I have never put the tyre and inner tube on at the same time. I always put one side of the tyre on the wheel then stuff the flat inner tube into the tyre, then I struggle to get the other side of the tyre on the wheel without pinching the inner tube. Great tip, I'll use this method from now on. Cheers 👍
Me too. As a new owner I’m very grateful for your informative Brompton videos. Been enjoying your travel videos which inspired me to research the bikes and get one of my own. Huge gratitude, for that. 🙏🏼❤️
I always enjoy watching the nice lady on Brilliant Bikes channel refitting a Brompton tyre with her hands alone.. no tyre levers at all! Considering she is really quite a "dainty" personage, I was impressed I have to say. So I tried it for myself. Yes, I succeeded ... ... eventually! Phew!
Well done! It is an ideal I have never managed to have the patience to live up to... :) On a worn tyre if you fix a puncture it is easier but a new Marathon tyre bead is tough and I think by hand only it would take me a good hour and quite a bit of swearing... :) Cheers
Love your Channel!, I find it easier that when putting on the tyre to start from the valve working each side of the bead into the rim equal distance so you meet on the opposite side of the valve.
Great video Gianni. Someone might have mentioned this, but to make the tires last longer I rotate them at around at their mid-life span. The rear wears quicker then the front, so by moving the less worn front tire to the back, and the back to the front, one buys a bit more time before replacement is needed. I have been doing this on all my bikes for years. It's a good way to save a few $$. But of course when going on a longer trip I always start with brand new tyres. Thanks for sharing.
Really enjoy your videos , I’m from the uk in Cornwall, I take great inspiration from your travels and I plan to get the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff and cycle down to Spain on the cycle route. I had a blow out on my Brompton rear marathon tyre . I then decided to change both for the tannus solid tyre and now have no stress on getting a puncture . Subject to Brexit free movement I am planning to move to Turin in 2022 for a few years as I am 58 and retired . I plan to rent a nice apartment in the centre. Thanks.
Good to hear about other tyres. Was the blow out during very hot condition with the tyre inflated at a very high pressure I wonder? Planning to retire in Italy myself but still a little early for that... :) Have a great ride down Spain.
@@BromptonTraveler thanks , the blowout was due to the tyre being worn on the base , if I had changed it as you suggest I would not have a problem. Thanks.
Schwalbe Marathon are directional tires: the threads pattern are design to only rotate in one direction. So, when installing them, ensure the “rotation” indication on the sidewall points in the right direction.
After experiencing several punctures this autumn from blackthorn cuttings (two punctures of my trailer’s cheap tyres and one puncture of my Brompton Marathon) I became good at changing tyres (😆) but also researched puncture resistance. Decided against Tannus as such bad grip and instead fitted the thickest tyre I could find for relevant wheel size: Marathon Plus on the Brompton and Marathon on the trailer. The Plus is a much heavier tyre but no punctures so far (Schwalbe describe it as ‘flat free’ - the outer tyre can be penetrated ie punctured but not the inner tube). In this cold weather thd last thing I could cope with would be settling down at the side of a road with freezing fingers to fix a flat! 🤞
I am curious about Tannus, some people do like them but I heard they can be slippery and I haven't heard from anyone touring on them. As I find Marathon really good it is hard to gamble and try a different one as I mostly use my Brompton for touring and won't be able to test it around home with other tyres. Definitely worth the investment for avowing your fingers getting frostbites...I have used both Plus and normal on the Brompton and provided they are kept at a good pressure 80/90psi I find that it is pretty hard to get punctures.
@@BromptonTraveler but have you cycled past hedgerows of blackthorn just after a farmer has cut it using his threshing machine?! Blackthorn has nail-like spikes that are 2cm long but once macerated become thousands of spiky pieces. Any of them can penetrate a tyre. (Blackthorn seems popular in sheep country for preventing them from breaking through fences). Re-Tannus: although some people like them many revert to Marathons or Plus because reportedly they don’t grip at all well and have a short life span much less than quoted on their website.
@@petergilbert72 Good to know about Tannus. No I guess I never had the experience of riding on blackthorns....The worse experience I have had so far was on the Pacific US coast where you get nasty thin metal staples they use as part of the system to fix logs on the back of trucks. They go straight up any tyre and they were very hard to see...
