Schwalbe Tire Pressure — Marathon Plus, Magic Mary, Hans Dampf and G-One
Schwalbe Marathon Plus touring runs 60–80 PSI in practice — well below its 100 PSI sidewall maximum. G-One Allround gravel runs 30–55 PSI tubeless depending on terrain. Magic Mary enduro runs 18–26 PSI tubeless. Hans Dampf trail runs 20–28 PSI tubeless. Schwalbe MTB sidewall ratings of 23–50 PSI are structural limits, not riding targets — actual trail and enduro pressures sit in the lower third of that range. Use Schwalbe's free Pressure Prof tool for a personalised number.
Schwalbe Casing Architecture and ADDIX Compounds
Super Ground, Super Trail, Super Gravity — three casing weights with different minimum safe pressures for MTB riding
Schwalbe structures its tire lineup around casing weight classes that determine how low you can safely run pressure without sidewall deformation or rim damage. ADDIX rubber compounds sit on top of that framework and affect grip and rolling resistance without changing the marked pressure range.
Super Race and Super Ground
Super Race is Schwalbe's lightest casing — minimal protection, optimised for XC racing where weight is the priority. Super Ground adds a bead-to-bead protection layer over three 67 TPI carcass layers. Both casings have relatively thin sidewalls, which means the minimum safe tubeless pressure is higher than heavier casings — typically no lower than 20–22 PSI for most riders. Riders over 80 kg on Super Ground should stay above 24 PSI tubeless to avoid sidewall collapse under lateral load.
Super Trail
Super Trail steps up to two carcass layers on the sidewalls plus an apex sidewall reinforcement and a full SnakeSkin protection layer from bead to bead. The additional sidewall structure provides enough stiffness to run 18–20 PSI tubeless without risk of casing roll on normal trail use. Super Trail is used on Hans Dampf, Nobby Nic trail versions, and Rocket Ron — tires that need to handle both XC-adjacent speeds and genuine technical terrain.
Super Gravity
Super Gravity is Schwalbe's heaviest MTB casing: four carcass plies plus a bead-to-bead insert and a sidewall rubber insert. The resulting sidewall is stiff enough to resist deformation at pressures as low as 15–18 PSI tubeless. Magic Mary and Dirty Dan in Super Gravity are the primary models using this casing. The weight penalty over Super Ground is approximately 150–200 g per tire — the price for running gravity-appropriate low pressures without rim strikes.
ADDIX Compounds — No Effect on Rated PSI
Schwalbe's ADDIX compounds (Speed, SpeedGrip, Soft, Ultra Soft) do not change the pressure range printed on the sidewall. A Magic Mary ADDIX Soft and a Magic Mary ADDIX Ultra Soft carry the same rated minimum and maximum. Compound choice affects grip characteristics, rolling resistance, and how the tire feels at a given pressure — not what that pressure is. Choose your ADDIX tier based on terrain and conditions, then set pressure based on casing, width, and rider weight.
Schwalbe Road and Commuter Tire PSI
Marathon Plus touring, Pro One road tubeless, and G-One gravel — three very different pressure regimes
| Model | Width | Casing | Tubed PSI | Tubeless PSI | Hookless Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon Plus | 700×28mm | SmartGuard | 80–100 PSI | — | — |
| Marathon Plus | 700×32mm | SmartGuard | 75–95 PSI | — | — |
| Marathon Plus | 700×37mm | SmartGuard | 65–85 PSI | — | — |
| Marathon Plus | 700×47mm | SmartGuard | 55–75 PSI | — | — |
| Pro One Tubeless | 700×25mm | V-Guard | 88–110 PSI | 72–95 PSI | 72.5 PSI |
| Pro One Tubeless | 700×28mm | V-Guard | 72–100 PSI | 60–82 PSI | 72.5 PSI |
| Pro One Tubeless | 700×30mm | V-Guard | 58–70 PSI | 50–65 PSI | 72.5 PSI |
| One Tubeless | 700×25mm | V-Guard | 85–110 PSI | 70–95 PSI | 72.5 PSI |
| One Tubeless | 700×28mm | V-Guard | 70–95 PSI | 58–80 PSI | 72.5 PSI |
| Lugano II | 700×25mm | RaceGuard | 90–115 PSI | — | — |
| Lugano II | 700×28mm | RaceGuard | 78–105 PSI | — | — |
Marathon Plus: The Anti-Puncture Reality
The Marathon Plus is the best-selling touring and commuter tire in the world. Its SmartGuard puncture belt runs from bead to bead — 5 mm thick under the tread — and its rated pressure range runs high to ensure the protection belt maintains its geometry under the tire. However, real-world Marathon Plus riders consistently run 60–80 PSI rather than the sidewall maximum of 80–100 PSI in equivalent widths. Lower pressure improves ride comfort on rough urban surfaces without compromising the puncture protection that makes the Marathon Plus distinctive.
