How much difference does a tyre make on a Brompton? 3 Tyres Compared
Рет қаралды 48,068
Күн бұрынWhen it came time to replace the tyres on the Brompton Electric I chose the new Continental Contact Urban tyre. Since I've used 3 different tyres on the Brompton I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on each, along with some tips on finding your perfect tyre pressure and avoiding punctures.
Tyres in this video:
*Continental Contact Urban amzn.to/3tkA5Wh
*Schwalbe Marathon Plus amzn.to/32nvhn3
*Schwalbe Marathon Racer
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@napilopez 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for differentiating between 'feeling fast' and 'being fast.' Too many people think a harsher ride is always a more efficient ride, but there is plenty of research-backed evidence to show this is not the case. I haven't tried the Contis yet, but of the three Marathons, imo the greenguard marathon is the best. It's actually faster rolling than the the racer, ironically.
@skepticalmechanic 2 жыл бұрын
What research? Source please….
@Isoflix 3 жыл бұрын
Excellent informative review, thank you. Your experience with the Marathon Plus made me think twice about this tyre. No conventional tyre is puncture proof, but it's essential to be able to easily fix one when if happens. Not being able to get the tyre back on the rim is something of a 'show stopper'. On the strength of your review I'm going to try the Contact Urban on my Brompton Electric.
@K1989L 2 жыл бұрын
The tire is the only contact point to the road and I intend to keep it that way!
@lone5ranger 3 жыл бұрын
You are such a good narrator! Well presented information, and presentation for both pros and cons of the tires. Love the personal input on your part. Plus, you are sooo cute! Like your casual denim and hoodie kit.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
I do have a few things that aren't cycling kit😃
@majorshreeve6723 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your very informative tyre comparisons, just when i need to get a new pair. Just ordered some continentals, thanks again.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! Let me know how you get on with them.
@SimonCurrey Жыл бұрын
Good advice. My plan to eliminate punctures is to go tubeless. I am riding a Dahon Helios with 20 inch wheels. I have a new set of wheels on order. I might attempt to publish on KZfaq. The tyres I am already running are Maxxis Torch 1.75 TR.
@boatman222345 2 жыл бұрын
Great video! I don't ride a Brompton but I do ride a Swifty Zero kick scooter with 16" wheels so this was very valuable info for me. Ss to the diffculty getting the tire bead over the rim I have really bad arthritis in both hands and find that the Topeak Tire Jack solves that problem. It's made of a durable nylon plasric, weighs next to nothing, and costs less than $15 on Amazon. I wouldn't be caught without it!
@John-un2co 3 жыл бұрын
Fantastic information always look forward to your end your take on things awesome job take care of Michelle!
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you John for the lovely comment. Glad you are enjoying the videos.
@antonyreid7419 Жыл бұрын
I have Continental on my Brompton and find handling very good. I fitted Marathons on my 20 inch folder and immediately noticed it rode more twitchy and didn't corner as well. I think I figured out the reason why. The Continental and original 20" tyre have a very rounded cross section. The Marathon are more pointy so as you lean over you suddenly drop off that point and feel as if you are really leaning over. The Continental is definitely my favourite for commuting and occasional footpath use. The Marathon only for touring and gravel.
@michaelaitken3042 3 жыл бұрын
Reusable cable ties are how I get Marathon Pluses on. Use them to hold the tyre bead in the rim while you push over the last third of the tyre.
@bustersmate 3 жыл бұрын
Spot on Michael. It is easy putting them on with cable ties. Some good KZfaq videos on how to do it. I have them on two of my bikes and sure they might be a little slower but I have not had a puncture in two years whereas before it was one every few months.
@chrisshelton3504 3 жыл бұрын
I appreciate the information. I currently have the regular Marathons that still have many miles left, but bought the Marathon Pluses to help out my LBS during COVID. They will remain in waiting until I wear out the first set. My opinion: three years ago I bought the solid Tannus tyres (tires here) and used them for almost a year. Terrible, terrible, terrible rolling resistance, dangerous on cornering, and just a money throw-away purchase. I left them with the LBS that originally installed the Tannus and then reinstalled the Marathons, just in case another unsuspecting Brompton rider wanted to try them out. Good job of covering the three most consider the best for Brompton, IMHO.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Not surprised to hear about the solid tyres on the Brompton. After riding many e-scooters with them even the best ones are lacking in traction and comfort. I would love to see Tannus make an insert that works with the Brompton though.
