The level of detail and depth is incredible. Given the fact that Brompton has produced more than 1 million bikes, your audience should be 100K, not 20K. This is my go to channel for Brompton information
Wow! SUPERB GRAPHICS! This isn't just a beautifully presented info-vid about Brompton tyre options.. .. it is an object lesson in how to SUCCESSFULLY impart distinctly technical information in graphic form. Congratulations! This is an award winner! (On reading the comments below, I see I am not alone in being deeply impressed.)
it's interesting how the racer, which was the stock tire on my bike, is pretty much top of the bell curve across the board. doesn't do anything particularly great, but it doesn't really suffer terribly in any department either. solid tire!
Your videos are amazing. The production quality, great visuals / infographics, and clear explanation of 'technical' matters are just outstanding. They should be a reference on how to make this type of informative yet entertaining content. I think I have watched all your videos and look forward to seeing more in future. Keep up the great work!
I love the in depth scientific explanations, measurements and comparisons of your videos. It’s so helpful so see the numbers sometimes rather than just people’s opinions.
VERY well done! An easy to understand but complete depiction of pysics and technical background - yet concise and even entertaining while showing clearly the important points. In the end every viewer can make an educated decision without feeling pressed into something. Nothing to improve, thank you for your effort!
😁👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 can I say, I love your videos. Science based and so interesting. Providing information to contemplate. So much fun, and the diagrams are great.
Great information! I switched from Racer to Marathon Plus after a needlelike stone perforated the tire during winter time. All the pebbles and debris on the roads during winter call for the best puncture protection.
You must be a teacher in your other life. This is one of the best and most informative videos I have ever seen on Tires for a bicycle ever. Fantastic video and a big thank you!
Brilliant video. There are discussions about the adverse effects of too high a pressure - energy loss due to vibrations induced by the road irregularities. I run my Marathons at the lower end of recommended pressure. Cheers
@oe59 ,you are totally right. Depending on road surface, you can reach a point where higher tyre pressure just creates more vibration and starts having a detrimental effect on overall rolling resistance. The optimum pressure (which varies according to surface and load) is that “sweet spot” we are all looking for. This could make an interesting follow-up video: Ideal Brompton tyre pressure
Very nice explanation! Congratulations! As a long time rider of Kojak tires I feel that puncture protection is generally an overestimated risk. I've been travelling through Europe with 20 inch Kojaks for the last 10 years on paved roads and many unpaved stretches. I never experienced any puncture. I drive also a Brompton with Kojak tires without puncture. There is one tire from Schwalbe missing: The Schwalbe Winter tires with spikes. I've been using them now for two seasons and they are worth mounting if roads are often covered with ice.
Very good. Thank you. My default are Schwalbe Marathons as I just got too many punctures on others including the Continental. I’m often using the bike for transport, commuting and having a puncture is such a nuisance. Thanks
you are right, I used this video to justify my continental purchase but London roads are just full of shitheads who throws glass on the streets, 3 day new continental got punctured by glass. and every time I travel near canal roads I make it a point to check the tire to remove the glass before it sticks in too deep and make a puncture. will try marathon plus soon
Very interesting. I recently took my very old 5-speed in to a dealer for a tune-up, and they fitted new Racer tyres without asking which I would prefer. Before watching this video, I would not have known in any case. Thank you very much.
We have a follow-up video on the Continental Contact Urban: Contact Urban vs Marathon - A 1200km Brompton Test ruclips.net/video/jyHEu0AUCJQ/видео.html
Bicycle Rolling Resistance test site recently introduced wet grip test results ( www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/specials/grip-test ). While not directly focusing on 16” tires, it could eventually give a good indication of what to expect from the various models we are interested in.
I watched this video a few times and finally tried 75 psi for my front Marathon Racer and 85 psi for the rear MR. I’m 56-57kgs and the ride was so much better. I do brush my tyres when they pick up stuff. Perhaps that’s why i haven’t had a puncture from the road. One feedback on Continental Contact Urban i do have it to check for bulges along the side walls - there have been a few reported cases of bulges and even cracks - even if you inflate to 100 psi every week and check that the brake shoes are not close to the tyre - ie well seated in the middle of the rim’s braking surface.
We have been using (foldable) Continental Contact Urban for a while now and have no issue to report so far (3000km+). Ref our video: Contact Urban vs Marathon - A 1200km Brompton Test ruclips.net/video/jyHEu0AUCJQ/видео.html
Thank you so much for this excellent video. I've recently replaced the M+ on one of my Brommies with the Conti's, it feels a smoother ride though I'm sure that that perception is somewhat influenced by having spent the money on the new tyres.
I absolutely love your videos - and this one was so timely! They are always meticulously researched, and so helpful and informative. The graphics are fantastic to. Thank you so much.
Hi Pam And Gilbert. You should try velotto brand tires (korea brand, made in indonesia), they are very light weight (±150 grams) very slim, attractive, and quite durable too. It provides a very speedy ride. I understand that it is not readily available in the UK, i have sent a couple of them to my friend in UK.
Thanks for the heads-up Wilson, they do seem a good alternative to Kojak or Schwalbe One. I suspect more difficult to find on this side of the Pacific (then again, all tires are difficult to find these days)
I think the optimum setup would be a Marathon/Marathon Plus on the rear and a sportier tire on the front but for simplicity and not to worry, I use Marathon Plus front & rear.
I have thought about that mix as an option but not yet tried. My Brompton came with the standard Marathon Racer tyres which I found worked well for my predominantly leisure non-urban rides. I replaced both with Marathon Plus for this last winter, even though Brompton do not recommend that tyre for the bike. I have got on well with them. The fender/mudguard clearance is only just acceptable though, but the fold was unaffected. I cannot honestly say that I noticed any speed/effort difference of any importance to me. The confidence factor rose significantly as regards puncture resistance though. Perhaps only one caveat from my experience, the Plus are not as grippy and also tend to “tramline” more over some road features which means that in the wet extra riding care is desirable - for an experienced rider this is not a problem in my view as road surfaces knowledge/understanding will be a given. Fitting the Plus is all about correct technique and this was simply not an issue for me.