The Marathon Plus's thick casing and SmartGuard belt mean a thumb-press inflation check is unreliable — the tire feels firm at pressures that are actually low. Always use a pressure gauge with Marathon Plus tires and pump them before every ride or long tour.
Schwalbe Gravel Tire PSI — G-One Range
The G-One lineup has the widest usable pressure range of any Schwalbe family — from fast road feel down to true off-road traction
| Model | Width | Casing | Discipline | Tubed PSI | Tubeless PSI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G-One Allround | 700×35mm | Super Ground | Hardpack gravel | 48–65 PSI | 35–55 PSI |
| G-One Allround | 700×40mm | Super Ground | Mixed gravel | 42–58 PSI | 30–48 PSI |
| G-One Allround | 700×45mm | Super Ground | Rough / adventure | 36–52 PSI | 26–44 PSI |
| G-One Speed | 700×35mm | Super Ground | Fast gravel | 50–70 PSI | 38–58 PSI |
| G-One Speed | 700×40mm | Super Ground | Fast / hardpack | 45–65 PSI | 34–52 PSI |
| G-One Bite | 700×40mm | Super Ground | Loose gravel | 40–58 PSI | 28–46 PSI |
| G-One Ultrabite | 700×40mm | Super Trail | Technical gravel | 38–55 PSI | 26–44 PSI |
The G-One Allround at 700×40mm in tubeless form is the most versatile of the range — at 30–34 PSI tubeless it transforms into a traction-focused off-road tire; at 44–50 PSI tubeless it rolls like a road tire on hardpack. Most mixed-surface gravel riders settle in the 36–44 PSI tubeless range where rolling resistance and traction are balanced. The G-One Speed's file tread benefits from slightly higher pressure — running it below 34 PSI tubeless on hardpack reduces its advantage over the Allround.
Schwalbe MTB Tire PSI — Full Lineup
Sidewall ratings of 23–50 PSI mark the structural range — real trail and enduro pressures occupy only the lower portion
| Model | Casing | Size | Discipline | Tubed PSI | Tubeless PSI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racing Ray | Super Race | 29×2.25" | XC front | 26–45 PSI | 20–30 PSI |
| Racing Ralph | Super Ground | 29×2.25" | XC rear | 26–48 PSI | 20–32 PSI |
| Rocket Ron | Super Trail | 29×2.35" | XC / fast trail | 24–45 PSI | 18–30 PSI |
| Nobby Nic | Super Ground | 29×2.35" | Trail | 24–45 PSI | 18–28 PSI |
| Nobby Nic | Super Trail | 29×2.4" | Trail / all-mountain | 22–42 PSI | 16–26 PSI |
| Hans Dampf | Super Trail | 27.5×2.35" | Trail / enduro | 22–42 PSI | 18–26 PSI |
| Hans Dampf | Super Trail | 29×2.35" | Trail / enduro | 22–42 PSI | 16–24 PSI |
| Magic Mary | Super Trail | 27.5×2.35" | Enduro | 22–42 PSI | 18–26 PSI |
| Magic Mary | Super Gravity | 27.5×2.35" | Enduro / gravity | 20–40 PSI | 15–22 PSI |
| Magic Mary | Super Gravity | 29×2.35" | Enduro / gravity | 18–38 PSI | 14–20 PSI |
| Dirty Dan | Super Gravity | 27.5×2.35" | DH | 20–40 PSI | 16–22 PSI |
Hans Dampf: The Benchmark Trail Pressure
Hans Dampf Super Trail is Schwalbe's most widely used trail tire and the model against which most Schwalbe MTB pressure discussions are framed. At 27.5×2.35" or 29×2.35" Super Trail, the Hans Dampf finds its grip maximum at 20–25 PSI tubeless for riders in the 70–85 kg range. Front 20–22 PSI, rear 22–26 PSI is the standard starting setup for most conditions. Going above 28 PSI removes the casing compliance that makes the Hans Dampf exceptional in rooty and loose terrain.
