Brompton bike, Schwalbe Marathons or the Continental Urban tyres?

Why I’m swapping my tried and tested Shwalbe Marathon tyres for the Continental Urban Contacts. Also removing the Marathons and fitting the Continentals is shown in detail.

[@2Bikes4Adventure]

Looking forward to your long term review on the Continental Urban

[@normhanson981]

Terry , thanks , changed my marathons on my Brompton to tannus solid tyres , great acquisition. No danger of any punctures whatsoever.

[@terrysallbikes]

Yes that’ll definitely work!

[@lren2022]

Thank you Terry, for the review. You've now got me scrambling for the Continentals; as I don't feel safe on my Schwalbe Marathon Racers at 100psi. Had a bad fall once; and even on dry surface, the rear has a tendency to skid even when braking gently. So, yes, I've seen good reviews on the Continental Urbans. Your review seals the deal for me. 👍 I'm also looking for a replacement hand pump. Your review on the Decathlon handpump looks plausible - though your struggle to get to 100psi makes me want to continue the search for a better alternative with a pressure gauge. LOL.

[@terrysallbikes]

The Decathlon pump is good if you’re on a budget, the go to pump otherwise I seems to be from Lezane, sorry I don’t remember the exact pump

[@harrypressman2]

I use the Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HP Pump. Make sure its the HP(high pressure) and not the HV(high volume). It takes me 55 hand pumps to deliver 100lbs.

[@colinwellman9480]

That's interesting, I used Schwalbe Landcruiser tyres for years then about 7 years ago I started to get problems with splits in the sidewall. Tyres that would normally last me nearly two years (around 10000 miles) would be US in half the miles. I stayed with Schwalbe but went over to Marathons and have been very pleased with them. My old bike is heavy anyway so weight wasn't considered. Rose bikes had an offer on two Continental tyres for a very good price. I've fitted one to the front and so far it seems fine, certainly easier to get on and off. I had to buy a set of metal tyre levers for the Marathons, the plastic ones just broke. I've done around 4000 miles on the Continental and there is only slight wear. I'll be interested how yours stand up to the challenges of a small wheel. Thanks for sharing.

[@terrysallbikes]

Thanks for your comment. I’ve done several hundred miles on them now, some heavily laden for touring,. They definitely roll better and no punctures to date.

[@Flyingramses]

Stressed me out watching you do that on a glass table . . . .great video though, thanks 😅😎

[@terrysallbikes]

Stressed the wife more than a little 😂😂

[@Biking360]

I've had loads of punctures with Schwalbe Marathons. I got so sick of it so took them off my touring bike and switched them over to another bike. I'll never use them again and I'm not impressed. I'm interested to know how you get on with the Continentals. Look forward to an update in the future. Stay safe. Jay

[@terrysallbikes]

Thanks Jay, I’ll definitely do an update when I’ve got some miles on them

[@fender1000100]

What on earth are you riding over to get loads of punctures with Marathon plus tyres. I've been running Schwalbe Durano racegaurd 20x1.1 tyres on my folder for 2 years. And had only 3 punctures in that time. Including a 13 month run without one. That said. I only ride on the road. And avoid the gutter. No curb hopping. Or riding over sharp edged potholes either. I always carry two spare nutrak inner tubes with me. And the Duranos are relatively easy to change. 10 to 15 minutes. And they roll like a dream and have decent grip even in the wet. Weighing in at only 230 grams each.

[@Biking360]

@@fender1000100 I was riding Schwalbe Marathon Green Guard. Not the Plus.

[@davidhale1568]

I was a bit concerned your glass table top was going to shatter!

[@terrysallbikes]

So was the wife when she saw the video!

[@davidhale1568]

@@terrysallbikes am guessing your in trouble 🤣

[@terrysallbikes]

You could say that👍😂😂😂

[@Yonex333]

@@terrysallbikes Its probably tempered glass, so its ok ;). Once i've tried to brake one from an old table, and believe me it was EXTREMLY difficult to brake it! Nice video!

[@john3892]

Thanks. Very useful and informative. I use Bromptons a lot, including long foreign tours. Experience has taught me to fit Marathon Plus to avoid punctures. Almost, but not quite, foolproof. Changing rear inner tubes on a Brompton under a blazing sun, or in pouring rain, is no fun. However, there is a big weight and rolling resistance penalty, which is gruelling on a long two week tour. I tend now to use Marathon Racer on the front, particularly as they are easier to remove and refit by comparison with the Marathon Plus. But these Continental Urban tyres do well in comparison tests and reviews, apparently outperforming the Racer on most counts. I will give them a try. Can you give us your review of the Contis after nearly 18 months use?

[@terrysallbikes]

The tyres have been excellent no punctures so far it’s the longest I’ve gone without one!

[@cristicismelaru3361]

Hi Terry, how is it running in the rain? I'm thinking of changing my bicycle tires. I ride it in a city where it rains most of time...

[@terrysallbikes]

Hi, I would say they are slightly better than the Shwalbes

[@cristicismelaru3361]

@@terrysallbikes yeah, I already replaced them a few days ago. I really like more then my old CST Metropolitan Palmbay. It runs smooth and fast. The weak point is in the sandy areas, but I overlook thes.

[@pertzian.sounds]

hi, so what can you say about contact urban tyre after year?

[@terrysallbikes]

Going great, I’ve worked them hard, no punctures and a long term review coming soon

[@stephenchoy562]

I used Marathon plus 1.65 on my Birdy, I use this size as I think wider is safer but it is slippy on wet road.

[@terrysallbikes]

Yes I agree however it’s not possible to fit those on my bike

[@tomc8854]

Curious to see how you like these tires . Like you I do occasionally take unpaved roads . Have the marathon pluses now. Wondering if these might have a smother ride and still be somewhat puncture resistant.

[@terrysallbikes]

They’ve been great no punctures so far 🤞

[@MichaelSim291]

Thanks for the video! How’s the tyres holding up? Would love to see a video on it! Thanks!

[@terrysallbikes]

Yes they’ve been great and that long term review will be coming up very soon

[@MichaelSim291]

Thanks for the reply! I just bought them. 😊

[@john3892]

I wonder if you can update us on the Conti tyres. Are you still puncture-free? I recently fitted them to my touring Brompton, partly on your recommendation. Thanks

[@terrysallbikes]

Hi, yes still flat free and coming up to 2 years now, longest I’ve gone without a flat on the Brompton

[@sheilastallard]

Nice one Terry!!

[@terrysallbikes]

Thanks

[@kanikasingh889]

Any suggestions which is a good bet for snow?

[@terrysallbikes]

We have very little snow here so I’ve not used either in snow, sorry can’t help with this one.

[@kanikasingh889]

@@terrysallbikes ok

[@robyates679]

Nice hedge.

[@terrysallbikes]

Thanks I’ll tell the wife!

[@realhass]

good choice but my ocd kicked in when I see wheel on the glass table.

[@terrysallbikes]

Yes the table was an oversight it will take me a while to make up for!

[@terryalmeida]

Hi Terry, how are these holding up compared to the Urban?

[@terrysallbikes]

they have been really good no punctures as yet

[@terryalmeida]

@@terrysallbikes that's great to hear!