Marathon plus tyres on Brompton. Folding issues?

Jonbristol123

I have enquired about getting a Brompton built but with the shop changing the Kojaks to Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. The guy who replied said that with Marathon Plus tyres there is a problem with the fold. Anyone know about this?

norvernrob

Jonbristol123 wrote:

I have enquired about getting a Brompton built but with the shop changing the Kojaks to Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. The guy who replied said that with Marathon Plus tyres there is a problem with the fold. Anyone know about this?

Do the wheels fold in half?

I know nothing about Bromptons so I can't help, but Marathon Plus are pretty thin for their size (my 32mm are narrower than the 32mm Vittoria Hypers I took off), they're also a sh!tter to fit so maybe the shop just don't fancy fitting them

Jonbristol123

NorvernRob wrote:

Jonbristol123 wrote:

I have enquired about getting a Brompton built but with the shop changing the Kojaks to Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. The guy who replied said that with Marathon Plus tyres there is a problem with the fold. Anyone know about this?

Do the wheels fold in half?

I know nothing about Bromptons so I can't help, but Marathon Plus are pretty thin for their size (my 32mm are narrower than the 32mm Vittoria Hypers I took off), they're also a sh!tter to fit so maybe the shop just don't fancy fitting them

That would make sense! But the thing is the shop are cool with fitting the marathon plus tyres. It is actually Brompton themselves who sent me an email saying there's a problem with them. They sent another one today explaining further:

'The taller and more rigid sidewall of the Marathon Plus tends to prevent the rear wheel from fully folding under, which reduces the contact area between the chain stay and front wheel hook when the front wheel gets folded in.'

I don't get how there can be a problem when so many use the Marathon Plus tyres. Makes no sense. I am ready to pay the money to get my Brompton built, but Brompton themselves have slightly put me off buying one! Does that make any sense to you or anyone else?

cougie

I can see what they mean. If the tyre is taller then the hook won't be as far down the chain stay.

I don't think it's an issue really so long as the hook is slightly engaged then the frame isn't unfolding. Plenty of Bromptons are out there with Marathons on.

Mertyn

You could always go for the standard Marathon tyres rather than the plus.

I've been rocking a pair for about 18 months now commuting in London. Zero punctures (touch wood) and it even survived a pretty gnarly 1 inch horizontal slice from what I think was a glass bottle. Brilliant tyres as long as they're kept well inflated.

Jonbristol123

Mertyn wrote:

You could always go for the standard Marathon tyres rather than the plus.

I've been rocking a pair for about 18 months now commuting in London. Zero punctures (touch wood) and it even survived a pretty gnarly 1 inch horizontal slice from what I think was a glass bottle. Brilliant tyres as long as they're kept well inflated.

I've ordered it and am getting the Marathon plus tyres fitted, but am also having the marathon tyres too, as that's what chose on the bike builder, as they don't do the plus ones. The shop have said there are no folding issues, so if there is then I can just get my money back on the plus ones, and have the normal marathons fitted instead. 5 weeks a bit of an annoying wait for my Brompton! :x

TheGardenGnome

I have a Marathon Plus on the rear, the front has the basic Marathon tyre- the fold is a tiny bit awkward but otherwise fine. I'm not sure if the problem becomes more noticeable if both front and rear were Marathon Plus.

Footy

Hi John, how are you getting on with Marathon Plus on your Brompton? - I got my first puncture today and I’m thinking of having them fitted too - any issues? - Cheers - Peter