Schwalbe Marathon Winter Spiked Brompton Tyre

[@michaeljones6144]

When I take my Brompton from the UK to the Black Forest in Germany, I install these tyres. Sometimes I leave them on when I get back, too. They are excellent. Several tips to pass on. First, warm up the tyres on a radiator before trying to install them. Second, think about protecting the frame when the bike is folded. I use a bit of inner tube or thin leather to keep the studs from touching the frame and wearing off the paint. These are held on with wire ties. Third, there is a replacement stud kit from Schwalbe with includes an installation tool. You will loose a few studs occasionally. Fourth, Schwalbe recommends riding on dry pavement for a certain distance before tackling ice and snow. This sets the studs into the tyres more firmly. These tyres have a different rubber compound on the tread which keeps them pliable in cold weather makes them work better on cold roads, too, even without ice and snow. Take it easy when riding them initially, and you'll get used to the feel. You might think studs would skid on dry pavement, but they don't.

[@effyleven]

Very helpful post from Michael Jones. Thanks to him.

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks both for watching and for the helpful comments, much appreciated! We did warm the tyre in the sun, but the air was so cool it quickly cooled down

[@ChrisGreenfieldNorfolk]

Much kudos to your hard working cameraman for hand holding his camera during your marathon tyre installation session!

[@brilliantbikes]

lol! He had two! One on a typos as a back up…. But I think holding his tongue was more difficult!!!!! Thanks for watching!

[@lpmturner]

Pizza is a fine reward for tyre installation. Loved this narrative, I'd give it a 12/10 (merci). I know these Schwalbes are awesome on a frozen lake. Good to know that they can handle icy hills too.

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching! I’m so impressed with the tyres in the ice!!

[@dooley-ch]

I have arthritis in my fingers which has made it impossible for me to put on tyres like this and has often left me sitting on the road side waiting for a kind stranger to come along and help me fix a puncture. A while back I discovered the TyreGlider and now I can put on those Schwalbe Marathon Winter without issue in a couple of minutes. But it does take time to learn to use it properly. The trick is to stand over the wheel and use the strength of your shoulders and arms, not your fingers and wrists as you did sitting on the wall. Oh and the tyres are fantastic here in Switzerland where we have snow and ice for weeks on end. Not sure if I'd bother with them for the odd couple of days you'd have those conditions in other places though.

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching and for the recommendation! We also find the tyres great!

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

This is why the "tyre irons" are included in The Brompton Toolset! Normally, when pressing the tyre to the Center of the Rim, it becomes a little more easy/less difficult to persuade the tyre to enter the Center of the rim for use, but if not, "Brutal Force" and - swearing, may be applied, as a last measure! But I have honestly never changed tyres or mended a puncture on my, by now much less weighing bike than its formerly named "Superlight" version. And I do find the new names/letters much less obvious, except T for titanium, of course (my bike now weighs around 8,5 kilo, and still with mudguards). Finn. Denmark

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching. We always try not to use tools to install tyres.

[@platypushatstand]

For difficult tyres like Schwalbe Big Ben Plus (I fitted a pair of 26”) I find it easier to tie the tyre onto the rim with string once both beads are seated, then work my way around, treating the wheel like a compass. Start with valve hole (North) then do West and/or East (dependent on your preference) and lastly South. With the barest amount of air in the tube, just to hold a basic round shape, once the valve is seated and the lock ring is on, I push the tube up into the tyre cavity against the underside of the tyre carcass and push both beads together (holding the tube in the well/cavity) and get both beads onto the rim, then tie the string around seated tyre section (compass point) so that the tyre is almost flat to the rim, then repeat as I work my way around the wheel. On each new section you can push the tube up into the tyre carcass with your finger to prevent it getting potentially trapped by the tyre bead. It might sound odd, but it works for me. Don’t forget as you inflate the tyre you’ll need to loosen the string, it also helps to seat the tyre on the rim, as you can let out some air if you need to reposition the tyre before continuing to inflate. Also, zip tie a strip of an old inner tube under the mainframe otherwise the studs will scratch the paint when attempting to fold.

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching and for your comment. We are a tool free tyre installation advocate!

[@test40323]

Well done, it usually take me as long. I ride these tires for commuting in Canadian winter. They are especially brilliant on ice, not so much in deep snow and they tend to loose spikes over time.

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you so much for watching! They are amazing on the ice!

[@HolgerNestmann]

Very cool - these tires are really tempting as I choose to walk often during snow. I think I will need to find a good chain lube first and then can think about making the brompton an all year bike. More importantly turn the pizza boxes by 45 degrees to prevent heel strikes or pedalling cross legged.

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching! The tyres are great!

[@johnedwards1685]

Goodness Gonkins! The Sunningdale Alps look like they’ve got a decent snowcap on of late. Spring seems to come rather late in Berkshire!

