How to fit a Marathon Plus Tyre.mp4

[@amol4184]

13 years after this 240p video made its debut on KZbin, it is still the best tutorial to get stubborn tires on without using levers or destroying your tubes. Legend. None of the bike channel videos are this good.

[@OlafJanowski]

I got mines on a Brompton yesterday. Oh yes, it is a fight ... he he ...

[@mikebikekite1]

I'd just been swearing away in the garage for 30 min when I decided to see if anyone else had similar problems putting these tyres on. After watching your video I went straight back to the garage and 5 mins later everything was done. Thanks for your help.

[@scottmacs]

Same thing happened to me!

[@381nm]

Another happy viewer. After getting sweaty and frustrated for a half an hour with zero progress, I refrained from throwing the bike through the car windshield and retired to my office to cool off and find out how to mount a bike tire. Found this video and had two of them mounted within 20 minutes. Thanks again, and thanks for keeping this up for 13 years and counting.

[@thebeaglebeat3615]

This video is made the way videos should be made, no BS just the content required to get the job done, 20/20

[@steverasmussen1879]

30 minutes of trying to force Gatorskins on with tire levers. After watching this video, it took 2 minutes using the technique with just my hands. You sir, and your video, have done some good in this world. It made my day. Thanks for posting!

[@reob1957]

I actually gave up dispirited last night after breaking 3 tyre levers. Watched this video and, using string to secure the bead, finished the job without levers (and restored my faith in myself!). Thank you very much!

[@kensharonyoga]

I’ve watched this video every time I’ve had to put my Schwalbe Marathon’s back on over the last 7 years. Invaluable! Thanks for posting!

[@antoineschneider5883]

I was sitting, desperate after trying for 30 min to fit this tyre with the help of useless plastic tools. Barely convinced to put on the former ones, i found your video and was amazed by how you do it easily. Then I followed your example and suceed in 5 min! You kind sir made my day! If you ever happen to visit Strasbourg, I'll pay you a beer! Thank you!

[@C0deH0wler]

One plastic and one metal levers are needed. Plastic one trailing to keep the tire seated, metal one doing all the heavy loads and moving forward. A liitle bit at a time, but shouldn't take that long if you do the easy stuff by have first. I use the metal one found in my multitool, tho I have to be careful not to confuse it with my disk piston lever :-) Also this is very important: If you are repairing a flat, you only need to take off one bead.

[@georgepedn]

This is a phenomenally old video, but I’ve just spending 45 minutes and 3 pinched tubes trying to install and tight tyre/rim combo with tyre levers. On my first try after this video, I slipped the tyre on with only my hands - Incredible! Perfectly illustrates what I had been missing before.

[@oldtombombadil]

I bloody love you, man. Almost in tears trying to do this until I found your video.

[@johnhassall7154]

Don't think I've ever sworn so much before I checked out this vid, so glad I did, I had a most wrecked my thumbs before Merlin showed me the way, brilliant

[@diond1333]

After an hour and a half of gnashing teeth, throwing all manner of objects around the room, I followed this video and it promptly took me 10 minutes. Thank you.

[@chrischupp9760]

diond it can be very irritating 😁

[@northernalps6249]

I am absolutely speechless. Wow. Thank you SO much, this morning two if us were stressed for over an hour trying to fit my tyres. I actually then placed an order for different tyres thinking there was zero chance that these would fit. Then I watched your video, and in honestly less than 5 minutes on my own without tyre levers my tyres were on! No stress, Unbelievable!!!

[@jakmodena6262]

Amazing! I went through 2/3 inner tubes and the installation of these new tyres threatened to be the end of my cycling career! Thank you for such a useful video with simple instructions and the great tip with the toe straps 😁

[@jen3800]

I use the Kool Stop tire boot. Works every time! Never touches the tube, only the bead. I love that thing!!

[@sbrown1953]

Thank you so much for your tutorial! It's September 2022, and people still learn from you. I had a new pair of 20" Schwalbe Marathon Plus, and I do not think I would have managed to mount them without your tips.