@tandago7281 3 жыл бұрын
Amazing video, thank you!
@leejoycechung2162 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your info...much appreciated.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@BridgerNinja 3 жыл бұрын
Brilliant video! I've been using Marathon Plus for the past 6 years, touch wood I haven't had a puncture in all that time! There's a KZfaq tutorial from Spa Cycles that shows an easy way of getting them on the rim :)
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
I've tried all the tips and tricks out there it's still a chore and for me a risk of getting stranded. Perhpas I need to build up the muscels in my hands 😉
@r.davies2702 3 жыл бұрын
I actually agree with you. I've tried both conti and schwalbe tyres and hands down would choose Continental every time. The schwalbe felt as if they were going to wash out in the corners (they never did but it didn't inspire confidence). Good advice with the tyre pressure too 👍
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
I know 2 people who've wiped out on the plus on Brompton (Nathan is one of them). I think it's a worse with the smaller wheels. Reality is with the Brompton if I got a puncture I'd just catch a bus/train/taxi or call for a lift.
@mandhirsidhu 3 жыл бұрын
I had a scare at 20mph on ebike with a puncture, managed to stay on but pulled my shoulder big time and still hurting. It was a pot hole! Great reviews on the tyres. Conti is sleeker, HOWEVER due to its less tread, does it wear our quicker???
@gordonanderson698 3 жыл бұрын
My Brompton has the default tyres. I've found that when the tyre pressure is less than 70 PSI I feel like I am cycling through treacle. I keep mine at 95 PSI, although recently a rechargeable air compressor blew both the tube and tyre (it's air pressure reading was under the correct reading)
@tjc89 3 жыл бұрын
If your in Liverpool like me the best upgrade I ever bought for my Brompton was Schwable Marathon Plus tyres because after x3 flats in 1 week on Marathon Racers and the amount of glass/potholes and everything in between in Liverpool they at the tyres you need.
@jeevansingh6944 2 жыл бұрын
Same here on the Wirral. Smashed bottles and overgrown brambles on cycle paths galore. Marathon plus have been great so far.
@josephwilks9240 3 жыл бұрын
Love your video with bike
@BreezeKey 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing! Warm regards from Jakarta
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@FirstLast-jm4dx 3 жыл бұрын
One thing I do for minimizing flat tires is to check for embedded glass and such on the tires after a ride.
@leegilbert2682 3 жыл бұрын
I went for the racers on my brompton, very happy with them so far. I run them at 90 psi which seems to work well for me
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Glad to hear you've found your PSI. 🙌
@clansey1973 3 жыл бұрын
Marathons on my Brompton, 300+ miles a month and no punctures. Amazing product, well done Schwalbe!!
@jag1870 2 жыл бұрын
I use 90PSI on my Racers as well. Very smooth ride.
@cliffordhallam3270 2 жыл бұрын
I do a weekly check of the treads. I’m looking for anything which won’t brush out of the tread pattern. A lot of my punctures occur because a shard or thorn has partially penetrated the tyre and then works it’s way through over the next few days. Use a pin to gently probe all nicks and flick out any debris.
@OneLessCar 2 жыл бұрын
As they say an ounce of prevention.... 🙌
@petekadenz2466 2 жыл бұрын
Could perhaps have done a downhill roll test to check which rolled faster between the two non e-Bromptons.
@elliotoliver8679 Жыл бұрын
Interesting, I have an Element Troy with 16" Kojaks. Will probably go for Continentals when I need as I am not very strong so I can probably put them on myself
@Noel_jr76 3 жыл бұрын
I'm waiting 😊😊
@petergilbert72 3 жыл бұрын
Very clear video with several tips thank you! How are these tyres in rain? Do the Conti perform as efficiently in the rain? On pressure I like to use the pneumatic damping of a pneumatic tyre so aim for 75 front and 85 rear on my BE. Anything more up front and the jolting and vibration is uncomfortable. I weigh 73kg.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Do to their better grip the Continentals are better in the wet. In the video when we were going around the test track it was drizzling so it was a little slick which is why Nathan was able to skid so easily.