@@adrianlw2750 interesting to read about the marathon plus having less grip. This is quite concerning for me as I want a tyre that has the best possible grip in slippery condition when on my Brompton. Do you have any recommendations? Puncture resistance is also important to me but not as important as safety.
@@jacc88888 - as best possible grip in slippery conditions is your priority, I would be inclined to stay with the standard Marathon Racer as the “Plus” doesn’t fit that brief as well in my view. Carry a spare inner tube at all times and be 100% familiar with getting the wheels off and back on. Alternatively, you might consider a “Plus” for the back wheel only and see how you get on, perhaps using 90 psi rather than 100 psi. Depends on your weight/luggage carried at the back really. I’m a 80kg rider and luggage is only carried at the front. 90 psi is fine for me but I prefer to keep at 100 for the marginally better rolling resistance. Reduced pressure may improve confidence and will tend to reduce tendency to tramline. Hope this helps.
I got the Contact Urbans for 3 month now. Before it was Marathon Plus and racer. Long Story Short: The Contact Urbans + Roll Easier then the Racer + Stick awesome on Asphalt, stone and dry/ clean surfaces + really good feeling of the Bike movements + puncher protection are good (no flats in 3 month in daily use with gravel, Asphalt and Cobblestone roads mix) - don't like rain, racer feels more save to ride in rain and mud. You can but in comparison, schwalbe are better. - Marathons (+)/ Racer are better for Gravel/ off trail use. You feel the semi slick of the Urban in Sand, Snow and mud don't grip that much. (Obviously) - if carrying Cargo is your thing, taken a Schwalbe tire. The Low pressure of the tire ain't good for heavy weights on the Bike. Overall ... great Tire for EDC use and faster Rider.
@@2Bikes4Adventurehow would you say the continental contact Urbans compare with the Schwalbe one in terms of rolling resistance? I didn’t see the contis on the plot. I presume the Ones are faster but weight aside, is the rolling resistance noticeable different than the Contis?
@rdx913 Rolling resistance wise, the Conti is half way between the Marathon and the Schwalbe One. Lighter than the former, and more puncture resistant than the later.
I am not happy, not with your video, but only because i dont have the money for buying a brompton.... Maybe one day Your graphics is very interesting. Clear. Good job
@@2Bikes4Adventure i use the wire bead type. I do approximatly 3000km on a set. Depends on the kind of trips I make, the surfaces, road condition. When I go on holiday or any other major trip, I always mount a new set of tyres.The cost of a new set is, taking in regard the total cost of such a longer trip, peanuts. I keep the old ones as spares for shorter or day/weekend trips.
Fantastic.......very very informative I usually take Schwalbe marathons over the marathon plus for touring but I'm considering moving to the continental tyres due to the better rolling resistance....and ease of fitting.
go for it - you won’t regret it - I am riding them for more then 2k km and they are the perfect compromise regarding all in the video mentioned factors + very comfortable
Really nicely done video, good work! It should be noted however that the estimates on rolling resistance are strictly lab environment. Much like those on some third party websites and do not reflect real world testing by organizations like BQ. Time and again it has been proven that higher volume, lower pressures provide much lower overall resistance and much higher efficiency. I can certainly concur anecdotally that running Primo Comets (the last of the great high volume 16 tires) at 60psi produces significantly faster and less tiring arrival times. The bonus is better comfort and off-road traction on gravel paths. I’m hoping that someone will bring back a high volume 16” tire like the Primo or even better Scorcher again.
We agree. In this video, we didn’t want to go too deep and start discussing “Berto’s 15% tire deflection rule” or the advantage of wider/shorter vs narrower/longer footprints. Maybe in a follow-up video if this one raises enough interest.
I remember gcn doing a rolling test and found 80psi the best in that particular test. They account that the tire can absorb the small imperfections on the road and I suppose that translate to a better roll.
You are raising a very good point. The “Berto’s 15% tire deflection rule” or the advantage of wider/softer over narrower/high-pressure tire could make an interesting subject for a follow-up video.
Not sure about the GCN test, but proper tire pressure has many variables, including rider weight and bike load. I use the very sophisticated Silca tire inflation for my normal bikes but they don’t have a 16” tire choice. I ran my Schwalbe Marathons at 100 psi given my total system weight (bike, rider, gear) around 210 pounds (95 kilos) and city commuting conditions. I did, however, use custom light wheels, not Brompton’s bomb-proof but much heavier ones. I congratulate this channel for a very sophisticated discussion of tire differences.
@tomehrhard6913 We plan to eventually publish a more detailed video concerning Brompton tire pressure. Meanwhile, we welcome your input on the subject.
AMAZING comparison!! Your videos are wonderful! What about use in wet / snow / mixed conditions? Are there any aspects that can be useful in choosing the right model for the winter season? Thanks a lot for your content!
Winter condition tyre selection could warrant a video of its own. We will add this to our “wish list” for possible future subjects- thanks for the suggestion.
Great video❤! After watching I would like to order the Continental Urban and I am asking for your opinion on whether the grip on wet smooth surfaces can be expected to be better with the Continental Urban tires than my existing Schwalbe Racer? I am satisfied with the existing Schwalbe Racer tires, but I find that they slide a lot on wet, smooth surfaces, such as historic granite paving, tram tracks, or the red areas of the horizontal markings of the cycling infrastructure. I mostly drive around town. Thank you very much in advance.
You may have already seen our video concerning the Continental Contact Urban (Contact Urban vs Marathon - A 1200km Brompton Test ruclips.net/video/jyHEu0AUCJQ/видео.html ) Since that video, we have doubled the distance travelled with them (dry and wet conditions, still no flats). While you should remain wary of wet tram tracks, we think you will be pleased with an upgrade to Continental.