You will find it much easier when replacing the tyre to engage both sides on the rim by the valve. Then work your way round the rim finally fitting the tyre onto the rim working away from the valve. It is important to make sure the tyre bead is in the centre of the rim. That way you can fit the tyre by hand without the use of tyre levers. This method also works with Marathon Plus tyres which are more of a challenge to fit.
I used to do it that way but I found that if you do that you are not able to push the tyre beads in like I show here. Pushing the valve side down too deep it can easily get stuck and when you pump it up it inflates unevenly. Will give it another go though and follow your suggestion maybe trying to be careful not push the valve in too much. Thanks
Great video. I save an 'almost done" tire as well. I would recommend buying 303 Aerospace protectant. It rejuvenates the rubber on the tires you store and your current tires after a bike wash.
@@BromptonTraveler I have actually purchased it for my car as my tires started to prematurely dry rot since I was commuting instead. It's not greasy and not high in chemicals. It's purpose is to restore all vinyl rubber and plastics more naturally. Not harmful on any surface. Not a shining pretty product which are dangerous and bad on rubber.
Yesterday I surprisingly received a Manila envelope from Amazon. What? Inside was the Lezyne Microfloor Drive HVG. I was expecting a floor pump taller than my knee. This Microfloor is the length of my forearm. And it's light. Thanks, Gianni. I also have the Veeape Mini Tire Inflator. It's electronic. You just push a button and it inflates your tire to the desired psi. It's a little heavy though. I'm giving the Veepe to a homeless person. I also have the Lezyne Pressure Drive Hand Pump. I don't like it because it doesn't have a gauge.
I always use Marathon tyres there the best for high pressure I run mine 110 psi . In all the years of changing rear tyres on my Brompton it never occurred to me to fold the rear and change it
I did about that on the rear one in the video and didn't have a puncture too. I found that keeping them at high pressure when touring has a big impact.
Over time the rubber gets dry and becomes more prone to catch stones, which over time work themselves through the rubber and cause punctures. It is a good practice to inspect the tires regularly and remove any objects on their way inside. I used to do this cleaning operation on the fly when riding my racing bike by scraping with the upper leather of the shoe on the back wheel, and with the padded part of my glove on the front wheel. Warning! Do practice this at home, not in traffic! :-) I always use the Schwalbe Kojak for city riding. They have no tire tread at all and never captures any objects. I love them! Interesting fact: over the years I have run through piles of broken glass but never found a piece of glass causing a puncture, only small sharp stones. What is your experience?
Inspecting tyres is a great tip and something I also do regularly. Sometimes you can prevent a sharp object or a stone lodged in the thread to turn into a puncture. I have never used Kojak as I believe they don't have much thread and they might not stand the test of a longer tour where you cycle all day for weeks? Of course the advantage is that they must be faster. I had punctures over the years. I am having a good streak of no punctures lately which I wonder if it is down to carrying a Lezyne pump with me and topping up the pressure more than I use to be able to... Thanks!
I tried it once and felt it had too much resistance for my taste and for long travels I rather stick to what has been tried and tested which still is Marathon Schwalbe. I don't mind the odd puncture I get with them/ it is a rare event and something I am willing to trade for a tyre that is otherwise durable and reliable which is the main issue when traveling as 16" tyres are not something you easily find in most countries. I heard good reports on the new Continental recently so I might give those a try on day.
@@BromptonTraveler thanks for your answer, I’ve the same opinion but i wanted to hear from you. I was really thinking about the Tanus Armur that goes between the tire and the inner tube, informe me if you have tried them or willing too. Keep it up 👌🏻♥️
That's a perfectly nice toolkit and fitting into the frame too. I have never purchased one as I didn't need it. I already have the multitools for repairs and having tried different types of tyre levers throughout the years I found I really like those one I show on the video. I have heard mixed reports about the levers in the Brompton toolkit but you might tell me they work great? Thanks!
Hi Gianni-really great video-was unfortunate enough to have a dodgy inner tube on my 2 week old Brompton-the guys at the bike shop changed the tube but suggested I replace my marathon racers with marathon plus-I’ve read Brompton don’t recommend them-do you know why and should I upgrade to marathon plus-I’m hoping to tour France when I can!
I heard that myself only recently... They are probably the most used tyres on Brompton though and I and many others I am sure used them for years without any trouble. I must say I usually stick to the Standard though which are a bit cheaper and still offer durability and puncture resistance. Thanks
Right. It was suggested together with shampoo and talcum powder, all great ideas I will definitely try next time! Has sealant worked for you? If it was compact enough, light and gets you home where you can repair it, it sounds like an option worth considering.
