Touring Bike Tire Test: Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Addix
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 19.4 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 81 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 77 Points
- Conclusion: 4.5 / 5 Highly Recommended
- Comments
- Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Addix
(100% is best)
After our test of the tubeless (TLE) version of the Schwalbe Marathon Almotion with Addix compound (read our review), it's high time to test the regular non-tubeless version of the Almotion. We're not sure of the adoption rate of tubeless tires when it comes to touring bikes, but we suspect the old-fashioned tube-type tires are still very popular in this category.
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The tube-type and tubeless versions of the Marathon Almotion are very similar, and the main change seems to be in the casings. A quick look at the specifications tells us both versions use a 67 TPI casing, but the TLE comes with an extra layer of MicroSkin fabric that runs from bead to bead. As the tube-type version doesn't require additional sidewall reinforcement, it only comes with an extra layer of puncture protective material under the tread.
Both tires use the same tread pattern and appear to use the same version of Schwalbe's Addix compound. We've tested the 40-622 "V-Guard, E25" version of the Marathon Almotion with the Addix compound, which should make for a great comparison to the TLE version we tested in the same size. If you're looking for more volume, it's also available in the 50-622, 55-622, and 55-584 sizes.
Manufacturer Specifications
| Manufacturer Specs | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Schwalbe |
| Model | Marathon Almotion Addix |
| Year | 2022 |
| Supplied By | Bought in store |
| New or Used | New |
| Mileage | 0 km |
| Price Range | High |
| Buy At | Ad Amazon.com |
| Manufacturer part number | 11654056 |
| TPI | 67 |
| Compound | Addix |
| Bead | Folding |
| ETRTO | 40-622 |
| Size Inch | 28" |
| Width mm | 40.00 |
| Specified Weight | 490 grams |
| Max Air Pressure (psi) | 80 |
| Made In | Members Only |
| Available Sizes |
40-622 (700x40c) 50-622 (700x50c) 55-622 (700x55c) 55-584 (27.5x2.15) |
Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Addix Test Results
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
| Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements | |
|---|---|
| Specified Weight | 490 grams |
| Measured Weight | 501 grams |
| Measured Width | 38 mm (un-round) |
| Measured Height | 37 mm (un-round) |
| Tread Depth | 2.1 mm |
| Total Tire Thickness Center | 4.7 mm |
| Total Tire Thickness Sidewall | Members Only |
| All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 60 psi / 4 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim. | |
Rolling Resistance Test Results
| Rolling Resistance Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Inner Tube | Conti Tour 28 (170 gr butyl) |
| Rolling Resistance 75 PSI / 5 Bar |
18.4 Watts CRR: 0.00552 |
| Rolling Resistance 60 PSI / 4 Bar |
19.4 Watts CRR: 0.00582 |
| Rolling Resistance 45 PSI / 3 Bar |
Members Only |
| Rolling Resistance 30 PSI / 2 Bar |
Members Only |
| All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load. |
|
Puncture Resistance Test Results
| Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better) | |
|---|---|
| Total Puncture Score Tread | 81 Points |
| Total Puncture Score Sidewall | Members Only |
| Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Members Only |
| Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Members Only |
| Tread Total Tire Thickness | 4.7 mm |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Members Only |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Members Only |
| Sidewall Total Tire Thickness | Members Only |
Static Grip Test Results
| Static Grip Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Wet Grip Average | 77 Points |
| Wet Grip Center | Members Only |
| Wet Grip Edge | Members Only |
| Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 Tour/E-Bike grip test rim width = 23.0 mm |
|
Conclusion
- Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Addix
(100% is fastest - lightest - thickest - strongest)
The tube-type version of the Marathon Almotion with Addix compound performs strongly in nearly all of our tests. We would describe the tube-type Almotion as a tire that rolls fast and is one of the best gripping tires in our wet grip test. The downsides are the relatively low puncture resistance of the tread (for a touring bike tire) and weakish sidewalls that can't take a lot of damage.
The main competitor seems to be the Continental Contact Urban (read our review) which currently is our favorite touring bike tire. The Continental Contact Urban, which can be had for a lower price, outperforms the Almotion in nearly all of our tests. We do recommend the Almotion over the Contact Urban if you're experiencing any kind of off-road conditions, as the Almotion comes with a much more versatile tread pattern.
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RATING:
4.5
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended