Schwalbe Marathon Plus 20x1.75
The Marathon Plus 20x1.75 is the category-defining puncture-resistant folding tyre thanks to Schwalbe's thick SmartGuard belt that dramatically reduces flats for commuters and touring riders. It trades added weight and slightly higher upfront cost for near-best-in-class reliability, making it a better long-term financial choice than lighter contenders like the Kojak or Panaracer when you prioritize zero-flat performance. Compared with Continental offerings on this list, Marathon Plus emphasizes maximum puncture protection over rolling speed, which is ideal for utility and heavy-load use on 20" wheels.
Tank-like toughness
Cushioned commuter comfort
Tank-like toughness
Cushioned commuter comfort
Review Summary
"Users praise the near-impenetrable puncture protection and very long life of the Marathon Plus, though it's noticeably heavier and slower than sport-oriented tires."
Near-flatless reliability
SmartGuard 5mm puncture-resistant belt provides industry-leading flat protection.
Near-flatless reliability
SmartGuard 5mm puncture-resistant belt provides industry-leading flat protection.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
The Marathon Plus 20x1.75 is the category-defining puncture-resistant folding tyre thanks to Schwalbe's thick SmartGuard belt that dramatically reduces flats for commuters and touring riders. It trades added weight and slightly higher upfront cost for near-best-in-class reliability, making it a better long-term financial choice than lighter contenders like the Kojak or Panaracer when you prioritize zero-flat performance. Compared with Continental offerings on this list, Marathon Plus emphasizes maximum puncture protection over rolling speed, which is ideal for utility and heavy-load use on 20" wheels.
Tank-like toughness
Cushioned commuter comfort
Near-flatless reliability
SmartGuard 5mm puncture-resistant belt provides industry-leading flat protection.
Durable city tread with reflective sidewall strip for visibility and long service life.
Tank-like toughness
Cushioned commuter comfort
Near-flatless reliability
SmartGuard 5mm puncture-resistant belt provides industry-leading flat protection.
Durable city tread with reflective sidewall strip for visibility and long service life.
$40-70 USD
Continental Contact Plus 20x1.75
The Continental Contact Plus 20x1.75 balances robust puncture protection with a comfortable tread compound and a more wallet-friendly price than Schwalbe's Marathon Plus, positioning it as a value-oriented market leader for daily urban riders. Its Plus breaker layer provides substantial cut- and puncture-resistance while keeping weight and rolling resistance lower than Marathon Plus, making it a sensible compromise between durability and efficiency. Compared to narrow, speed-focused tyres like the Gatorskin or Kojak, the Contact Plus delivers better comfort and protection for slower, load-carrying 20" bikes.
Flat-fighting champ
Urban balanced roll
Flat-fighting champ
Urban balanced roll
Review Summary
"Riders report the Continental Contact Plus offers strong puncture resistance and a comfortable, predictable city-ride, with slightly firmer feel and somewhat less ultimate protection than Schwalbe's flagship."
Confident wet traction
Contact Plus anti-puncture compound and layer for reliable protection against road debris.
Confident wet traction
Contact Plus anti-puncture compound and layer for reliable protection against road debris.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Continental Contact Plus 20x1.75 balances robust puncture protection with a comfortable tread compound and a more wallet-friendly price than Schwalbe's Marathon Plus, positioning it as a value-oriented market leader for daily urban riders. Its Plus breaker layer provides substantial cut- and puncture-resistance while keeping weight and rolling resistance lower than Marathon Plus, making it a sensible compromise between durability and efficiency. Compared to narrow, speed-focused tyres like the Gatorskin or Kojak, the Contact Plus delivers better comfort and protection for slower, load-carrying 20" bikes.
Flat-fighting champ
Urban balanced roll
Confident wet traction
Contact Plus anti-puncture compound and layer for reliable protection against road debris.
City-focused tread balancing grip, comfort, and low rolling resistance.
Flat-fighting champ
Urban balanced roll
Confident wet traction
Contact Plus anti-puncture compound and layer for reliable protection against road debris.
City-focused tread balancing grip, comfort, and low rolling resistance.
$35-65 USD
Schwalbe Kojak RaceGuard 20x1.35
The Kojak RaceGuard 20x1.35 is Schwalbe's fast-rolling, slick folding tyre built for speed-oriented small-wheel bikes that still want a level of puncture protection via the RaceGuard belt. It sacrifices some of the Marathon Plus and Contact Plus's heavy-duty protection in exchange for lower mass and significantly improved rolling efficiency, making it a preferred choice for riders prioritizing speed and acceleration on short commutes or sport riding. Financially it sits in the mid-range: pricier than basic city tyres but a good technical investment for performance-minded riders who accept a modest tradeoff in puncture resistance.
Slick street speed
Featherweight racer
Slick street speed
Featherweight racer
Review Summary
"Reviewers appreciate the Kojak RaceGuard for its low rolling resistance and sharp handling, but note the thinner RaceGuard layer means good protection but not quite Marathon-level puncture immunity."
RaceGuard shield
Slick, low-rolling-resistance tread optimized for speed on smooth surfaces.
