CX/Gravel Tire Test: Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Addix 40

After our test of the tubeless (TLE) version of the Schwalbe Marathon Almotion with Addix compound (read our review), it's high time to test the regular non-tubeless version of the Almotion. We're not sure of the adoption rate of tubeless tires when it comes to touring bikes, but we suspect the old-fashioned tube-type tires are still very popular in this category.

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The tube-type and tubeless versions of the Marathon Almotion are very similar, and the main change seems to be in the casings. A quick look at the specifications tells us both versions use a 67 TPI casing, but the TLE comes with an extra layer of MicroSkin fabric that runs from bead to bead. As the tube-type version doesn't require additional sidewall reinforcement, it only comes with an extra layer of puncture protective material under the tread.

Both tires use the same tread pattern and appear to use the same version of Schwalbe's Addix compound. We've tested the 40-622 "V-Guard, E25" version of the Marathon Almotion with the Addix compound, which should make for a great comparison to the TLE version we tested in the same size. If you're looking for more volume, it's also available in the 50-622, 55-622, and 55-584 sizes.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Schwalbe
Model	Marathon Almotion Addix
Year	2022
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At	Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number	11654056
EAN	4026495867092
TPI	67
Compound	Addix
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	40-622
Specified Weight	490 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	80
Made In	Pro Data
Available Sizes	40-622 (700x40c) 50-622 (700x50c) 55-622 (700x55c) 55-584 (27.5x2.15)

Schwalbe Marathon Almotion Addix 40 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	490 grams
Measured Weight	501 grams
Measured Width Casing	38 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	29 mm
Measured Height	Pro Data
Tire Circumference	Pro Data
Measured Knob Height Center	0.0 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	0.0 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	4.70 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Pro Data
All size measurements are taken at high air pressure on a 18 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results

Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube	Conti Tour 28 (170 gr butyl)
Measured Width	38 mm
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 33-35 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 36-38 = 54 psi/3.7 bar 39-42 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 43-46 = 46 psi/3.2 bar 47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 barHigh Air Pressure (54 psi / 3.7 bar)	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 55 psi/3.8 bar 33-35 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 36-38 = 45 psi/3.1 bar 39-42 = 42 psi/2.9 bar 43-46 = 38 psi/2.6 bar 47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 barMedium Air Pressure (45 psi / 3.1 bar)	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 44 psi/3.0 bar 33-35 = 40 psi/2.8 bar 36-38 = 36 psi/2.6 bar 39-42 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 43-46 = 31 psi/2.1 bar 47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 barLow Air Pressure (36 psi / 2.6 bar)	23.6 Watts CRR: 0.00707
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 33-35 = 30 psi/2.1 bar 36-38 = 27 psi/1.9 bar 39-42 = 25 psi/1.7 bar 43-46 = 23 psi/1.6 bar 47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 barExtra Low Air Pressure (27 psi / 1.9 bar)	Pro Data
The CX/Gravel section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread	81 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Tread Total Tire Thickness	4.70 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Pro Data

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	77 Points
Wet Grip Center	Pro Data
Wet Grip Edge	Pro Data
Measured Knob Height Center	0.0 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	0.0 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 CX/Gravel grip test rim width = 23.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion

The tube-type version of the Marathon Almotion with Addix compound performs strongly in nearly all of our tests. We would describe the tube-type Almotion as a tire that rolls fast and is one of the best gripping tires in our wet grip test. The downsides are the relatively low puncture resistance of the tread (for a touring bike tire) and weakish sidewalls that can't take a lot of damage.

The main competitor seems to be the Continental Contact Urban (read our review) which currently is our favorite touring bike tire. The Continental Contact Urban, which can be had for a lower price, outperforms the Almotion in nearly all of our tests. We do recommend the Almotion over the Contact Urban if you're experiencing any kind of off-road conditions, as the Almotion comes with a much more versatile tread pattern.

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RATING: 4.5 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Highly Recommended

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