Wow. This was way more detailed than I expected. I was hoping for more of a bike trail handling type video, but you may already have a few of those in your channel which I am now going to be checking out. We have been riding our bikes over the decades (a mix of full size and folders) on pavement and hard pack gravel (rail trails, etc) and considering Bromptons due to the small folded size (we are going to be going Fulltime RV in about 18 months and space is a huge concern). I still don’t know what to expect on the smaller wheels on mostly gravel trails.
There’s a good reason why Brompton’s tag line is “made for cities”. Its small wheels would likely struggle with anything tougher than a hard-pack (rail-trail type*) roads. A dirt road with discernable small rocks would necessitate constant course corrections (and vibrations) preventing any significant forward momentum. In wet condition, it would become even worst. Unfortunately, there are no easily available Brompton compatible tires that would solve that issue (its frame/brakes cannot accept wider tires). *Something like the GAP-C&O trail in the USA would be fine
@@2Bikes4Adventure I believe wider tires will not help much on coarser roads. You will struggle keeping a direction. Maybe a reason cross country MTB's have gone from 26" to 29"
Indeed. Wouldn’t mind some options in the 40-349 range however (Ex.: Greenspeed Scorcher). Brompton equipped with Schwalbe Big Apple would be something to try on (dry) gravel trail as well.
Pre 2000 Brompton own tyres there was the Raleigh Record tyres, Raleigh have stopped making them around 2000, I've got a pair no longer in use on my Brompton
Indeed, one of the only mass produced 16” of the time, they had a reputation of being heavy, puncture prone, poor rolling resistance and difficult to install. Their only redeeming value being their low price, 5 pounds.
@@2Bikes4Adventure my very first bike had white Raleigh Record tyres and even my dad had trouble when repairing the inner tube, I found it very difficult to remove the Raleigh Record off the Brompton but glad I've now have the continental contact urban on
You don't mention the Tannus tyre, a solid tyre (made in Korea), these are available in 32-349 size, in a range of colours. I have been using these on my Bromptons for about 4 years or so now, being solid they are always fully inflated to mimic 100psi. The big advantage of a Tannus tyre is of course, they do not ever puncture, a very BIG plus for me - 3 punctures in a week on a Schwalbe Marathon Plus did it for me, I have not looked back. Slightly heavier than the Marathon Plus, but, the tyre pump is redundant, so removed from the bike. Tannus claim that the tyres have a life of around 6,000 miles, the rear tyre is about half that. Can be expensive, but when adding the cost for replacement inner tubes (assuming repairs are DIY), then not as expensive, if the puncture is repaired by a cycle shop then they start to look much cheaper. The other disadvantage is that the tyres are hard work to fit, it is a struggle to get the tyre on - it is held with pins that engage with the rim, once on, that is it! I would not wish to return to a pneumatic tyre such is the sheer satisfaction of total reliability (I always seemed to get a puncture when it was raining and at the furthest point away from my return home - why was that?) and that is a joy to be had. Also, a colour other than regular black is great, although in my experience, the tyres all turn a greyish colour through use. Thanks for this, I like these videos you do on the Bromptons, the best folding bike by far!
Thanks Gary for your feedback concerning Tannus tyre. Coincidentally, we were watching a video on “Brompton Family Time” RUclips Channel yesterday ( ruclips.net/video/7d6LhS2C8TQ/видео.html ) about that same subject. We may try them on one of our Brompton once winter is over. How would you rate traction and comfort?
@@2Bikes4Adventure I did not notice any difference from the Marathon Plus, my regular route is along the seafront in Brighton, UK, so mostly smooth surfaces, we have lots of hills here... I have wheel spun a couple of times on a steel incline. On wet surfaces I did not notice any difference, I have skidded & fallen off with the Marathon Plus a couple of times! When the sea has flooded the cycle track, I have ridden through the waves a few times without any concerns! Comfort-wise, I just don't even think about it, I don't worry unduly about kerbs (a lot of our pavements are now shared with pedestrians) and our roads are full of potholes (terrible neglect). I am so used to them it is that complete lack of worry about a puncture that makes them perfect for me!
One afterthought. If you are riding the Brompton Electric, some of the values change a bit as for instance, the motor helps overcome the rolling resistance.
You raise a good point concerning E-Bike. The Kojak and Schwalbe One are NOT rated for Electric bikes. Schwalbe Marathon, Marathon Plus and Racer are rated E-25 (regular “25km/h” Pedelecs like the eBrompton) Continental Contact Urban are rated E-50 (Faster S-Pedelec)
Very interesting! Don’t understand why the road grip is worse on the marathon and marathon + compared to the schwalbe one and kojak. I thought the marathon had lots of tread on the tyre compared to the kojaks?
Love the detail you guys go into, really helps us make a good choice - just the other day I swapped out my Marathon Racers for Conti Urban Contacts and boy what a difference! don't think I could ever go back - they're faster, more comfy and grippier. Just one question though, I only weigh 55KG and have pumped up the front tyre to 80 psi and 90 on the rear - is there a scientific formula to calculate the optimum psi based on a person's weight?
Interesting you mention the swap to Continental Urban. We are now presently touring for the first time on those tires as well (having switched from Schwalbe Marathon). We will likely discuss our conclusion in a follow up video. Concerning ideal pressure, in addition to total weight, the road surface condition plays a very significant factor. It’s basically a compromise between comfort, pinch flat protection and rolling resistance. It would also make a good follow-up video. Until then, the pressures you are suggesting seem comparable to ours.
@@2Bikes4Adventure I think you're right about the ideal pressure, many factors to consider, including subjectivity in the absence of actual scientific data - I'll play around with the pressures to find that sweet spot! Enjoy your tour and I very much look forward to your thoughts on the Continentals
@2Bikes4Adventure Hi, again enjoyed this video! If you are making a Rev 2, it will be great if you could add in Velotto Fantome Mini and Velotto Champion Speed tyres. Both are 28-349. I was on Schwalbe One for about 9 months. Love the speed and recently changed to Champion Speed. It felt even faster!
