Hi cbdives, I've had my schwalbe marathon plus tyres on for about fifteen months and still going strong, the tread is starting to wear but I think I will get at least another six months out of them. And they do a lot of outdoor work. And I've never had a puncture.
I've had mine (Schwalbe Marathon Plus) since I got my chair back in December 2011 and I still have a fairly decent amount of tread. I'm not a heavy outdoor chair user though so that's probably why it doesn't have much wear.
Thanks...I really like those marathon tires. Can I replace my hard tires with those pneumatic tires? The wheels appear to have holes where a valve stem would go.
cbdives, I didn't know that solid tires could be retread, if I am understanding you correctly. The pneumatic tires are lighter, roll more smoothly (if of the quality of Scwalbe Marathon Plus), and can be used on same rims as solid. Pneumatic are easier to change, also. I am using Shox solids now, came with my chair, but will be changing to pneumatic when they wear out.
I use air-filled tires to absorb shock and have a more comfortable ride. I have never had solid tires. I use Continental Contact tires for the spring and summer and the tread lasts a long time. I have Kenda Kobra tires for the winter months, and the tread wears down on those faster. It could be that spring and summer last only 3-4 months and winter lasts 8-9 months here, so my winter tires get used for longer.
Holy cow! I keep my winter tires at 65 PSI (max) and I keep my spring tires at 40-45 PSI (58 PSI is the max for those.)
Tire manufacturer's usually recommend a range of pressure for their products. The lower pressure tires have more rolling resistance, although if designed for lower pressure this is not necessarily a problem. "Winter tires" have better traction with usually lower pressure and more aggressive tread, so rolling resistance becomes a benefit!
I spoke to Schwalbe tech rep and was told that inflating the Marathon Plus Evolution to 85PSI was good for more cushioned ride, while 145PSI is the upper limit.
Consider also the Schwalbe Airborne for a very smooth roll, rides at 55-95PSI. Pricey, but sweet! Not sure if they will work with Natural Fit or Flexrim handrims...