RaceGuard shield
Slick, low-rolling-resistance tread optimized for speed on smooth surfaces.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Kojak RaceGuard 20x1.35 is Schwalbe's fast-rolling, slick folding tyre built for speed-oriented small-wheel bikes that still want a level of puncture protection via the RaceGuard belt. It sacrifices some of the Marathon Plus and Contact Plus's heavy-duty protection in exchange for lower mass and significantly improved rolling efficiency, making it a preferred choice for riders prioritizing speed and acceleration on short commutes or sport riding. Financially it sits in the mid-range: pricier than basic city tyres but a good technical investment for performance-minded riders who accept a modest tradeoff in puncture resistance.
Slick street speed
Featherweight racer
RaceGuard shield
Slick, low-rolling-resistance tread optimized for speed on smooth surfaces.
RaceGuard puncture protection layer gives cut resistance while remaining lightweight.
Slick street speed
Featherweight racer
RaceGuard shield
Slick, low-rolling-resistance tread optimized for speed on smooth surfaces.
RaceGuard puncture protection layer gives cut resistance while remaining lightweight.
$50-80 USD
Panaracer Minits Lite PT 20x1.25
The Panaracer Minits Lite PT 20x1.25 targets riders who need a lightweight, folding 20" tyre with a puncture-resistant PT belt, offering competitive rolling performance at a lower price point than some premium commuter tyres. It delivers a strong technical balance for small-wheel folding bikes: better puncture protection than unprotected race slicks but not as impenetrable as Marathon Plus, making it a cost-efficient option for riders who value weight savings and agility. Compared to Continental and Schwalbe’s heavy-duty commuter tyres, the Minits Lite PT emphasizes low weight and nimble handling over absolute flat-proofing.
Ultra-light sprint
PT puncture shield
Ultra-light sprint
PT puncture shield
Review Summary
"Owners find the Panaracer Minits Lite PT fast, light and reasonably puncture-resistant for its class, though some report faster wear and occasional punctures compared with heavier-belted tyres."
Fold-friendly agility
PT puncture-protection belt offers a lightweight barrier against flats.
Fold-friendly agility
PT puncture-protection belt offers a lightweight barrier against flats.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Panaracer Minits Lite PT 20x1.25 targets riders who need a lightweight, folding 20" tyre with a puncture-resistant PT belt, offering competitive rolling performance at a lower price point than some premium commuter tyres. It delivers a strong technical balance for small-wheel folding bikes: better puncture protection than unprotected race slicks but not as impenetrable as Marathon Plus, making it a cost-efficient option for riders who value weight savings and agility. Compared to Continental and Schwalbe’s heavy-duty commuter tyres, the Minits Lite PT emphasizes low weight and nimble handling over absolute flat-proofing.
Ultra-light sprint
PT puncture shield
Fold-friendly agility
PT puncture-protection belt offers a lightweight barrier against flats.
High-pressure, fast-rolling profile designed for folding-bike commuting and city use.
Ultra-light sprint
PT puncture shield
Fold-friendly agility
PT puncture-protection belt offers a lightweight barrier against flats.
High-pressure, fast-rolling profile designed for folding-bike commuting and city use.
$35-60 USD
Continental Gatorskin 20x1.125
The Continental Gatorskin 20x1.125 is a durable, cut-resistant tyre renowned for its PolyX breaker and DuraSkin sidewall treatment that deliver excellent longevity and resistance to road debris on narrower 20" rims. It is tailored to riders who need a high-speed, long-lasting tyre—offering better edge and cut resistance than performance slicks like the Kojak while remaining quicker rolling and narrower than heavier commuter tyres such as Marathon Plus. Financially and technically, Gatorskin appeals to riders willing to pay a bit more for durable, fast tyres for frequent distance or high-speed riding on small wheels.
Road-warrior durability
Kevlar-belt defense
Road-warrior durability
Kevlar-belt defense
Review Summary
"Customers value the Continental Gatorskin for its tough, reliable puncture protection and long tread life, accepting added weight and a firmer ride as trade-offs."
Mileage-munching tread
PolyX breaker and reinforced carcass deliver strong puncture and cut resistance on roads.
Mileage-munching tread
PolyX breaker and reinforced carcass deliver strong puncture and cut resistance on roads.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
The Continental Gatorskin 20x1.125 is a durable, cut-resistant tyre renowned for its PolyX breaker and DuraSkin sidewall treatment that deliver excellent longevity and resistance to road debris on narrower 20" rims. It is tailored to riders who need a high-speed, long-lasting tyre—offering better edge and cut resistance than performance slicks like the Kojak while remaining quicker rolling and narrower than heavier commuter tyres such as Marathon Plus. Financially and technically, Gatorskin appeals to riders willing to pay a bit more for durable, fast tyres for frequent distance or high-speed riding on small wheels.
Road-warrior durability
Kevlar-belt defense
Mileage-munching tread
PolyX breaker and reinforced carcass deliver strong puncture and cut resistance on roads.
Long-wearing compound and durable sidewalls prioritize mileage and reliability.
Road-warrior durability
Kevlar-belt defense
Mileage-munching tread
PolyX breaker and reinforced carcass deliver strong puncture and cut resistance on roads.
Long-wearing compound and durable sidewalls prioritize mileage and reliability.
$50-90 USD