[@Stop_Elitists_Wars]

This is a Man who gets things done & doesn't consider the 'cannots'.. 🤙

[@patchMKII]

After damaging an inner tube trying to replace a Schwalbe Marathon Plus tire, I found this video which taught me how to do it without tools. My thumbs now hurt but I have a big smile on my face.

[@hairlesschimp479]

This video is absolute gold. I saw this video 5 years ago and it changed my life. Every other video out there suggest little gadgets, baby powder, oil soapy water. Nothing is simpler than string, I’ve even used my shoe laces once out on the road. This trick is so underrated.

[@loribit85]

I've been struggling for a while to get a set these tires to play nice with my Brompton but couldn't manage to get the rear tire to cooperate. I was so desperate I was about to send tire and wheel flying out the window. Thanks to your tutorial I was done in literally five minutes. Thank you!

[@paulscott9601]

Brilliant. I used string..... It works phew!!!!

[@nealcarlson30]

3:11 "This is the stage when you think, 'Well, that's never gonna get on." "Well, it is." Life lessons using bike metaphors. This guy is the best!

[@paulplayspoorly]

My god, you're a genius! Thank you so much for sharing this. I was about to put my wheel through the window! The part that really helped was freeing the slack around the wheel. Can't believe this tyre (a Vittoria Open Corsa CX) literally just popped on at the end with no tyre lever needed. Wow. Socks blown off!

[@whiskywhippet]

One of the most handy videos in the history of cycling.

[@Dunkeldog]

An hour of frustration and a ruined tube - watched this video and literally 5 minutes later both tyres seated without the need for a single lever! Can’t thank you enough!

[@adsenseable]

After dreading the undertaking of my first tyre change in 45 years - this was great, made the job a satisfying pleasure. The tip about pushing the tyre edge into the rim as you work around it is marvellous. Thanks for your help.

[@hexonatapeloop]

What a nice man. Straight to the point and none of this HI MINE NAMES ZAK AND TODAY I'M GOING TO SHOW YOU HOW TO DO THE THING YOU JUST LOOKED UP well of course you are or I wouldn't be watching it would I. Seriously you should do some more videos, I could listen to you talking about anything. Meanwhile Zak should think about drinking less coffee.

[@somenothing7914]

yeah i feel u he's cool but ur kinda annoying too

[@moi7748]

@@somenothing7914 I bet you're called Zak....

[@somenothing7914]

@@moi7748 who is this zak that everyones talkn about? but looking back, my comment was mean lmao, but it was a joke. tho i can see ppl not seeing that lol

[@pabloduncan3485]

Dunno if anyone gives a damn but if you're stoned like me during the covid times you can watch pretty much all of the new movies on instaflixxer. Been binge watching with my gf for the last couple of weeks :)

[@andrewalvaro1000]

@Pablo Duncan yea, have been using InstaFlixxer for since december myself =)

[@specs1halo]

We, my son (his bike ) and me ,just spent over an hour trying and failing to fit one of these type of tyres . Heat gun , wd40, soapy water , tyre levers tried it all " these are wrong size ,no chance these fit " After him telling me to go back In house I watched a KZbin video... It has changed our lives !!!!! Cant stress enough, how thankful i am to people like you live in this world . I now can talk to my son nicely again 😉😃

[@harrym5375]

Great help, lots of horror stories about these tyres but following your instructions took only 10 minutes. Very much appreciated

[@declancarroll3131]

This video saved my life. Nearly had a stroke trying to get my tire back on.

[@Bytrixx]

I've struggled with my Marathon Plus the last few times I've had to put them on. Saw this video today and 2 minutes later had my tyre seated properly on the rim without any tools. Thanks a lot!

[@Coridromius]

Another tip: If you leave the bead near the valve stem until last you can get a bit more slack by pushing the valve head straight in to force the inner tube up and out of the way.