I have a old Dahon that I use in town and have used for shorter rides. I think the only small difference is that a Brompton due to the smaller wheels is a bit less stable and needs a little more care when riding but otherwise not too much difference. A Brompton with luggage is actually very stable. As far as comfort Bromptons are pretty comfortable so no difference there. Thanks
I have both a dahon MU SL11 and a Brompton H6L I prefer the Brompton. I’ve changed the handlebars to 560 mm which makes it a more stable ride . And the fold is a perfect size for me
@@stevenbone2457 Agree Steven. My Dahon although now quite old is a nice bike but it never gave me enough confidence to tour with it as the folding system, particularly the stem on the handlebar had issues every now and then. Also it doesn't really fold that small. Cheers.
I bring a lezyne pump. Small, compact and can bring Brompton tyres up to 8 psi without much sweat. You find it linked here www.amazon.co.uk/shop/bromptontraveler
Thanks, I do hate changing the rear tire on the road so I too never let it wear down too much. Do you ever rotate front and rear tires. P.S. I tried the slick Schwalbe One tire and hated it. No flats but more uncomfortable and I felt even slower. Go figure.
I do rotate tires every now and then. I think it is a good idea provided you don't use a much too worn tire for the front where you could risk slipping when you steer. Slick tires are probably not an option for touring then!
I am not sure if you mean carrying one with you or finding one in a shop? If you thinking of the first one I would rather carry a good spare that anyway you know that one day you will be able to use. If you meant the second option, you could but chances are that an emergency doesn't happen near a bike shop and that you would be stuck anyway? Good tyres usually are quite reliable but I got used to bring a spare as a rule and use it if I need to.
They are both good. In theory Plus has better puncture protection but I find the standard one if kept at good pressure is just as good. As far as comfort I doubt anyone could tell the difference. I usually get standard as I change them often and bring spares when I tour so they save me some money. Thanks
That's right and as I said you make it much more likely to pinch the inner tube by doing so. I have seen people putting on Marathon Tyres by hand on a Brompton but each time I have tried unless I was willing to spend hours trying, I failed. You do need very strong hands. Some better suggestions have been made like using shampoo on bead or talcum powder. Will definitely try those. Thanks
Tina, looking forward to hear how they perform! Given Marathon have always worked well for me I didn't gamble on other tyres but I am sure things will change and better ones will come to the market.
@@BromptonTraveler I put this on the front as I had my front wheel wash out sideways on a slight ridge in the ground with Marathon Racers, messed up my knee, so got the conti for my front wheel as it seemed grippier. I’m gonna use up the racers on the back wheel for now, but might stick with the contis if I don’t crash again
@@bytesabre Small wheels are a little trickier to handle I know... I guess Marathon Racers are slick? The Marathon I use have a bit of thread but I think when it is wet it is always a good idea to pay extra care on a Brompton. I did take a fall or two myself...
Schwalbe Marathon tires are NOT puncture resistant. Let me repeat that…Schwalbe Marathon tires are NOT puncture resistant. That’s a lie. It’s fault advertisement. I am speaking from personal experience.
Puncture resistant doesn't mean puncture proof if that is what you mean... All it means is that they offer as much resistance to puncture as possible. For years Schwalbe Marathon on all sizes have been the go to tyres for people bike touring and on a Brompton I can tell you that in over 15000 km I haven't had more than 10 punctures which I would say is really good given I have ridden on less than ideal road at times. Of course things change and there are new options coming on the market all the times; if you do know of something that works better do let us know and will try them. Cheers
No but you are the 2nd person recommending them so I should!? Thing is that Marathon have been bomb proof for me so far and when you tour you don't have the luxury to swap a tyre you don't like. I will keep an eye out for them. Have you every used them on a tour with more weight on the bike? Cheers
@@BromptonTraveler that's the thing. I haven't taken them on a long ride. They last forever and are very hard to change so it could be good for your trips. Having said that, they do "feel" a bit softer. So people might say it takes more energy overall. But I think it would be worth it for you to try since flats are terrible. I love mine though
@@BromptonTraveler As far as the weight goes, I weigh 225lbs, so probably more than you and your gear lol (fat guy life) but they are great. I ride in downtown on terrible streets so I needed bulletproof tires
