Schwalbe touring tyres: Schwalbe streamlines its range – new portfolio, clear structure
Adrian Kaether
· 23.06.2026
Editor’s conclusion
With the myriad of touring tyres in its range, it’s easy to lose track of things at Schwalbe. Schwalbe is now tackling this issue and, in the interests of clarity, is discontinuing a number of models. Whether the three new tyre families will really catch on with touring cyclists, or whether people will ultimately end up buying tyres based more on appearance and tread pattern after all, remains to be seen.
Schwalbe is reorganising its extensive range of touring tyres and will in future divide it into three newly defined families. With MARATHON, MOTION and HYBRID, choosing the right tyre is set to become significantly easier than before. At the same time, the long-established manufacturer is reducing its portfolio by almost a third. Here is an overview of the new categories and the new tyres and technologies that Schwalbe has unveiled at the same time.
Tackling the flood of models: an overview of categories
Marathon, Energizer or Big Ben? And which version would you like? Schwalbe currently has many touring tyres in its range that look very similar. Yet, from compound to puncture protection, and from everyday use to cycle touring, Schwalbe’s touring tyres cover a wide range of applications. There’s a model to suit everyone, so to speak. The downside is that it’s easy to lose track of the options – and this is where Schwalbe steps in. Three new product families are set to act as signposts, guiding cyclists straight to the right model.
MARATHON: The Premier League
The MARATHON range is, so to speak, Schwalbe’s flagship – and has been ever since the first ultra-durable and puncture-resistant Marathon tyre was launched in the 1980s. The Marathon range is all about durability, puncture protection and reliability on long tours. Of course, the MARATHON Plus models remain in the range too; these are officially designated as ‘puncture-proof’. The Marathon range is intended to be the first choice for frequent cyclists and touring cyclists with high quality expectations. Prices are correspondingly high. The tyres are in the mid-range at under 50 euros or, as Pro variants, in the premium range at over 70 euros RRP.
MOTION: Specialists in everyday life
The MOTION range covers a broad spectrum – more of a mixed bag than a completely uniform category – ranging from robust cargo bike tyres to lightweight, dynamic tyres for sporty urban bikes. Schwalbe is deliberately targeting different cyclists who have specific requirements but do not want to compromise on functionality. The range picks up on current trends and offers tread patterns for a wide variety of uses in the lower and mid-price ranges.
HYBRID: The all-rounder for off-road use
HYBRID tyres are Schwalbe’s response to the boom in SUV e-bikes. They are designed to perform well on both tarmac and light off-road terrain – a balance that is particularly crucial for modern trekking and SUV e-bikes. Despite their large volume, Schwalbe claims they roll smoothly and quietly on the road, whilst at the same time offering sufficient grip off-road.
The new tyres: Radial and Marathon
In line with the new range structure, Schwalbe is launching four new models: the MARATHON Almotion, MOTION Kojak, MOTION Landcruiser (Plus) and the HYBRID Johnny Watts. We have covered the details of each tyre in separate articles. Less well-known tread patterns such as Spicer, Silento and Energizer Plus Tour are being phased out.
Exciting news: with the Marathon Almotion Pro and the Johnny Watts, Schwalbe is expanding its tubeless range to include touring tyres for the first time. Until now, only sporty MTB, gravel and road bike tyres were tubeless-compatible. What’s more, the Johnny Watts SUV tyre features a radial carcass for greater grip and riding comfort. This is another technology that Schwalbe has only just introduced for mountain bikes.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
