Some people laugh when they hear the words “puncture proof tyres” but then they probably haven’t tried these two tyres.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus is the tyre of choice for the tough bikes used in the hire scheme in France – could it help you on your bike?
Punctures are an annoying part of a cyclists life. For me, they typically occur when I least want them to. On my way to a meeting. In the rain. And when my toolkit is sat, forgotten, on my desk at home. But there are tyres that can drastically reduce the number of punctures.
There is one piece of bad news however, that I better deliver to you now in-case you haven’t already realised. No matter what people say there is no such thing as “100% puncture proof tyres”. That’s like saying McDonalds burgers are “100% meat”. I’ll counteract that with two pieces of good news to make you feel better. These tyres don’t cost that much more than your average tyre and they won’t slow you down noticeably.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus puncture proof tyres
I rode with the Marathon Plus tyres 145+ miles from Birmingham to London along the canal towpaths (considered puncture heaven) getting only a single puncture. Others doing the same route but with different tyres have reported punctures in double figures. Since then they’ve continued to serve me well. I’d highly recommend them.
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Specialized Armadillo all condition tyres
I recently got this email about these puncture proof tyres:
Was staggered by the amount of people in your what is in your bike bag article who carried spare inner tyres, puncture repair kits and CO2 canisters with them every day! Staggered. I cycle along the towpath, through Harlesden (always has glass in road). On average about 30 miles a week. Have had zero punctures in 6 years going from Shepherds Bush – Wembley. Why not do a review of armadillo tyres with the puncture protection? I ride a hybrid with these on. Am probably jinxing it now I realise, but I love them.
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Puncture proof tyres tip
If you can fit them on your bike the 25mm or 28mm puncture proof tyres will provide greater comfort and a smaller chance of a pinch puncture.
Conclusion
The above two tyres are considered two of the best puncture proof tyres. I’m excited to hear what you guys think. It’s invaluable to have this great community of cyclists here on London Cyclist adding their personal experiences and insights.
Please add a comment below about your thoughts on puncture proof tyres & technologies..
Also related:
- Ever wanted to peek inside a fellow cyclists bag? Here’s your chance.
- Find out how to repair a puncture – checkout the Bike Doctor App.
- Get my free guide to bicycle maintenance. Subscribe to the newsletter.
- Tyres that make you go “Whoosh”! The continental city contact.
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As seen on The Guardian, BBC and The Independent.
Tips to having less tyre punctures that I’ve found helped:
1) Always run the tyre at max. inflation.
This deflects lots of objects that would otherwise cause damage.
2) Check the tyre routinely for debris. If you know you rode over a glass ‘river’ it’s worth doing this after the ride, as you can stop a ‘sleeping’ puncture waking up later.
3) Scan the route ahead and avoid potential puncture material.
Simple enough to do, but, if impossible to avoid – distribute weight by taking it off the tyre going over the offending item – this normally means having to stand on the pedals like riding up/off a kerb. It much lessens the chance of grinding the debris into the tyre bead.
4) Line the inside of the tyre.
This tip has saved me *countless* punctures alone.
You can use a kevlar belt sold especially for this. I’ve found a cut old inner tube to be equally efficient. Just be sure to line it straight & evenly (even glue it in place if needed) so it doesn’t cause problems with the inner tube inflating the tyre.
5) Use a thick walled tyre.
I once had 3 punctures in a day, then got a Michelin city and used the techniques listed above as well. I forgot what having a puncture was like for years after.
…but a new bike with new tyres reminded me! =:)
I don’t carry a pump any more. Worth investing in a CO2 cartridge. They’re tiny and light, and can generally keep the tyre inflated briefly enough to get back home sans repair from 4 miles with fast pedalling out – if the worst does happen.
There are two totally puncture proof bicycle tyres, Amerityre and Greentyre. These tyres are made of high density polyurethane foam. Halfords used to sell Greentyres many years ago but unfortunately no longer do. But you can buy them online. They are uncomfortable at first until you get used to them as they feel really hard. But those who use narrow tyred road bikes will not notice much difference. They also last much longer than conventional tyres.