[@manoz6194]

yup I should have done this instead of forcing a tyre lever in and ruining my inner tube :(

[@MrFunkeymonkey12]

This actually worked, thanks so much! I was on the verge of tears after nearly an hour until I watched this video and had the tyre on in 5 mins.

[@truantgirls]

This video saved my bacon when I had to switch to summer tires during my first trimester and I had the most stubborn bike to work with! And multiple times since!! Thank you so much!!

[@ddahstan6876]

I just cooled my lungs down after watching this clip, which showed up in my Google search. I'm so Grateful for you sir!! You saved my energy from stomping and jumping on my Ksyrium Elite UST wheel after hours of trying.

[@amhurford]

Thank you so much. You saved the day. I was just about to give up trying to fit a very tight 20 inch tyre and faced a three mile walk to work the next day. Following your instruction, I got the tyre almost on. I did use a tire lever for the very last bit, due to a weak thumb that was broken as a youth, and over the rim it went. I am so grateful to you.

[@williammills9852]

I don't often comment on KZbin but I've just fitted these tyres with no problems after watching this video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it saved me a lot of frustration.

[@wernervdc]

After struggling -and getting nowhere- changing a marathon plus on a Brompton bike I got lucky and found this video. Many thanks, this is hands down the most useful instruction video on the net regarding the fitting of this very difficult tyre!

[@1dogMrTheno]

I came on youtube for instructions before fitting my 2 Schwalbe Marrthon Dureme 26.2, I'm pleased I did. The last time I put a tyre on a rim was 52 years ago and doing it without placing any strapping to hold the tyre in place. Thanks for your instructions it went on no problem. I would have struggled without.

[@lj2040]

Can't praise this video enough! Struggled for 2 hours following other videos - all you need is this one! Thanks a bunch

[@Yojimbonh]

After a lot of frustration and sore fingers I ended up here. And after watching your video I was able to put my tire on fairly easily. Thanks.

[@paulshilton]

2 hours spent trying to fit my schwalbe tyres. And thanks to this legend......they're on!!! 👍🏻💪🏻

[@karserasevripides]

Give this noble man a Nobel prize or something. P.S: If you don't have any of those straps or string lying around, use shoe laces. Worked for me.

[@DanWinn]

I spent over an hour trying to muscle Conti Gatorskins onto a Fulcrum Racing 5.5 wheel, and this was the video that freed me. Thank you!

[@Rupsteroo]

I've been trying to fit my Schwalbe 27 x 1 1/4 tyre today and managed to puncture a new inner tube trying to get the last of the tyre on with tyre levers (not the way to do it!). Just about to try the same thing again with another tube, as I couldn't work out how else to do it, but managed to get online and do a quick search. This superb video came up and saved my day (and my week)! I was picturing having to get the bus in to work tomorrow and taking my wheel to the bike shop. Thank you!

[@pilsnerpunk]

Broke a tire lever trying to install a set of Schwalbe Winter K-guard winters. Not used to installing road bike tires and had to check the size several times because I didn't believe the tires actually fit. This video saved me a trip to the bike store. I looked at other videos and websites and these instructions are the best by far.

[@AdolfosTube]

Great video!! This is the only video I found that actually shows how to install a TIRE not a TUBE. I had trouble installing new tires on my Specialized Allez Elite and did a search on how to chane tires. Many videos came up showing how to change the tube when the title of the video mentioned tire not tube. After being frustrated and almost giving up, I found this fantastic video. Thank you very much Sir!

[@garystoker1312]

This video saved the day, they were different tires but worked the same. I didn't need the straps but making sure they were pushed into the center solved my issue. Thanks for the video!!

[@IckleBloo]

You have absolutely saved my day and my sanity, after getting pretty irate at my tyres. Your 5minute video was the most straightforward and least tyre-some (boo bad pun 😂). Thank you so much!

