Marathon Almotion Pro review: Here’s how good the new Schwalbe Marathon is!

BIKE Verdict: A successful new edition!

​The new Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Pro certainly lives up to its legendary reputation. In our view, and also bearing in mind the latest touring tyre test from early 2026: The best – but unfortunately also the most expensive – all-round tyre on the market. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor

A classic reinvents itself

No other tyre is as synonymous with reliability on trekking and touring rides as the Schwalbe Marathon. For decades, cycle tourists, everyday commuters and long-distance cyclists worldwide have relied on Schwalbe’s robust tyres – whether it be as the new, faster Marathon Efficiency or as the Marathon Plus with its ‘puncture-proof’ promise. Now, the long-established manufacturer is refining its flagship model and unveiling a new version: the new Schwalbe Marathon Almotion is set to set the benchmark in the trekking and touring segment. And with the PRO version, Schwalbe is venturing into tubeless technology for touring tyres for the first time. We’ve already had the chance to test the Marathon Almotion Pro extensively.

A completely new tread pattern: smooth running combined with high-grip outer blocks

The most striking feature of the new Marathon Almotion is its new tread pattern. At its centre is a solid centre rib with an arrow-shaped pattern, which ensures a quiet, smooth ride and high abrasion resistance on paved roads and hard-surfaced paths. The principle is tried and tested: a continuous centre rib reduces rolling resistance, minimises vibrations and noticeably increases the tyre’s mileage.

But Schwalbe doesn’t stop there. High-grip, diamond-patterned outer blocks on the sidewalls – as seen on the newer Efficiency model – are designed to ensure safety in wet conditions and on loose surfaces. This makes the Almotion an attractive option for anyone who doesn’t just ride on tarmac, but also doesn’t shy away from the occasional dirt track or light gravel. The new tread pattern thus combines two worlds: the comfortable long-distance tyre and the versatile all-rounder for mixed terrain.

Marathon Almotion Pro: Tubeless, lightweight and fast – a first for touring tyres

The Pro version of the Marathon Almotion is particularly exciting from a technical point of view. It is the first ever classic touring tyre to be tubeless-compatible. This improves puncture protection, as the sealant it contains can automatically seal small punctures – such as those caused by thorns – and, without an inner tube, there is no longer any risk of ‘snake bites’ in the event of a puncture. Furthermore, the tyre rolls noticeably faster when used tubeless and is also slightly lighter. The downside is that it requires slightly more maintenance, as the sealant needs to be topped up regularly. Nevertheless, its tubeless capability alone makes the Almotion Pro a real milestone. Until now, this feature has only been available on performance-oriented mountain bike, gravel and road bike tyres.

Marathon Almotion Pro at a glance:

• Tubeless-ready: Lower rolling resistance and greater puncture protection
• V-Guard Puncture Protection: Schwalbe’s tried-and-tested lightweight puncture protection belt provides reliable protection against punctures
• Weight: 530 grams, 40 mm wide (BIKE measurement)
• Width: Exactly 40 millimetres on a 25 DT Swiss rim (BIKE measurement)
• Price: €80 RRP (Pro version)

Marathon Plus and Almotion: Better value and with ultimate puncture protection

Anyone looking for even greater puncture protection can, of course, still opt for the Plus version, which is also available and features the standard 3-millimetre-thick puncture-protection layer across the entire tread. However, this does increase the weight significantly. From our tests, we also know that, that with the ultra-puncture-resistant Plus tyres, ride comfort often suffers significantly. You need to be aware of this drawback.

The Almotion Marathon is also available without the ‘Pro’ designation. In this version, the rubber compound is slightly simpler and the tyre has an even higher proportion of recycled material. As with the Pro, the puncture protection on the Almotion should be more than adequate for most uses. Neither the Plus nor the Almotion tyres are tubeless-compatible, but they cost only around half the price of the Almotion Pro.

​Model overview

At the time of testing, the Almotion Pro Marathon was available from well-stocked specialist cycle shops and online. The RRP of just under 80 euros is admittedly ambitious for a premium touring tyre – but understandable given the technology on offer

Real-world test: What the Marathon Almotion Pro is really like to ride

We tested the Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Pro in 40 mm tubeless over several weeks on various surfaces – from tarmac cycle paths to damp forest tracks and light gravel.

Rolling behaviour and speed

The first thing you notice is that the Almotion Pro rolls exceptionally fast for a touring tyre – more like a fast gravel tyre. The difference compared to conventional Marathon tyres is noticeable, which is likely down to the improved rolling performance and lower rotating mass thanks to the tubeless design. On flat sections and longer rides, the low rolling resistance is particularly noticeable. Anyone who has previously ridden with a heavier touring tyre such as the Marathon Plus will notice the difference clearly.

Handling and grip

Thanks to its almost continuous central rib, the tyre rolls almost as quietly as a slick. The new Almotion Pro really comes into its own when leaning into corners and on loose surfaces: the outer blocks provide reliable grip even on soft tarmac and gravel.

The tyre also inspires a great deal of confidence when turning in. You feel confident taking corners at high speed and with a steep lean angle. We hadn’t expected that from a touring tyre. It’s possible that the tyre’s shape also plays a part in this. The cross-section of the Marathon Almotion Pro is comparatively angular, with a flatter centre. This means the high-grip shoulder knobs engage early on. Despite the difference in tread pattern between the centre and the sidewall, the tyre never feels vague or uneven when steering.

Even on rainy rides, there were no unpleasant surprises. On wet stones or small roots, however, the Marathon Almotion Pro does reach its limits quite noticeably. In these situations, coarser tread patterns perform better. If you ride tubeless, though, you can still get plenty of traction and comfort off-road by running at a low pressure, without risking punctures from sharp objects.

Puncture protection

Despite several test rides on gravelly and, in places, stony sections: not a single puncture. Anything else would be a faux pas for a touring tyre. The V-Guard, however, proves to be a reliable protective layer. When used tubeless with sealant, minor cuts and punctures are likely to go unnoticed anyway. Of course, you do need to top up the pressure regularly with tubeless tyres. After a week of inactivity, however, the pressure only dropped from three to two bar. That’s a very good result for a tubeless tyre that’s still fairly new.

Weight and suitability for gravel bikes

530 grams in 40 mm – this specification makes the Marathon Almotion Pro an attractive option not just for trekking bikes. Its weight and size also make it a compelling choice as a touring tyre for gravel or all-road bikes, where durability and everyday practicality are essential without compromising on riding enjoyment.

The Almotion Pro Marathon at a glance

Strengths

• Low rolling resistance and quiet running
• Extremely high confidence, particularly when turning in and when leaning into a bend
• A performance boost thanks to tubeless tyres

Weaknesses

• a very high price for a touring tyre

Review: Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Pro, 40 mm | Tested on: trekking bike / gravel bike