Had to replace a worn out Marathon Plus, and went with the Contact Urban. Only changed the rear tire, the front is still a Marathon Racer. This maybe isn't the most scientific comparison, but I have speed and HR data for a ride along the same route, so I figured I'd share. Last week on the Marathon Plus and this week on the Contact Urban. I didn't ride to the exact same spot, and had some minor differences at the start of the ride, but I tried to pinpoint the same spot on both rides.
I'm usually trying to ride at a comfortable pace, not trying to break any records. As you can see, it was mostly uphill so there's not really a chance to coast and let HR recover or anything. Speed and HR data seem to suggest I can ride faster at a lower HR on the Contact Urban.
Maybe the age of the Marathon Plus was affecting things, I don't know. I do know the Contact Urban felt noticeably more nimble, even if the data doesn't show a huge difference.
by veggeble
5 Comments
Marathon Plus is a slow tire. Your conclusions are consistent with that.
I would move the older marathon racer to the rear and put the new continental on the front.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-rotation.html
It would make sense. Afaik The Schwalbe Marathon Plus has more puncture protection which usually sacrifices comfort and speed.
I have a continental urban on the back, but a Schwalbe One on the front on my T line. It’s an odd setup, but just waiting for a flat to switch to continental on the front.
I run them on my Pelso Brevet and I’m in the top 1% on some strava segments
I once did a 200km brevet with Marathon Plus tires. Lots of goat head thorns on the road. I pulled out more than 20 of them. Other riders had issues.