Wowwwww! Love it! Great graphics and marvelous presentation.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I've felt a big difference in riding speed when replace my tires for Marathon and Marathon plus. They go much faster then originals because I'm using a higher PSI (80/100psi). Tires are great upgrades. Keep Safe! Keep Riding!
Love the vid . I’ve been using marathon tyres for 4 years and I love them . My question is what is the perfect tyre pressure for riders weight . I’m 170 kg I run my tyres at 110 psi but I’m breaking spokes if I lower tyre presser I get tyre slide around corners are there wider tyres better suited for riders weight
Hi Steven. The Brompton maximum load is 110kg (the limit has more to do with the steel frame/weld constraints than tire characteristics). Having wider tires ( ex.: 40mm / 1.60”) would permit lower pressure (and reduce likelihood of spoke failure), but unfortunately, such tires won’t fit on a Brompton. So, with standard 37mm tire, high load will require maximum pressure.
Having had two punctures of my Plus tyres in past year which penetrated halfway down the side of the tyre I’m thinking the theoretical protection offered by the thick gel inside the Plus isn’t so effective from that direction. Of course, I don’t know how many punctures I’ve avoided. But I’m now wondering whether the Racer’s harder nylon membrane would have prevented penetration by thorns. Changing the Plus is hard work at home. On the road I cycle on the ‘flat’ Plus and that doesn’t seem to damage the tyre (though the inner tube gets shredded). Somehow I doubt the Racer would stand up to sidewall abuse like that!
It goes without saying, sidewalls are always less protected than the main treads. Not sure the Racer would have fared better in such a situation. The next level of protection may be an airless tire (like the Tannus). We have never tried them, but some subscribers seem very satisfied with them.
@@2Bikes4Adventure but it does suggest the Plus’ advantage might be overstated. The Plus relies on its thick gel to absorb the object, but this looks to be only half as effective at 45 degrees. The Racer’s nylon coat appears to have equal effect at any angle. In your graphic the testing appeared only to be exerted at 90 degrees from the horizontal. It would be interesting to compare Racer and Plus at other points of entry eg 45 and 67 degrees.
Hi Peter, One of the references we used in our video is www.bicyclerollingresistance.com . Each tire evaluation involves 20 punctures, 10 on the centre of the main tread and 10 on the sidewall (2 different needles are used, one blunt, one sharp (so, 5 punctures each per location)). Sidewall puncture score for the Marathon Plus is 21 (thread is 129). Racer sidewall score is 13 (thread is 97).
![KSI - Dirty [Official Visualiser]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VoDh1h1dPUE/mqdefault.jpg)
The level of detail and depth is incredible. Given the fact that Brompton has produced more than 1 million bikes, your audience should be 100K, not 20K. This is my go to channel for Brompton information
We would certainly welcome 100K, but Brompton YT channel having (only?) 54K, it will be a tough climb.
@@2Bikes4Adventure Don’t be modest. Your channel is superior to the Brompton RUclips channel.
This was MUCH more in depth than I was expecting. Wow.
We decided to leave out the exam at the end 😀
Wow! SUPERB GRAPHICS!
This isn't just a beautifully presented info-vid about Brompton tyre options..
.. it is an object lesson in how to SUCCESSFULLY impart distinctly technical information in graphic form.
Congratulations! This is an award winner!
(On reading the comments below, I see I am not alone in being deeply impressed.)
This is not only a viewer feedback, it’s a benchmark in impartial and accurate video appraisal 😀
@@2Bikes4Adventure 😄
@@2Bikes4Adventure And it's true. You must be a professor with a science background.
Holy cow, I feel like I just got a PhD in bike tires. Ridiculously well done!
Wow. Everyone literally should watch this video, including me !!! Impressive !!! THANK YOU !!!
it's interesting how the racer, which was the stock tire on my bike, is pretty much top of the bell curve across the board. doesn't do anything particularly great, but it doesn't really suffer terribly in any department either. solid tire!
The Racer could fit the description “Jack of all trades, master of none”
*TU!!!* One of the best videos' explaining available tires for the Brompton.
Your videos are amazing. The production quality, great visuals / infographics, and clear explanation of 'technical' matters are just outstanding. They should be a reference on how to make this type of informative yet entertaining content. I think I have watched all your videos and look forward to seeing more in future. Keep up the great work!
@ZeroTenUK, stay tuned for more in 2024
I love the in depth scientific explanations, measurements and comparisons of your videos. It’s so helpful so see the numbers sometimes rather than just people’s opinions.
Wow. Super impressive presentation.
VERY well done! An easy to understand but complete depiction of pysics and technical background - yet concise and even entertaining while showing clearly the important points.
In the end every viewer can make an educated decision without feeling pressed into something. Nothing to improve, thank you for your effort!
Thanks for the posting on Bromptonauten.de Forum as well.
This video is worth 1M views.
Just amazing, thank you for your hard work!!
😁👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 can I say, I love your videos. Science based and so interesting. Providing information to contemplate. So much fun, and the diagrams are great.
The best graphical explanation ever, totally definitive.
Great information! I switched from Racer to Marathon Plus after a needlelike stone perforated the tire during winter time. All the pebbles and debris on the roads during winter call for the best puncture protection.
Marathon Plus will bring peace of mind against puncture
Thank you . Very comprehensive study of Brommy tyres . Very professional graphics .
You must be a teacher in your other life. This is one of the best and most informative videos I have ever seen on Tires for a bicycle ever. Fantastic video and a big thank you!
