Schwalbe Marathon 700x50 Day One Review

Honestly, after about 2 miles of test riding on my Soma with the new Marathon tires, I think they're ok. The wider tires seem to fit the style of the bike.   I have to say they are not the same as the Marathon Plus on my Marin Muirwoods 29er.  The 700x47 Marathon Plus I have on the Muirwoods is about the same size as the ones I have on my Soma, but the Plus on the Muirwoods feels much faster than the regular Marathon.  The wider tire also doesn't feel the same as the older and narrower Marathon I have on my Del Rey.   Maybe I need to give them a little more time until they're broken in.   Ok, my plan is more biking and write another longer-term review.   In the meantime, check out the pics below:

My Alfine Di2 Dream Commuter: 2013 Norco Indie Drop

Before highlighting features of my dream commuter, let me present to you, 2013 Norco Indie Drop:

https://www.norco.com/bikes/urban/urban-performance/indie-drop/

Frameset

Frame Indie Double Butted Chromo w/Chainstay Disc

Fork Straight Bladed Chromoly Disc 

Wheels

Rims Freedom Cruz Disc - Black 

Tires Kenda Karvs SRC - Black 700x28c - Folding 

Tubes Presta Valve - 48mm valve 

Front Hub Shimano Deore HB-M595 Sealed - Black 

Rear Hub Shimano Alfine-11 Di2 SG-S705 IGH 

Spokes/Nipples Double Butted 2.0/1.8/2.0mm stainless - Black 

Drivetrain

Shifter Front Shimano Alfine BL-S705 - Black 

Shifter Rear Shimano Alfine-11 Di2 ST-S705 - Black 

Shifter Casing Alfine Di2 - Information Display SC-S705 

Cassette Shimano 21T Sprocket 

Crankset Track Cranks w/External BB 42T - Black 

Bottom Bracket Eccentric BB w/External Bearings 

Pedals

Chain Sram CN-PC951 9speed 

Chain Tensioner

Components

Seat Post Norco - Black w/Grey 

Seat Post Clamp Integrated 

Saddle Selle Royal Becoz Sport - CorkGel 

Headset FSA Orbit CE - ACB Integrated headset 

Headset Spacer 2x10mm - Black & 1x10mm - Dark Grey 

Top Cap Alloy w/Norco Logo - Dark Grey 

Stem Norco - Black w/Grey 

Handlebar Norco Compact - Black w/Grey 

Grips Norco Microfiber w/Gel - Black 

Front Brake Shimano BR-R515 Road Disc - Black  (well, Avid BB7 Road might be a better choice)

Rear Brake Shimano BR-R515 Road Disc - Black 

Brake Levers

At MSRP $2865 CAD, I have to pray Canada's will go through another economic crisis and the exchange rate would go lower, so the rest of the world can get something from Norco at a reasonable price.   The other more economical solution I can think of is to drool over the pic above.  I think I'll go with the latter choice.

New Shoes: Schwalbe Marathon Greenguard 700x50

New package found outside my porch!  It's a pair of 700x50 Schwalbe Marathon I ordered a few days ago from Ebay!  I want fatter tires for the style and being able to go into some not-so-smooth roads.   Couldn't help but to replace the existing 700x42 Continental Townride immediately.  It's now an hour after midnight, and the new are shoes on.  As expected, the bike as whole is a bit heavier.  Certainly, like the newer look.  As soon as I get a good night of sleep, I will take my bike out for a spin and see how they roll.

I also have Schwalbe Marathon's on my Muirwood and Del Rey... love them, love them, love them.   This is the newer greenguard version, which is different from the other marathon's I have.   Hopefully, it will be the same, if not better.  We'll see.

 I've tried some other brands before, but in the end Schwalbe Marathon is what I wanted (with the exception of Michelin Carbon/Krylion/Pro4 Endurance).  Continental Sports and Townride are also very durable, but the ride quality is different; both tires are softer and seems like you are losing power at the wheel.  Maybe, it's just me.  Ok, getting tired... good night!