[@brilliantbikes]

😂 many thanks for watching! We were lucky with the snow 😀

[@timallen6025]

At last, the all weather capable road Brompton! Or, if you like , it’s a four seasons pizza I suppose 🫣. Thanks for the heads up..

[@brilliantbikes]

They are awesome on the snow and ice! Thanks for watching!

[@simonsmith2017]

Very cool. Stick the tyre in a hot bath or on a radiator to make it easy to stretch on.

[@brilliantbikes]

Funny we had it in the sun, but the air temperature was so low it cooled it down so quickly! Thanks for watching!

[@simonsmith2017]

& thanks for the Germanic 'swallow' tit-bit - in my top 5 or even top 3 favourite birds@@brilliantbikes

[@nicolasdikenstein6102]

I use straps to mount Marathon Plus and Spikes tyres by Schwalbe, it really helps

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching! We are strong no tools for tyre insulation advocates.

[@baharezo]

I've been curious about the tyre for long! cuz it would be kind of annoying to swap tyres during a trip, glad to know it rolls on tarmac okay. thx for the review!!

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching!

[@john-r-edge]

I have used this type of tyre on a 28inch wheel city bike in a couple of winters. They are an excellent compromise - you can ride safely on the ice and snow provided you take things carefully. And the extra rolling resistance, and "buzz", when on tarmac is ok. Suggest wearing gloves when fitting these tyres, easier to apply necessary force to get tyre over rim.

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching and sharing your feedback / tip - we'll use gloves next time!

[@john-r-edge]

@@brilliantbikesAnd well done for managing to fit a new, non-folding tyre to a small diameter wheel without using levers - not an easy combo.

[@storegga]

Thank you!! I grew up in Germany and bike friends don't believe me when I say Schwalben are swallows. To them mostly it's just the tyre brand. I've lost studs on tarmac quite quickon XC winter Schwalbes but the studs work fantastic in kompact snow and ice and without damage

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you so much for watching! The logo now makes so much sense!

[@storegga]

@@brilliantbikes no thank you guys for going to huge length of making pizza collection tyre change videos whilst away skiing! It certainly shows the versatility of a Brompton and I'll know where I'll be getting my first Brompton from when I am ready 😌

[@martinneumann7783]

You’ve been in France? Cool! J’aime bien la France ! Bonne route ! ❄️🚴🏼‍♂️❄️

[@brilliantbikes]

😀. Yup a nice little break! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelbeiyt]

You have to wrestle them but eventually you will win! 😂 the handling on icy roads is your reward

[@brilliantbikes]

We totally agree, they are really worth the effort! Thanks for watching!

[@bobwilliamson5574]

I think you nailed it . If you get a puncture how do you know which nail is the culprit. ?.

[@brilliantbikes]

lol!😂 thanks for watching!

[@carywatmore]

I wonder if these tyres would be good on slightly muddy gravel terrain- maybe remove the spikes?

[@brilliantbikes]

Hmmm. If you remove the spikes you would likely get lots of punctures. You could try the Almotion tyres as they have a nice tread pattern, link as follows: brilliantbikes.co.uk/brompton-tyres-tubes/5696-brompton-schwalbe-almotion-16-inch-naked-wall-tyre.html

[@zazi77]

Hi found them very difficult to install and the inner tube got out of the tire on the side after one month, both on the front and back wheel. Tried to mount it back with no luck, maybe they get damaged (?). Any tip?

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching! That’s strange! Did you run them very softly and were they seated properly?

[@zazi77]

if not seated properly i didn't noticed it. Also was not able to set them properly after the inner tube got out. Thanks for your answer@@brilliantbikes

[@niccat7051]

It took the same time as getting an appointment at the doctor's!!

[@brilliantbikes]

That might come in useful for sorting out my fingers after fitting the tyres….. Thanks for watching!

[@markbild2366]

Great video is it a good idea to put slime in the tyres or not

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching. We have never really had any success with Brompton tyres and sealant / slime, just a bit of a mess!

[@greigs9384]

Tyreglider ™️ is your friend. Especially on Marathons

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for the suggestion, but we are a tool free advocate. Thanks for watching

[@Francis-xl2gu]

Hey brilliant bikes just wondered what tyre pressure do you run your ordinary brompton tyres ?

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for the question, normally just above the lowest recommended PSI and check them regularly, I just don’t like them really hard! Thanks for watching!

[@Francis-xl2gu]

@@brilliantbikesok thanks ! Going to give that a try

[@tarinapolku]

Kudos for getting the tyres on with your hands 💪 takes me an hour and always resorted to levers. Have you had problems with studs going through to nick the inner tube? Happened to me twice and I have additional removed a couple of studs where the rubber was getting thin on the inner. Read online that this is a common problem. Have you used tube protectors? Never knew they were a thing before this experience. New tyres, run in as instructions, and yes they are brilliant on sheet ice, cycled 500km this winter in Finland. Thanks for the vid🚴

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you so much for watching. So far not had problems with the studs, but not sure if we have cycled on them enough yet!