@petergilbert72 3 жыл бұрын
@@OneLessCar thank you
@hhoebeke1 3 жыл бұрын
After more than a year af riding - with one puncture in the rear tyre at the end moved from the now standard marathon racers to the Continental a week ago. Done about 150km since and I like them a lot. I feel they have more grip and they roll nicely. On puncture proofness I had an unfortunate encounter with large pieces of glass on a busy stretch of road, the impact felt concerning but the tire has no damage whatsoever (inflated to 100psi). Time will tell if it was just luck… Another big plus - as tou mentioned - they are very easy to put on.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your experience Hans. The Continental seem to be a much more supple and grippy tyre for me too. That is lucky with that glass.
@hhoebeke1 3 жыл бұрын
@@OneLessCar A brief update - have now done around 500km on the continentals, mostly urban rides in London, some gravel and some in wet conditions. Grip is excellent - under all circumstances, roll very smoothly and they are very comfortable. A considerable improvement (As I mentioned earlier, I was certainly not unhappy with the previous schwalbe racers) but these continentals are something else.)
@mandhirsidhu 3 жыл бұрын
@@hhoebeke1 thanks for the update Hans!
@hhoebeke1 2 жыл бұрын
A few months and many hundreds of km later later - thought I'd do another brief update... The Continentals are still doing very well. Just removed a few little shards of glass that found their way in the rubber, but that did not get through and there are some larger and deeper cuts on both front and rear tyres - but nothing structural & nothing has gone through. I keep the tyres around 100 psi. There's a lot of glass & debris on London roads. In terms of handling, comfort, grip,... they are still great on dry or wet roads I can corner fast in full confidence.
@urbanfireblade 3 жыл бұрын
Hi, what pumps do you carry on your Bromptons? I like how it fits in your frame on the bike in the background.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
That's the pump that comes with the bike. I wouldn't recommened it for normal use a trackpump or electric pump is best for that but in an emergency it would allow you to get enough air in the tyre to ride.
@VolosProjects 2 жыл бұрын
Hello! I am glad that i founded this chanell. My bike arived with Marathon 20x1.75 tires. Will i feel big improvement in speed if i change them to something else? Have you ever tried Kojaks? Lots of people love them, but many also hate them. Sorry for my english! Thank you for your answers!
@OneLessCar 2 жыл бұрын
I doubt it they would be noticeably faster. The best way to get faster is to ride more 😀
@VolosProjects 2 жыл бұрын
@@OneLessCar Thank you for your answer, i will continue to use marathons.
@unclebulgaria1132 2 жыл бұрын
@@OneLessCar I done the full Hadrian wall cycle path and come back on the coast to coast path on my brompton . I use marathon tyres all the time . If you want to get faster hit the hills it's nothing really to do with tyres it's down to the cyclist fitness 🤘❤️
@tdgdbs1 3 жыл бұрын
I rotate them front to rear around midlife (2000km for me) to extend the life of the rear tire. They are expensive but not as expensive as a car.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Fantastic tip! 😀
@NoZenith 3 жыл бұрын
I'm curious what the two of you run for pressure in your tires? Nathan looks to be about the same size as me. I'm 6 foot 1 inch and 162 lb.
@NoZenith 3 жыл бұрын
Sorry, I realized I should have converted that after I sent it 😆😅 I'm 185.5cm and 73.5kg I've never ridden anything nicer than a second-hand mountain bike and the tire pressure is much lower and more obvious in them. I don't have my Brompton yet (delivered sometime around September) and I'm trying to do research on what I should keep my pressure at.
@bushka568 3 жыл бұрын
Good review and tips thanks. Might try the Continental next time.Slightly off topic but my girlfriend likes the top you were wearing in the video. Is it possible to give us the details of it please?
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Your girlfriend has good taste it's jacket by madison, and I believe it's half off right now so she might get it for a bargain😃. It's called Madison Zena women's softshell jacket. It looks more expensive than it is.
@bushka568 3 жыл бұрын
@@OneLessCar That's great. Many thanks.
@duncanhamilton5841 3 жыл бұрын
My tyre experiences: Marathon Plus - 1 puncture in 5k miles through the sidewall, but heavy as hell. Marathon Racer - fine in 1k miles. Kojaks - made of wet paper, 3 punctures a week on average over a year. Schwalbe One - 50 miles on the Chpt3... nothing... yet
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
I wondered about the Kojaks. Thanks for sharing your expeirence!
