire Ive used for the past decade. I commute by bike 3-4 days a week (first to school, now to my big boy job), and in all the time Ive used these tires Ive only had 2 flats. As long as that ratio holds up, I think Ill keep using them the rest of my life.
Traction is fine. I have wiped out a handful of times in wet weather when I was making stupid turns, but other than not saving me from myself these have performed very well.
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.
