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Size of tire for commuting -Schwabe Marathon plus 700x28 vs 700x32

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Size of tire for commuting -Schwabe Marathon plus 700x28 vs 700x32

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Old 05-23-14, 01:56 PM
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Bikerdave222
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Size of tire for commuting -Schwabe Marathon plus 700x28 vs 700x32

Hi folks, first post!

I am debating between the two tires mentioned in the title. I am wondering if there is a lot of difference between the two. I will be mostly on hard surface such as roads with a round trip of no more than 25 miles.

My inside rims are 19mm and from what I understand it the rims will hold both tires fine.

Any suggestions?
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Old 05-23-14, 03:07 PM
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The 28 is lighter and will handle better but the 32 will carry more weight. How much do you weigh and how much gear do you carry?
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Old 05-23-14, 03:37 PM
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ratell
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I've used them both back to back on my bike and noticed no difference.
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Old 05-23-14, 03:50 PM
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I use 32s and they are comfortable carry weight well. I ride them about 90 psi +/- 5; and anywhere between 200-250 in weight (without bike).

I usually use roads, but do not hesitate to go on crushed gravel or dirt. Not sand though.
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Old 05-23-14, 11:58 PM
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Bikerdave222
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I weigh around 210. not sure how much all the rest of gear will add to it. I'm thinking they would be close in performance and from what I hear that sounds right. So far I am leaning towards the 32s. I can always loose some weight lol!
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Old 05-24-14, 12:04 AM
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I'd go with the wider tires. I'm running 35's on my CX commuter and have no complaints... Somehow it feels safer going over gravel, potholes etc. and speedwise there is absolutely no difference.
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Old 05-24-14, 12:10 AM
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My commuter has 700x28's. I set the pressure around 90/100 PSI (fore/aft). They are pretty comfortable - don't make me want bigger-size tyres.
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Old 05-24-14, 12:16 AM
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32s and 28s look VERY similar when mounted on the wheel. A 35C will also fit. I've had a 35 road tire in silty sand in south Georgia. It takes some concentration, but it can be done.
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Old 05-24-14, 12:56 AM
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Having previously run the Marathon Plus 32c on my commuter on similar hard surfaces to what you will be doing I would personally go for the Durano in a 28c version with Raceguard & folding bead. They will be a lot lighter and a lot quicker than the Marathon Plus. I do however run a tyre liner with my Durano's for the added assurance and they are still quicker than the Marathon Plus. Also consider the Conti 4 seasons in the 28c version.

Last edited by Fishwhisperer; 05-24-14 at 12:57 AM. Reason: update
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Old 05-24-14, 09:52 AM
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Or a 420...
I have a plus on back and a standard marathon on front, both 38's. I like the marathon a lot better then the plus.
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Old 05-24-14, 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Fishwhisperer
Having previously run the Marathon Plus 32c on my commuter on similar hard surfaces to what you will be doing I would personally go for the Durano in a 28c version with Raceguard & folding bead. They will be a lot lighter and a lot quicker than the Marathon Plus. I do however run a tyre liner with my Durano's for the added assurance and they are still quicker than the Marathon Plus. Also consider the Conti 4 seasons in the 28c version.
I would second the recommendation Continental 4 season 28c. Very happy with them, and no regrets I chose them over the Schwalbe Marathons.
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Old 05-24-14, 10:39 AM
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I don't run Marathons but I prefer 32's only if there's occasional loose stuff like gravel or sand, or a surface that's rough enough that I want reduced pressure. I've found that pinch flats are a LOT less likely with a 32 than with a 28 with lower pressure.

Other than that I strongly prefer a 28 for day to day riding.
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Old 05-24-14, 12:22 PM
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Thanks for everyone's responses. It has been most helpful. One of my main concerns are thorns. I have a green way near my house and certain times of year the thorns are really bad. Bad like a flat every couple of days seems. This is one of the reasons I was thinking of the marathon plus. I will check out the others mentioned.
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Old 05-24-14, 12:35 PM
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32 back, 28 front.

D:
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Old 05-25-14, 12:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Cyclosaurus
I would second the recommendation Continental 4 season 28c. Very happy with them, and no regrets I chose them over the Schwalbe Marathons.
I actually just ordered a pair of Conti 4 seasons 28C to replace the Durano's as they are shot. Glad you like them and am hoping they will be a bit quicker than the Durano's.
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Old 05-25-14, 01:35 AM
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32 is better.
You won't need to top up your tire pressures so often.
28 runs higher pressure and loses more, not to mention a bit harsher ride.
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Old 05-25-14, 02:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Cyclosaurus
I would second the recommendation Continental 4 season 28c. Very happy with them, and no regrets I chose them over the Schwalbe Marathons.
+1

Having used both the Marathon Plus and 4 Seasons, I can say that the 4 Seasons is a far better tire in every respect except to longevity. The 4 Seasons has decent life, but the Marathon Plus just seems to never wear out.
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Old 05-25-14, 06:26 AM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by Bikerdave222
I weigh around 210. not sure how much all the rest of gear will add to it. I'm thinking they would be close in performance and from what I hear that sounds right. So far I am leaning towards the 32s. I can always loose some weight lol!
Honestly, you probably can't go wrong with either. I have 28s and 32s on different bikes and I don't notice a huge difference but guys over 200lbs may notice more of an advantage with the wider tire. Just curious, size and pressures are you running now?
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Old 05-25-14, 07:45 AM
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If your roads or surfaces are ideal, always go with the more narrow tire. If your roads or surfaces have more challenges, always go with the wider tire.

For smooth paved roads without thorns, I'd go with the 28's...

For smooth paved roads with thorns, I'd go with the 32's!

PS.

I'd also get some flat resistant tires!

Last edited by WestPablo; 05-25-14 at 11:06 PM.
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Old 05-25-14, 10:29 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
32 back, 28 front.

D:
I have that combo on my World Tourist
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