@duncanhamilton5841 3 жыл бұрын
@@OneLessCar on the positive, you get great muscle memory for wheel removal with Kojaks 🤣
@gonzalogarcia7435 2 жыл бұрын
Hello my friend very good video l love brompthon..... Is really a good bike a eternal bike!?????? Respect and love from Chile
@prapoj1980 2 жыл бұрын
which type for touring bike?
@petercostello3196 2 жыл бұрын
Do the tires wear out quickly because small wheels rotation more.than larger wheels.
@OneLessCar 2 жыл бұрын
I can't say as I've not been paying attention to that in particular as Nathan and I both ride the Bromtons it's hard to say. Nathan wears tyres out faster being heavier to start with. Even if they do wear faster 16" tyres are less expensive so it would make much difference over all in cost.
@danrkelly 2 жыл бұрын
Bad luck with the MPlus flat at the side of the road, sounds like a nightmare. I've been running 700c MPlus on east London roads for 15 years and never had to repair a tire at the side of the road (I've also never inflated them past 50psi as anything more gives undue vibration on urban roads). I've had slow punctures that have caught me out when I've come to use the bike the next morning but that's it.
@Pesmog 2 жыл бұрын
I agree about the Marathon plus. I have two 700c bikes, one with the Marathon plus and the other with the more aggressively treaded Marathon Plus Tour. In 12 plus years of 1500 to 2000 miles a year of muddy trails, urban roads and tow paths I have only had two punctures on the Plus (both were slowed by slime tubes and got repaired at home) and each would have punctured any tyre. I have never so far punctured a Marathon Plus Tour tyre They can be tricky to fit but once you know the technique they could be fixed by the road. Due to their robust build they have a very long life. I know I will continue to buy them as I remember life before the Marathon when for years and years I was getting a puncture every 3-4 weeks. 🚲😒
@BIJOSEBASTIAN 3 жыл бұрын
I use an everyday(Canadian made) for commuting and weekend tours ... my dream is to have a world tour,I love to have a brompton bike ..could anyone suggest me the best one...
@Soul.7 3 жыл бұрын
Best one compared to what? The BEST one is the bike that is best for YOU! Stating the obvious I know but it needs to be said... Go for a free 15 minute test ride at a bike shop near you, on a standard 3 gears, standard 6 gear, and an electric Brompton. Assess the experience and ask all the specific questions you have afterwards. Go by how you feel on the bikes, on your intuition, and on your budget. 🚲🚲🚲
@elijahmuhammed2915 Жыл бұрын
Marathon plus at the back, and marathon front
@messiaspedal6041 3 жыл бұрын
Olá! Embora não falo sua língua, mais simto muita clareza no que você fala! Queria muito entender, falar daquilo que é a minha paixão...
@shinjiono1668 2 жыл бұрын
How's the Contis on wet weather. Do the marathons feel safer or are the Contis still way ahead on that aspect?
@OneLessCar 2 жыл бұрын
As mentioned the continental have more contact, and give better grip. This is also true in wet weather conditions which we get plenty of here in Bristol 😢
@griffon4399 2 жыл бұрын
Same here. I had to channel my anger just to put the Marathon Plus tires. 😁
@OneLessCar 2 жыл бұрын
Awful aren't they.
@josephwilks9240 3 жыл бұрын
💯💯💯
@fender1000100 Жыл бұрын
Punctures are often a matter of LUCK. I run Schwalbe durano racegaurds on my 20 inch wheels. I've been 7 months without a puncture. Then had 2 in a single week. Thats how it goes. That said staying away from the gutter. And avoiding sharp potholes and cur jumping. Will definately increase your chances of avoiding them.
@CosgroveNotts 3 жыл бұрын
I never knew tyres were so complicated
@timallen6025 3 жыл бұрын
Experiment perhaps with different tyre levers and dish soap lube make a useful difference when tyre changing IME More levers, less point loading on the rims !