[@KeenaArtnSoul1]

Brilliant!!! Thank you SO MUCH!!! This is hands down THE best video I’ve seen on how to deal with those impossibly tight bike tires!! ❤❤❤ I’m a woman and don’t have a great deal of hand strength - and I didn’t even need it. Works with different brands of tires too. Again, thanks so much! 😊

[@jonmog2854]

Those Marathons sure are tight ! an hour and a half, sore fingers, broken tire levers, soap and then this, 5 mins, thank you very much indeed !

[@JoelLukacher]

SUPER HELPFUL!!! I was up to 3:00 am trying to get the bead in. IT GOT PERSONAL. Gave up. My local bike shop did it for me the old brute force way, and damaged the bead a bit. Using your method I got my tire on in 15 minutes without any tools!

[@itsacyclelane2774]

Superb. Thank you. Thought I was never going to get them on. I spent 15 mins fighting with them with 3 tyre levers and still wasn't getting anywhere. Watched this video and got them on before it ended, just by hand.

[@calmlydecisivemuppet]

Never would have gotten my tire on without this video. Thank you.

[@daMacroGuy]

I was going to pay a LBS to install these after hearing all the complaints about the difficulty mounting this tire. After viewing your video I decided to give it a go and had no problem. Zip ties worked well for me and I never had to use a tire lever. In fact, I had more hassle removing the old Specialized Nimbus wire bead tires. THANK YOU!

[@oil_moon]

Thank you for this! I was struggling to fit an equally tough rigid Durano DD tyres. Broke 2 inner tubes while getting over aggressive with tyre levers, so came back to it another day (when I was less stressed!) using this video as a guide. Took my time, no levers, and used some zip ties to keep the tyre in place on the opposite side while I fitted it by hand. Took me about 20 minutes but got it done! No risks of tube pinch doing it this way.

[@fredcraigsvintageblues9996]

What a great video. It's been really helpful. I've struggled for literally hours trying to get the marathon plus tyres back on my Boardman, and ended up ripping 2 inner tubes using tyre levers. This video makes it look so easy. Thanks very much for your help.

[@shayfoley8674]

I've been riding bikes, and fixing my own, for 40 years and that is the first time I've really learned to put on a tire. Thank you!

[@whitenight1961]

Brilliant! I've just struggled for an hour with tyre levers and managed to ruin another inner tube. Tried this way and it worked first time. Thanks so much Spa Cycles!

[@resusdoc]

Thank you! 58 years old and I just learned about getting the wire off the shoulder to give enough play to get the tyre on. All that cursing over the years. #alwayslearning

[@dl_gone]

it's as simple as that! provided you haven't blistered your thumbs and split your knuckles on the spokes for ages before realising that this video exists... great technique, would have never thought of securing the mounted part of the tyre with toe straps or similar. really made it much easier to generate the necessary slack without the bead popping out. thank you kindly, sir!

[@AlstonMisquitta]

One inner tube bust, two levers broken,...then this fantastic tutorial and life is good again! Thanks a lot!

[@Channel-ke7vh]

Conti Gatorskins in my case. No tire levers and one strap sufficed. No tube pinching, everything went on like a charm. Thank you for this video!

[@bmcwal3694]

Thank you so much for explaining how to get the slack, I was almost ready to take the tyre to the bike shop to get them to do it for me. You are a star, my good man!

[@med10n]

BRILLIANT. 30 years changing tyres / fixing punctures, never knew about the well in a wheel. i always had problems putting the tyres back on without levers. i had to use type levers to put on 2 new marathon plus 700x25c recently. i took the tyres off & on a few times today for experience. i was able to put them on every time using this method even without the toe straps. THANK YOU AGAIN.

[@stephenmcfarlane6007]

Thankyou! I'm an experienced cyclist and Ive changed lots of tyres. I've always hated those wire rims. I followed your instructions and it was a piece of pie.

[@dougroug]

I've always had a blind-spot when it came to fitting a new tube. You know, the last bit, that impossible (to me ) section of tyre hanging over the rim, that -no matter how hard I tried, would NOT go over. Sore thumbs. Broken tyre levers... Until now! The front wheel I've had in my hallway for 2 weeks is now on my bike thanks to your genius use of zip ties. Your demo is a life-changer! Thanks!