Neither of us has a teaching background, but on the other hand, you must have been a film critic in a previous life :-)
Brilliant video. There are discussions about the adverse effects of too high a pressure - energy loss due to vibrations induced by the road irregularities. I run my Marathons at the lower end of recommended pressure. Cheers
@oe59 ,you are totally right. Depending on road surface, you can reach a point where higher tyre pressure just creates more vibration and starts having a detrimental effect on overall rolling resistance. The optimum pressure (which varies according to surface and load) is that “sweet spot” we are all looking for. This could make an interesting follow-up video: Ideal Brompton tyre pressure
@@2Bikes4Adventure ideal, considering road type, person’s weight, baggage weight… looks like quantum mechanics ! :)
Very nice explanation! Congratulations!
As a long time rider of Kojak tires I feel that puncture protection is generally an overestimated risk. I've been travelling through Europe with 20 inch Kojaks for the last 10 years on paved roads and many unpaved stretches. I never experienced any puncture. I drive also a Brompton with Kojak tires without puncture.
There is one tire from Schwalbe missing: The Schwalbe Winter tires with spikes. I've been using them now for two seasons and they are worth mounting if roads are often covered with ice.
Very informative. Really good tip about ETRTO.
Very good. Thank you. My default are Schwalbe Marathons as I just got too many punctures on others including the Continental. I’m often using the bike for transport, commuting and having a puncture is such a nuisance. Thanks
you are right, I used this video to justify my continental purchase but London roads are just full of shitheads who throws glass on the streets, 3 day new continental got punctured by glass. and every time I travel near canal roads I make it a point to check the tire to remove the glass before it sticks in too deep and make a puncture. will try marathon plus soon
incredible production value
This video is like one of the best explanation video on the internet. Thanks you so much!!
Greatly useful information visualized so we’ll.
Thank you!
Very interesting. I recently took my very old 5-speed in to a dealer for a tune-up, and they fitted new Racer tyres without asking which I would prefer. Before watching this video, I would not have known in any case. Thank you very much.
@JeremyCherfas, Racers are the default tyres now. They should serve you well.
This is so helpful! Thanks for the research.
big thumbs up, amazing video and explanation.
That was such an excellent, informative, and beautifully presented video. Thank you!!
We have a follow-up video on the Continental Contact Urban:
Contact Urban vs Marathon - A 1200km Brompton Test
ruclips.net/video/jyHEu0AUCJQ/видео.html
Excellent and well explained topic.
What’s on earth!? I thought Victor was the scientist here, you guys kicked his rear; Impressive informative video, Thanks a lot, again, Impressive.
Great presentation and detailed + useful info. Thank you.
Many thanks for the information. Now i can better select a tire to my need.
Very interesting, thanks for posting.
Excellent info, thanks! Helped me to understand for the first time!
Excellent as usual. You all always keep me from spending too much money on trial and error. Thanks
Excellent as always! Grip under wet and icy conditions might also be an important factor for choosing a tire.
Bicycle Rolling Resistance test site recently introduced wet grip test results ( www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/specials/grip-test ). While not directly focusing on 16” tires, it could eventually give a good indication of what to expect from the various models we are interested in.
@@2Bikes4Adventure Thanks, that is an excellent resource.
Thank you so much for providing such essentials and useful vids.
👍❤️🚴
I watched this video a few times and finally tried 75 psi for my front Marathon Racer and 85 psi for the rear MR. I’m 56-57kgs and the ride was so much better. I do brush my tyres when they pick up stuff. Perhaps that’s why i haven’t had a puncture from the road. One feedback on Continental Contact Urban i do have it to check for bulges along the side walls - there have been a few reported cases of bulges and even cracks - even if you inflate to 100 psi every week and check that the brake shoes are not close to the tyre - ie well seated in the middle of the rim’s braking surface.
We have been using (foldable) Continental Contact Urban for a while now and have no issue to report so far (3000km+).
Ref our video:
Contact Urban vs Marathon - A 1200km Brompton Test
ruclips.net/video/jyHEu0AUCJQ/видео.html
Great presentation 🤠
Thank you so much for this excellent video. I've recently replaced the M+ on one of my Brommies with the Conti's, it feels a smoother ride though I'm sure that that perception is somewhat influenced by having spent the money on the new tyres.
This is a very impressive video. Really well made graphically and with clear information. Well done!
Thank you for your outstanding video
I haven't owned a folding bike (yet) but this video gave a very nice overview on what to look at for a bike tire. Thanks a lot!
I really love your use of animations and data visualisation. Great for getting the facts and information across. Thanks for sharing!
You guys are amazing. Incredible review
This was the most in deep informativ video about bicycle tires I have seen on the whole net so far. Compliments 🚴🏻♂️🌈😷👍🏻
I learned more here than in the school! Thanks again guys! you rock
Excellent. Well presented
I absolutely love your videos - and this one was so timely! They are always meticulously researched, and so helpful and informative. The graphics are fantastic to. Thank you so much.
Superb video, thank you!
Very helpful - please update in due course.
Recently, we have discussed our experience with the Continental Contact Urban in a dedicated video:
ruclips.net/video/jyHEu0AUCJQ/видео.html
Best knowledge on bt tires on the net
Excellent video! I appreciate detailed analysis and graphics.
Stay tuned, there are more to come
Another excellent video.
Another great video 👍
Hi Pam And Gilbert. You should try velotto brand tires (korea brand, made in indonesia), they are very light weight (±150 grams) very slim, attractive, and quite durable too. It provides a very speedy ride. I understand that it is not readily available in the UK, i have sent a couple of them to my friend in UK.
Thanks for the heads-up Wilson, they do seem a good alternative to Kojak or Schwalbe One. I suspect more difficult to find on this side of the Pacific (then again, all tires are difficult to find these days)
I think the optimum setup would be a Marathon/Marathon Plus on the rear and a sportier tire on the front but for simplicity and not to worry, I use Marathon Plus front & rear.
Putting the most durable and puncture-proof tire available (M+) at the back is a wise decision.
I have thought about that mix as an option but not yet tried. My Brompton came with the standard Marathon Racer tyres which I found worked well for my predominantly leisure non-urban rides.