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
I've tried all the tricks and tips but I just don't need that kind of grief in my life over a puncture. 😀
@urbanfireblade Жыл бұрын
Can’t believe you couldn’t feel the difference between the Marathon Plus and Marathon Racer, much harsher ride with the Plus, I’ve swapped back to the Racers after 3 weeks for a more comfortable feeling and nicer ride. Also Marathon Racers are a lot easier to fit/remove than the Plus, where neither tyre need tyre lever’s….it’s top of the difficulty scale fitting the Plus’s without using them, I’d rather run the Racers and when I get a puncture know I’m not going to struggle getting the tyre on and off.
@jonathanleach3914 3 жыл бұрын
Very helpful. I use standard Marathons. I tried the Continental ones. They rolled well but I found the sidewalls too thin and I got punctures. So I ended up having to replace them. Maybe it was a bad batch, but I’ve gone back to Marathons. Thanks for the film. V helpful.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Glad you found it helpful. I think it's personal what works for you. We all ride differently and on different terrain so it's good to hear different experiences. Hopefully I'll have better luck with the Continentals. 🤞
@gtex1963 3 жыл бұрын
Marathon + for me every time
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your favourite. Any tips for getting them on?
@gtex1963 3 жыл бұрын
@@OneLessCar I place 2/3 cable ties on the wheel as I move around the rim, it helps keep the tyre in place when you get to the last few most difficult inches.
@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188 Жыл бұрын
I still have my original tyres on my 2019 "Lightweight" so I haven't had a chance to find a better version, but I have one ready for safety, if anything should happen. Bought from China and I really don't know the brand? I have luckily never had a puncture til now. 😀 Finn. Denmark
@dougwedel9484 3 жыл бұрын
There are bikes sold as Ultra Low Maintenance bikes. Do you remember the circle check ABC's, air, brakes, chain? These bikes attempt to eliminate all three. They have Tannus solid rubber tires, drive belt or drive shaft with internal gear hubs, and the brakes with less maintenance, like coaster brakes, drum brakes, something called roller brakes. I'm betting these will become more popular over time plus we might see improvements to them.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
I would love to see a belt drive on the Brompton. There's a guy that does this in Scotland, I'm hoping to visit one day and get one of my Bromptons coverted. I woudn't want solid tyres onthe 16" wheels but would love to see Tannus make an insert for the Brompton.
@Ram-69 3 жыл бұрын
Conti for me as always...
@leonardoromero6311 2 жыл бұрын
Are they 406 or 451?
@myvillagetravel691 2 жыл бұрын
Wow
@p.istaker8862 2 жыл бұрын
Has anyone tried Schwalbe Black Jacks on a Brompton?
@simongee8928 3 жыл бұрын
Brompton tyre pressure is 100psi, end of. We use Marathon Plus on both our Bromptons and putting them on is easier than on a 26" or a 700. Go figure - !
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
Glad you've found your perfect PSI. 🙌 Miine is 85 on the rear and 80 on the front. 😃
@davidsonshine9678 3 жыл бұрын
I have three Bromptons - All three are electric kits from Grin Technologies. I use only Tannus tires - rolling resistance not an issue, no punctures
@napilopez 3 жыл бұрын
What's grip like on the tanus in the rain?
@richardgodfrey1692 2 жыл бұрын
This might help Channel ( RIDE WITH ROY) Another Solution to Tight Tyres. 👍
@Ferdian-yt4ph 3 жыл бұрын
give me 1
@becomeaudible1 3 жыл бұрын
You should be carrying a repair kit on your bike including tire levers. Those will help you get the tire on and off.
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qZebfsR7tpechqM.html kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eL2Uq8iBzdGwm2w.html kzfaq.info/get/bejne/grh5Z8emnrCdoKc.html kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ld1nZM-KquC4aIU.html kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ld1nZM-KquC4aIU.html
@davidburgess5419 3 жыл бұрын
My wallet is ready and waiting :-)
@OneLessCar 3 жыл бұрын
😂
@davidburgess5419 3 жыл бұрын
A very well presented video, but disappointing in that your conclusion is not decisive enough to tempt me to change.
@skepticalmechanic 2 жыл бұрын
What’s a tyre?
@lone5ranger 3 жыл бұрын
P.S. Boo to the thumbs down weenie!
@pete3562 3 жыл бұрын
You have beautiful hands, beautiful hair, and (from your video where you cut your own hair 'No Car No Problem! Grocery shopping by bike.' - 25 Feb 2018 ) beautiful eyes.
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