[@jimmyli4503]

Thank you!! Pinched an inner tube and struggled for two hours before I found this video. key thing really is taking the whole tire off and putting the inner tube in the tire before putting the tire back on, the bead doesn't let you do the trick where you put one side of the tire on before putting the inner tube in

[@volcom21d]

this is the only video I found online that actually helped me get my Schwalbe hans dampf onto my Easton arc 30 wheels! Thank you for the advice!

[@dronescape-media]

Sir, you are a genius. Having followed your advice, I had these tyres on in no time. Thank you for taking the time to make this helpful film.

[@MarcoTav18]

Wow, thanks for this video. Had not heard this tip elsewhere and had been trying to fit some new tyres and getting really stressed. Tried this and it worked the first time. Thanks again! A year later and I've used this method multiple times on the road without a single issue. It's almost become a somewhat relaxing activity to change tyres knowing this!

[@grahameconnolly807]

Thank you very much for making this video. I had put off buying Marathon Plus tyres for years because of their 'reputation' but after another series of flat tyres I bit the bullet........... My wife and I fitted 4 tyres in a row, the first one took less than 10 minutes and the last two we didn't even bother with the ties! Your method and advice is just perfect! For anyone reading this, just do as the man says! It really IS that easy

[@wunchan9406]

Many thanks, fitted my tyres for years but this one was a proper struggle. Took no time at all with your great advice.

[@AdamJonesPhD]

Brilliant. After several attempts to fit the tyre, we watched this video, followed the advice and it went on almost effortlessly. Securing the tyre to the rim in a couple of places with ties or straps, then working some slack along the tyre worked perfectly.

[@JiriNehyba]

Thanks for this video! Got my Marathon Pluses 3 years ago, swapped the rear&front one twice and each time this video saved me a lot of frustration.

[@n1lla]

I watched many videos labeled as 'changing tire' where they only show removing the tire from bike frame and derailleur but glaze over actually putting the tire onto the rim - the most difficult part. Really appreciate this video a the first one in hundreds i watch to show the process clearly. With the right information it was simple. Much appreciated!

[@kenvinkernow]

great advice. I literally have a blister on each thumb and one on the palm of my hand from trying to force my gatorskins onto my rim. Your tip about moving the tyre wall around onto the inner rim worked a treat. It worked straight away. I've just started a job at a bike shop so I'll pass the tip onto my colleagues. many thx.

[@charlesjoneill]

Good man just wrestled for half an hour with my brompton finally resorted to youtube and thanks to this video did it in two minutes!! Thank you for giving me the rest of my evening.

[@martinroosholm]

Thank you. You are my hero! I was struggling to get my Bontrager XR3 MTB tyre onto my rim and stumbled on this video. I can't believe I didn't think of it myself!

[@jenniferbailey44]

Wow this is amazing. I can hardly believe it. It used to take me half an hour to put a marathon plus tyre on - using tyre leavers etc. This simple method works so well - it literally took me minutes.

[@FireFlySamson]

Thanks so much, i was about to take my bike to the shop after an hour of just thinking "this will never fit" & scratched wheels from using metal to try and stretch it over. After watching your video i fitting both front and back with nothing but sore thumbs. Thank you :)

[@hrxon]

I was struggling how to fit new Shcwalbe Land Cruiser 26/2 tires on my tight rim, and after watching this video I've set em without problems, even without using plastic tire mounting tool or soap. Also trick with zip lock is very clever, it helps other unfitted end to "run away" Thank you for this video ;-)

[@Northern_Sea]

Thank you very much! I had trouble putting on my new Hurricane tyres. After watching your video I used two plastic zip ties to fix tyre and it worked like a charm!

[@stevetwids709]

I love these tyres but have had terrible trouble fitting them in the past. This should make life easier. Have some arriving Monday for son’s bike, so will use this trick. Thanks for posting.

