Marathon: the newest generation
20 years of Marathon: To celebrate its anniversary, Bohle has treated its legendary, long distance runner to a full makeover. Inside and out the fourth generation of the Marathon incorporates the very latest in tire technology.
The Marathon is Europe's biggest selling tire. And in the bicycle business it is one of only very few everyday tires that is specifically asked for by name. "Such a firmly established, market top seller as the Marathon, needs to be updated and modernised from time to time in order to incorporate the latest trends in tire technology", said Holger Jahn, joint managing director of Bohle. "20 years ago it was the first high-tech tire developed for everyday cyclists - and hence a revolution. After many years of continual technical advancement this year's bead-to-bead remake now reflects the highest achievable technical standards possible."
Refreshed and technically revised, Bohle's classic tire is aimed at the whole European market. But in relation to German market conditions the tire should be arriving at a difficult time, as the specialised trade is experiencing a general decline in the ready market for high-quality parts and tires. Yet despite the poor economic climate many German bicycle dealers are experiencing at least stable and more often rising sales of Marathon, Marathon Plus and Marathon XR. Since the launch of the third generation Marathon in 1999, Bohle is now ready to offer the specialised trade a new version of its proven top product incorporating the very latest technology.
Innovative Compound and improved puncture protection
Tread design and rubber compound, puncture protection and side wall: Bohle engineers have completely revamped the old tire. The rubber compound, which like all compounds remains a closely-guarded secret, is revolutionary. Holger Jahn would only say: "This special combination of chemicals would have been inconceivable just two years ago." As always with rubber mixtures the challenge is to optimise characteristics, which are actually opposites: The new formula succeeds in achieving a never before seen level of sophistication in a touring tire by not only improving durability, but by accomplishing the balancing act between low rolling resistance and better wet grip. "There are important reasons for this new tire", explained Holger Jahn. "Over the past two years there have been developments in technical innovations which were suitable for incorporation into the new Marathon". Bohle's experience with the Smart Guard puncture protection belt as used in the Marathon Plus has helped in improving the protection belt of the Marathon by combining flexible natural rubber with Kevlar threads. The new belt, though somewhat thicker than its predecessor is nevertheless more flexible and significantly, rolling resistance has actually been improved.
Supple Snake Skin
The Marathon has also profited from Snake Skin technology. "For many a tire the side wall is its Achille's heel", said Holger Jahn. "Now it has been reinforced." The textile fabric is lighter than a rubber coated side wall and together with the new tread design the Snake Skin has a malleable look as if made from a casting. The new tread was designed to appeal to trekking riders: Dynamic, lighter rolling yet at the same time durable. The new Marathon is available at specialized bicycle dealers from 2006.
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