Schwalbe Tires - What's the difference(s)?
01-31-24, 03:50 PM
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Schwalbe Tires - What's the difference(s)?
Could someone please tell me the difference(s) between the 26 x 1.5 Schwalbe Marathon Plus HS440 tire and the 26 x 15 Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour HS404 tires? And...given the choice, which one would you use for a long (2000+ miles) tour? Thanks in advance!!
01-31-24, 05:46 PM
#2
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Upon extrapolating the data from Schwalbe website for the two tires it seems the tread compound is the difference and perhaps the thickness of the Smartguard belt. They specifically note the 5mm thickness of the Smartguard belt on the touring tire, but do not specify the thickness of the wheelchair tire. The tread compound on the wheelchair tire is described "does not leave unsightly marks" on floors, the touring description does not specify this feature. Both tires are rated as E-25. They cost about the same.
01-31-24, 06:40 PM
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I have not researched this to the degree the other poster has, so I could certainly be wrong, but, over the years a LOT of factoids about Schwalbe tires has passed through my awareness. I do not believe the thickness of the Smartguard belts changes from model to model. 5mm seems like a constant. My gut tells me there is no difference whatsoever between the two tires. However, if one is marketed as a wheelchair tire (is this also the o.p.'s understanding?) but my use case is for an extended tour on a bicycle. I don't know. For me it would not be that hard of a decision.
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02-01-24, 05:16 PM
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edit: I clicked on this thread 'cause I run several sets of Schwalbe. Marathon Plus (many years old) on a tandem.
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Last edited by Wildwood; 02-02-24 at 05:56 PM.
02-01-24, 06:06 PM
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The tour has deeper tread and side knobs to handle dirt roads and light trails, while the regular Marathon Plus is really only suited to asphalt and light gravel.
Wonderful resource for info on Schwalbe Marathon tires: https://www.schwalbetires.com/bike-t...ur-city-tires/ Who’d have thunk it?
P.S. I don’t knowTiHabanero is getting the wheelchair tire info. I’m familiar with these both as bicycle tires.
Wonderful resource for info on Schwalbe Marathon tires: https://www.schwalbetires.com/bike-t...ur-city-tires/ Who’d have thunk it?
P.S. I don’t knowTiHabanero is getting the wheelchair tire info. I’m familiar with these both as bicycle tires.
Last edited by NumbersGuy; 02-01-24 at 06:15 PM.
02-01-24, 08:39 PM
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Thanks all for the info and links. I'm sticking with my Marathon Pluses.
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02-02-24, 07:26 AM
#7
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Searched by model numbers HS404 and HS440 and the wheelchair tire was brought up on the Schwalbe website. That is where wheelchair designation came from.
02-02-24, 10:49 AM
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I looked on the Schwalbe site, and the Marathon Plus Tour is listed as over 2 pounds! Can that be right?
02-02-24, 10:58 AM
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could be - ??? - they have a reputation for puncture resistance and durability … and I believe they (still) roll fairly well
especially popular for long distance touring - #1 choice for many
02-02-24, 11:03 AM
#10
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It's the price you pay for the puncture protection on these touring tires. They weigh over a kilogram in the larger widths. Which is why one should limit width to terrain necessity instead of blindly following the current trend of ever wider tires.
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02-02-24, 04:43 PM
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I have Marathon Green Guards on my rigid MTB in a 1.75' and yes they weigh a kilo each.
I think they are great riding tires for my do-it-all fitness bike that weighs 35lbs+.
They take some getting use to but I'm not trying to keep up with the fast kids on a group ride so what's the difference?