[@4bzjustin]

Magnificent! I fiddled with new tires on my bike today (before I watched this video) and I managed to somehow get one on, and then the second one took an hour...and I had pinched the tube so it has a giant gash in it...I tried soap, which was okay, but it made my hand lose the grip and that added to my woes. My hands are SUPER SORE now and I'm still not riding. I really wish I had discovered your video FIRST. Can't wait to try this later on. Thank you so much!

[@allan77clash]

Yes! I did it! Last time I tried to put these tyres on I gave up after several hours - this time I was successful after about ten minutes. Thank you!

[@Gregorian93]

What brilliant advice. Worked first time for a tyre and rim that looked impossible to me before watching this.

[@sloblock1972]

Thank-you good sir! I upgraded my bike's wheelset to Shimano Ultegra 6800 and wanted to re-use the nearly-new Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres that were on the stock wheels. The tyres popped off the old wheels no problem but after one broken tyre lever and one pinch-punctured inner tube, I still hadn't transferred them to the new wheels. They seemed impossibly tight. I was about to give up before I watched your video. I won't pretend I had an easy time of it - I have the early stages of blisters on both my palms and my thumbnails had started to part from their nail beds - but by employing the same techniques and tips you demonstrated in your video, the tyres are on and are running perfectly true - and all without the use of tyre levers. I feel like I've joined some sort of exclusive club for 'real men' and there is a definite swagger in my step now.

[@MrJo3kr]

Best advice I have gotten so far. Almost gave up on my Bontrager AW3’s that I bought.

[@allmycircuits8850]

Thank you so much! I was desperate today when Schwalbe Winter Marathon tyres didn't fit to my new wheel, but after watching your video it fit almost instantly!

[@anthonyclayton1896]

Excellent tutorial, thank you. Fitted 2 marathons without using levers!!

[@tomcatt1824]

U musta shrunk yer rims first !! 😃.

[@rpc74]

i had been trying to fit the tyre for the last few hours but this technique really works and was a god-send! Thankyou so much for sharing ur wisdom and experience.

[@lolbubs11111]

Watched this video and then had to change a flat the next day. Glad it was fresh in my mind! The tip about pushing the bead into the well of the rim was very helpful!

[@pkelly20091]

this guy deserves the nobel prize for something - I'm not sure what - wish I'd watched this video years ago.

[@deraktdar]

Thanks for posting! I was on the verge of having a breakdown trying to get these things on. Saw this video, found two zip-ties I had and they were on in no time. This is what youtube was made for. Much appreciated.

[@andyp123456]

Thanks! The first time I had to change one of these tyres was on a ride up in the mountains and I destroyed my hands trying to get it off. Then I couldn't get it back on. Took me about 45 minutes of desperately trying to pull the tyre back on, all the while thinking I was going to have to walk all the way home (~30km or so of mountain road at that point). Glad to know there is a sensible technique for it - made replacing my tyre much easier.

[@cesc5026]

Sir, this has been most helpful! After struggling for ~2 hours with these tires, I was about to give up. A calm view of this masterpiece did the trick! Many thanks for posting this. Much appreciated!

[@thebomb363]

What great instructions and speed. Fitting marathon to my sons bike was a nightmare and one broken lever, but I'm purchasing some more marathon for my own bike and with this video instructions happy days.

[@donsmoothy2525]

You sir, are a hero. There is no other word to adequately describe my gratitude.

[@jfinchiva]

Ignore scare stories about "impossible to fit" Marathon tyres - just follow these instructions and the tyre goes on easily. Really. It's true. I'm no bike geek, but I fitted these great tyres in minutes. Like the man says, just keep squishing them down into the well on the opposite side and it goes right in. Great job SpaCycles!

[@hume1234561]

Thank you Sir. I've had four punctures in the space of as many days with my continental prix 4000 tyres. I've just taken off the rear tyre and it's shredded. I promised myself I would get a Schwalbe marathon plus in the event of another puncture. Based on a review I saw online. This video is perfect and I couldn't recommend it highly enough.