[@andythousand345]

It would be great if you did a live question/answer video.

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for the suggestion! We are kind of thinking of how to…..

[@andythousand345]

@@brilliantbikes when you do let us know ahead of time so we can make sure not to miss it.

[@anthonylloyd6094]

I'm thinking of a fitment time comparison between these and Conti Urbana......

[@brilliantbikes]

Conti’s super quick!!! Thanks for watching!

[@b.griffin317]

Brilliant Bikes: What is your preferred Brompton tire pressure other than the Winter tires?

[@brilliantbikes]

I’d say it’s more or less the lowest range of the recommended pressure, but to check regularly. I’m light so don’t like them sure hard! Thanks for watching and for the question

[@effyleven]

Gosh! Those spikes have torn huge great holes in the knees of your jeans.

[@brilliantbikes]

lol! I must stop using my knees to fit tyres Thanks for watching!

[@nicekit]

HI H wow, the tyre changing time is tough.... i usually use plastic lever for the last portion of the tyre instead of bare hands time to review T12 :D

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching! We always recommend installing tyres without tyre levers to ensure that you don’t damage the tyre, tube or rim.

[@nicholasarthurwood]

What about riding on snow & ice ?

[@brilliantbikes]

They are great! Sorry we only showed some snippets! Thanks for watching!

[@frankbowden686]

Would rubber gloves (like you use for dishwashing) help?

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching! I did nearly wear some mechanics gloves, but I rather like not wearing gloves and then I can feel what I’m doing.

[@Ekdog]

Is there a review of regular (not winter) Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires? I love them and am trying to convince a friend that he needs to try them. Thanks.

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching and for the question! We have made an installation video a couple of times, but not a review video! It’s on the list

[@Ekdog]

​@@brilliantbikes Thank you. I'll look forward to seeing it.

[@SingaporeUntold]

I feel it’s best to have a dedicated wheel set for these tires lol

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching and for the commend In fact - that's pretty much what we do! (so we don't have to change them over too often) (Or have a separate winter Brompton ;-) )

[@ronank67]

I ich kann nicht verstehen über die 12 Gang Version von Brompton gibt

[@brilliantbikes]

As soon as we get one - we will tell everything we know! Sobald wir einen bekommen - wir werden alles erzählen, was wir wissen (from Google translate)

[@Jack42Frost]

I'm thinking Penelope Pitstop

[@brilliantbikes]

lol! I like it! Thanks for watching!

[@tiho-nge60r-rttj]

4:40 Mercy 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@brilliantbikes]

Merci for watching!

[@jamiepedrick8713]

Studded snow tyres are meant to be used on snow not dry tarmac roads. Can we please see these tyres demonstrated on some snow.

[@brilliantbikes]

We had a little more snow the last time! Global warming has meant we have less this year! Fingers crossed when we go back there will be more! Thanks for watching! Ski vs Brompton challenge kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6GWgWiofZqVppY

[@pragmatist7455]

Zipties are your friends. Makes the impossible possible.

[@brilliantbikes]

Ah we are a tool free installation advocate! Thanks for watching

[@idtubenod]

❤❤❤😂

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you for watching!

[@idtubenod]

@brilliantbikes always a pleasure watching makes owning a brommie extra fun 😊

[@WhosPhotoTube]

I feel the pain in your palms watching that, would warming them up a little first have helped?

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching. We did warm it in the sun, which does help, but the air was so cold it cooled it down before it was near the wheel!

[@KavanOBrien]

Certainly a lot to swallow today , never eaten a pizza before other food are available one hopes, understand now why the jeans have holes in them = you have to kneel on the tarmac while securing the the pizza on the rack = got it. Obviously the song is longed for = The Jean Genie = David Bowie .

[@brilliantbikes]

😂 thanks for watching! And for making us laugh! I must buy some new jeans

[@robertpalmer5803]

Sometimes a little liquid soap helps....

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@Trekon2]

😆

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching!!

[@MrP1L0T]

Infration 😏

[@brilliantbikes]

Whoops! I hoped no one would notice! Thanks for watching!

[@naromsky]

Looks tiresome to install.

[@brilliantbikes]

Actually easier in a warm room rather than cold outside 😀. Thanks for watching!

[@richardlowery1935]

You need to work on your forearm strength dear😊

[@brilliantbikes]

lol! Yup I thought that too!!! Thanks for watching!

[@getahanddown]

Why are you reviewing tyres when you seem to think that rotation marks are for hub side orientation only? Tyres are directional in tread and grip too. You might be losing braking performance looking at the tread and cuts in the tyre.

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching! Of course rotation is for both front and rear, the advantage of the front is that you can just make sure the rotation is correct when you put the wheel in, the rear of course you have to have correct at point of installation!

[@billthompson7663]

Load of rubbish

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching and your feedback