I replaced both with Marathon Plus for this last winter, even though Brompton do not recommend that tyre for the bike. I have got on well with them. The fender/mudguard clearance is only just acceptable though, but the fold was unaffected. I cannot honestly say that I noticed any speed/effort difference of any importance to me. The confidence factor rose significantly as regards puncture resistance though. Perhaps only one caveat from my experience, the Plus are not as grippy and also tend to “tramline” more over some road features which means that in the wet extra riding care is desirable - for an experienced rider this is not a problem in my view as road surfaces knowledge/understanding will be a given. Fitting the Plus is all about correct technique and this was simply not an issue for me.
@@adrianlw2750 interesting to read about the marathon plus having less grip. This is quite concerning for me as I want a tyre that has the best possible grip in slippery condition when on my Brompton. Do you have any recommendations? Puncture resistance is also important to me but not as important as safety.
@@jacc88888 - as best possible grip in slippery conditions is your priority, I would be inclined to stay with the standard Marathon Racer as the “Plus” doesn’t fit that brief as well in my view. Carry a spare inner tube at all times and be 100% familiar with getting the wheels off and back on. Alternatively, you might consider a “Plus” for the back wheel only and see how you get on, perhaps using 90 psi rather than 100 psi. Depends on your weight/luggage carried at the back really. I’m a 80kg rider and luggage is only carried at the front. 90 psi is fine for me but I prefer to keep at 100 for the marginally better rolling resistance. Reduced pressure may improve confidence and will tend to reduce tendency to tramline. Hope this helps.
Very informative and love the narration ,very calming and easy to listen to, thank you
I got the Contact Urbans for 3 month now.
Before it was Marathon Plus and racer.
Long Story Short:
The Contact Urbans
+ Roll Easier then the Racer
+ Stick awesome on Asphalt, stone and dry/ clean surfaces
+ really good feeling of the Bike movements
+ puncher protection are good (no flats in 3 month in daily use with gravel, Asphalt and Cobblestone roads mix)
- don't like rain, racer feels more save to ride in rain and mud.
You can but in comparison, schwalbe are better.
- Marathons (+)/ Racer are better for Gravel/ off trail use. You feel the semi slick of the Urban in Sand, Snow and mud don't grip that much. (Obviously)
- if carrying Cargo is your thing, taken a Schwalbe tire. The Low pressure of the tire ain't good for heavy weights on the Bike.
Overall ... great Tire for EDC use and faster Rider.
Thank you for this details feedback.
Excellent video
The best explanation for my future purchase🤩
Just received Continental Contact Urbans for XMas!
@@2Bikes4Adventurehow would you say the continental contact Urbans compare with the Schwalbe one in terms of rolling resistance? I didn’t see the contis on the plot. I presume the Ones are faster but weight aside, is the rolling resistance noticeable different than the Contis?
@rdx913 Rolling resistance wise, the Conti is half way between the Marathon and the Schwalbe One. Lighter than the former, and more puncture resistant than the later.
I am not happy, not with your video, but only because i dont have the money for buying a brompton.... Maybe one day
Your graphics is very interesting.
Clear.
Good job
Very informative. Of limited use to me…as I don’t have a bicycle.
Thinking of getting a Brompton, though😀
You will be pleased with a Brompton, no matter which tire you get.
It's relatively risk free. A Brompton keeps it's value as few other bikes. Problem is - You will not want to part with it ;)
Very detailed and informative comparison. Thank you in helping me to make informed and good choices.
I use Kojaks all year around, also for touring. Hardly ever a puncture. Just replace them before they are completly worn out, and keep them on 100PSI.
Did you select the folding bead or wire bead Kojak? How many Km on average do you get out of a pair of them?
@@2Bikes4Adventure i use the wire bead type. I do approximatly 3000km on a set. Depends on the kind of trips I make, the surfaces, road condition. When I go on holiday or any other major trip, I always mount a new set of tyres.The cost of a new set is, taking in regard the total cost of such a longer trip, peanuts. I keep the old ones as spares for shorter or day/weekend trips.
Good job!
Fantastic.......very very informative
I usually take Schwalbe marathons over the marathon plus for touring but I'm considering moving to the continental tyres due to the better rolling resistance....and ease of fitting.
Indeed the Marathon/Marathon Plus can be a pain to install. We could have mention it in the video.
go for it - you won’t regret it - I am riding them for more then 2k km and they are the perfect compromise regarding all in the video mentioned factors + very comfortable
@@2Bikes4Adventure How about the Marathon Racer?
The Racer are easier to install than regular Marathon and Marathon Plus
Really nicely done video, good work! It should be noted however that the estimates on rolling resistance are strictly lab environment. Much like those on some third party websites and do not reflect real world testing by organizations like BQ. Time and again it has been proven that higher volume, lower pressures provide much lower overall resistance and much higher efficiency. I can certainly concur anecdotally that running Primo Comets (the last of the great high volume 16 tires) at 60psi produces significantly faster and less tiring arrival times. The bonus is better comfort and off-road traction on gravel paths. I’m hoping that someone will bring back a high volume 16” tire like the Primo or even better Scorcher again.
We agree. In this video, we didn’t want to go too deep and start discussing “Berto’s 15% tire deflection rule” or the advantage of wider/shorter vs narrower/longer footprints. Maybe in a follow-up video if this one raises enough interest.
@@2Bikes4Adventure I thought you went pretty deep 😊. You have a great instructional style, very well explained content.
I remember gcn doing a rolling test and found 80psi the best in that particular test. They account that the tire can absorb the small imperfections on the road and I suppose that translate to a better roll.
You are raising a very good point. The “Berto’s 15% tire deflection rule” or the advantage of wider/softer over narrower/high-pressure tire could make an interesting subject for a follow-up video.
@@2Bikes4Adventure cool. Love your videos
Not sure about the GCN test, but proper tire pressure has many variables, including rider weight and bike load. I use the very sophisticated Silca tire inflation for my normal bikes but they don’t have a 16” tire choice. I ran my Schwalbe Marathons at 100 psi given my total system weight (bike, rider, gear) around 210 pounds (95 kilos) and city commuting conditions. I did, however, use custom light wheels, not Brompton’s bomb-proof but much heavier ones. I congratulate this channel for a very sophisticated discussion of tire differences.
@tomehrhard6913 We plan to eventually publish a more detailed video concerning Brompton tire pressure. Meanwhile, we welcome your input on the subject.
AMAZING comparison!! Your videos are wonderful! What about use in wet / snow / mixed conditions? Are there any aspects that can be useful in choosing the right model for the winter season? Thanks a lot for your content!
Winter condition tyre selection could warrant a video of its own. We will add this to our “wish list” for possible future subjects- thanks for the suggestion.
Great video❤! After watching I would like to order the Continental Urban and I am asking for your opinion on whether the grip on wet smooth surfaces can be expected to be better with the Continental Urban tires than my existing Schwalbe Racer? I am satisfied with the existing Schwalbe Racer tires, but I find that they slide a lot on wet, smooth surfaces, such as historic granite paving, tram tracks, or the red areas of the horizontal markings of the cycling infrastructure. I mostly drive around town. Thank you very much in advance.
You may have already seen our video concerning the Continental Contact Urban (Contact Urban vs Marathon - A 1200km Brompton Test
ruclips.net/video/jyHEu0AUCJQ/видео.html )
Since that video, we have doubled the distance travelled with them (dry and wet conditions, still no flats). While you should remain wary of wet tram tracks, we think you will be pleased with an upgrade to Continental.
Your subscriber count should be much much higher
We are going for quality, not quantity :-)
Wow! Brilliant explanation, thank you
so much info! love it!
Wow. This was way more detailed than I expected. I was hoping for more of a bike trail handling type video, but you may already have a few of those in your channel which I am now going to be checking out.
We have been riding our bikes over the decades (a mix of full size and folders) on pavement and hard pack gravel (rail trails, etc) and considering Bromptons due to the small folded size (we are going to be going Fulltime RV in about 18 months and space is a huge concern). I still don’t know what to expect on the smaller wheels on mostly gravel trails.
There’s a good reason why Brompton’s tag line is “made for cities”. Its small wheels would likely struggle with anything tougher than a hard-pack (rail-trail type*) roads. A dirt road with discernable small rocks would necessitate constant course corrections (and vibrations) preventing any significant forward momentum. In wet condition, it would become even worst.
Unfortunately, there are no easily available Brompton compatible tires that would solve that issue (its frame/brakes cannot accept wider tires).
*Something like the GAP-C&O trail in the USA would be fine
@@2Bikes4Adventure I believe wider tires will not help much on coarser roads. You will struggle keeping a direction. Maybe a reason cross country MTB's have gone from 26" to 29"
Indeed. Wouldn’t mind some options in the 40-349 range however (Ex.: Greenspeed Scorcher). Brompton equipped with Schwalbe Big Apple would be something to try on (dry) gravel trail as well.
Pre 2000 Brompton own tyres there was the Raleigh Record tyres, Raleigh have stopped making them around 2000, I've got a pair no longer in use on my Brompton
Indeed, one of the only mass produced 16” of the time, they had a reputation of being heavy, puncture prone, poor rolling resistance and difficult to install. Their only redeeming value being their low price, 5 pounds.
@@2Bikes4Adventure my very first bike had white Raleigh Record tyres and even my dad had trouble when repairing the inner tube, I found it very difficult to remove the Raleigh Record off the Brompton but glad I've now have the continental contact urban on
Very very clear and useful. Thanks!~
You don't mention the Tannus tyre, a solid tyre (made in Korea), these are available in 32-349 size, in a range of colours. I have been using these on my Bromptons for about 4 years or so now, being solid they are always fully inflated to mimic 100psi.
The big advantage of a Tannus tyre is of course, they do not ever puncture, a very BIG plus for me - 3 punctures in a week on a Schwalbe Marathon Plus did it for me, I have not looked back.
Slightly heavier than the Marathon Plus, but, the tyre pump is redundant, so removed from the bike.
Tannus claim that the tyres have a life of around 6,000 miles, the rear tyre is about half that.
Can be expensive, but when adding the cost for replacement inner tubes (assuming repairs are DIY), then not as expensive, if the puncture is repaired by a cycle shop then they start to look much cheaper.
The other disadvantage is that the tyres are hard work to fit, it is a struggle to get the tyre on - it is held with pins that engage with the rim, once on, that is it!
I would not wish to return to a pneumatic tyre such is the sheer satisfaction of total reliability (I always seemed to get a puncture when it was raining and at the furthest point away from my return home - why was that?) and that is a joy to be had. Also, a colour other than regular black is great, although in my experience, the tyres all turn a greyish colour through use.
Thanks for this, I like these videos you do on the Bromptons, the best folding bike by far!
Thanks Gary for your feedback concerning Tannus tyre. Coincidentally, we were watching a video on “Brompton Family Time” RUclips Channel yesterday ( ruclips.net/video/7d6LhS2C8TQ/видео.html ) about that same subject. We may try them on one of our Brompton once winter is over. How would you rate traction and comfort?
@@2Bikes4Adventure I did not notice any difference from the Marathon Plus, my regular route is along the seafront in Brighton, UK, so mostly smooth surfaces, we have lots of hills here... I have wheel spun a couple of times on a steel incline.
On wet surfaces I did not notice any difference, I have skidded & fallen off with the Marathon Plus a couple of times!
When the sea has flooded the cycle track, I have ridden through the waves a few times without any concerns!
Comfort-wise, I just don't even think about it, I don't worry unduly about kerbs (a lot of our pavements are now shared with pedestrians) and our roads are full of potholes (terrible neglect).
I am so used to them it is that complete lack of worry about a puncture that makes them perfect for me!
One afterthought. If you are riding the Brompton Electric, some of the values change a bit as for instance, the motor helps overcome the rolling resistance.
You raise a good point concerning E-Bike.
The Kojak and Schwalbe One are NOT rated for Electric bikes.
Schwalbe Marathon, Marathon Plus and Racer are rated E-25 (regular “25km/h” Pedelecs like the eBrompton)
Continental Contact Urban are rated E-50 (Faster S-Pedelec)
Excellent
Very interesting! Don’t understand why the road grip is worse on the marathon and marathon + compared to the schwalbe one and kojak. I thought the marathon had lots of tread on the tyre compared to the kojaks?
Very informative indeed! Thank you for putting in work for this.
Thank you!
Excellent information
Wow! Fantastic video! Thank you!!!!
Love the detail you guys go into, really helps us make a good choice - just the other day I swapped out my Marathon Racers for Conti Urban Contacts and boy what a difference! don't think I could ever go back - they're faster, more comfy and grippier. Just one question though, I only weigh 55KG and have pumped up the front tyre to 80 psi and 90 on the rear - is there a scientific formula to calculate the optimum psi based on a person's weight?
Interesting you mention the swap to Continental Urban. We are now presently touring for the first time on those tires as well (having switched from Schwalbe Marathon). We will likely discuss our conclusion in a follow up video.
Concerning ideal pressure, in addition to total weight, the road surface condition plays a very significant factor. It’s basically a compromise between comfort, pinch flat protection and rolling resistance. It would also make a good follow-up video. Until then, the pressures you are suggesting seem comparable to ours.
@@2Bikes4Adventure I think you're right about the ideal pressure, many factors to consider, including subjectivity in the absence of actual scientific data - I'll play around with the pressures to find that sweet spot! Enjoy your tour and I very much look forward to your thoughts on the Continentals
converted to tubeless. needed avoid overheating on downhill. looking forward to disc brakes
Thx yr good info shareing for my Brompton ! Awesomme
Love your channel. Very educational. And enjoyable. I've learnt alot. Although I ride a Tern bike.
Many aspects discussed in our videos apply to all folding bikes.
impressive video. i knew most of this but its taken me years of enthusiasm and hours of research. how do you do all the illustrations ?
@roberts8783 We use Apple Keynote for the illustration/animation. Its feature set is relatively limited, but the price is right (free).
Great video! Could you please review new tire such as continental urban "foldable". It seems like much lighter than original continental urban.
We will look into it, thanks for the suggestion.
great video
I find it so useful. Thank you.
Great! Greetings from Italy!
Greetings from Canada!
I LOVE YOU! Thanks so much for that great piece of information.
@2Bikes4Adventure
Hi, again enjoyed this video!
If you are making a Rev 2, it will be great if you could add in Velotto Fantome Mini and Velotto Champion Speed tyres. Both are 28-349.
I was on Schwalbe One for about 9 months. Love the speed and recently changed to Champion Speed. It felt even faster!
It is noted, thanks for the suggestion.
Wowwwww!
Love it! Great graphics and marvelous presentation.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I've felt a big difference in riding speed when replace my tires for Marathon and Marathon plus.
They go much faster then originals because I'm using a higher PSI (80/100psi).
Tires are great upgrades.
Keep Safe! Keep Riding!
Tire (as well as chain and sprockets) need to be replaced at one point. It’s a good opportunity to upgrade at minimal cost.
Excellent analysis, thank you. Have you any experience with the Continental?
We haven’t try them yet.
Love the vid . I’ve been using marathon tyres for 4 years and I love them .
My question is what is the perfect tyre pressure for riders weight . I’m 170 kg I run my tyres at 110 psi but I’m breaking spokes
if I lower tyre presser I get tyre slide around corners are there wider tyres better suited for riders weight
Hi Steven. The Brompton maximum load is 110kg (the limit has more to do with the steel frame/weld constraints than tire characteristics).
Having wider tires ( ex.: 40mm / 1.60”) would permit lower pressure (and reduce likelihood of spoke failure), but unfortunately, such tires won’t fit on a Brompton. So, with standard 37mm tire, high load will require maximum pressure.
Having had two punctures of my Plus tyres in past year which penetrated halfway down the side of the tyre I’m thinking the theoretical protection offered by the thick gel inside the Plus isn’t so effective from that direction. Of course, I don’t know how many punctures I’ve avoided. But I’m now wondering whether the Racer’s harder nylon membrane would have prevented penetration by thorns. Changing the Plus is hard work at home. On the road I cycle on the ‘flat’ Plus and that doesn’t seem to damage the tyre (though the inner tube gets shredded). Somehow I doubt the Racer would stand up to sidewall abuse like that!
It goes without saying, sidewalls are always less protected than the main treads. Not sure the Racer would have fared better in such a situation. The next level of protection may be an airless tire (like the Tannus). We have never tried them, but some subscribers seem very satisfied with them.
@@2Bikes4Adventure but it does suggest the Plus’ advantage might be overstated. The Plus relies on its thick gel to absorb the object, but this looks to be only half as effective at 45 degrees. The Racer’s nylon coat appears to have equal effect at any angle. In your graphic the testing appeared only to be exerted at 90 degrees from the horizontal. It would be interesting to compare Racer and Plus at other points of entry eg 45 and 67 degrees.
Hi Peter,
One of the references we used in our video is www.bicyclerollingresistance.com . Each tire evaluation involves 20 punctures, 10 on the centre of the main tread and 10 on the sidewall (2 different needles are used, one blunt, one sharp (so, 5 punctures each per location)). Sidewall puncture score for the Marathon Plus is 21 (thread is 129). Racer sidewall score is 13 (thread is 97).
@@2Bikes4Adventure thanks, that covers both angles (literally!). Plus markedly better in all situations for puncture protection. QED.