Magic Mary Super Gravity: Low Pressure Enduro
Magic Mary in Super Gravity casing is specifically engineered for the 15–22 PSI tubeless range that enduro racing demands. The four-ply casing with integrated sidewall insert provides the structural stiffness to resist deformation at these pressures. Running Magic Mary Super Gravity above 24 PSI tubeless makes the tire feel harsh and over-damped — you lose the compliance the casing is designed to provide. For enduro racing in mixed conditions, 17–20 PSI front and 19–22 PSI rear is the standard setup for an 80 kg rider.
Schwalbe Pressure Prof — The Official Calculator
Schwalbe publishes a dedicated pressure calculator called Pressure Prof, available at schwalbe.com/pressureprof as a web tool and mobile app. It accounts for nine variables: rider weight, rim internal width, casing type, whether the setup is tubeless, whether an insert is fitted, terrain type, riding style, conditions, and whether the bike is an e-bike. For any Schwalbe tire, Pressure Prof returns a specific recommended range based on those inputs and Schwalbe's own engineering data for each casing.
The output is more accurate than generic rider-weight tables because it incorporates Schwalbe's internal knowledge of how each casing behaves at specific loads. If you are setting up a new Schwalbe tire, running Pressure Prof before your first ride takes under two minutes and gives a starting point that reflects the tire's actual construction, not generic MTB pressure rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What PSI should Schwalbe Marathon Plus run?
Marathon Plus runs 60–80 PSI in practice for most touring and commuter riders, despite sidewall maximums of 75–100 PSI depending on width. At 700×37mm, most riders find 65–75 PSI provides the best combination of puncture protection, ride comfort, and rolling efficiency on urban roads. Never use a thumb-press check with Marathon Plus — the thick SmartGuard belt makes the tire feel artificially firm. Always use a floor pump with gauge.
What PSI does Schwalbe Magic Mary run?
Magic Mary in Super Gravity casing at 27.5×2.35" runs 15–22 PSI tubeless for enduro and gravity riding. Most 75–85 kg riders set 17–20 PSI front and 19–22 PSI rear. Magic Mary Super Trail (lighter casing) runs slightly higher — 18–26 PSI tubeless — because the thinner sidewall needs slightly more air to resist deformation. The sidewall rating of 23–50 PSI is the structural limit; actual riding occurs in the lower third of that range.
What PSI does Schwalbe Hans Dampf need?
Hans Dampf Super Trail at 27.5×2.35" or 29×2.35" runs 18–26 PSI tubeless for trail and enduro riding. Front 20–22 PSI and rear 22–25 PSI is the standard starting setup for a 70–85 kg rider on mixed terrain. Above 28 PSI the Hans Dampf loses its characteristic compliance. In Super Gravity casing, drop 2–3 PSI below these figures — the heavier casing provides more structural support at lower pressures.
What PSI does Schwalbe G-One Allround need?
G-One Allround at 700×40mm runs 30–48 PSI tubeless depending on terrain. For fast hardpack gravel where rolling resistance matters, 42–48 PSI is correct. For mixed terrain and rough gravel where traction is the priority, 30–36 PSI tubeless transforms the tire's character. Tubed setup requires approximately 8–12 PSI more at the same width. Front tire should be set 3–5 PSI lower than rear across all G-One models.
What is Schwalbe's Pressure Prof tool?
Pressure Prof is Schwalbe's official tire pressure calculator, available at schwalbe.com/pressureprof as a web tool and mobile app. It takes nine inputs — rider weight, rim width, casing type, tubeless status, insert use, terrain, riding style, conditions, and e-bike usage — and returns a recommended pressure range based on Schwalbe's engineering data for each specific casing. It is more accurate than generic pressure charts for Schwalbe tires because it accounts for how each casing actually behaves under load.
Does Schwalbe ADDIX compound change tire pressure?
No — ADDIX Speed, SpeedGrip, Soft, and Ultra Soft compounds do not change the pressure range printed on the sidewall. Compound choice affects grip, rolling resistance, and wear rate. Set pressure based on tire width, casing type (Super Ground vs. Super Trail vs. Super Gravity), and rider weight — then choose your ADDIX tier based on terrain and grip requirements independently.
What PSI does Schwalbe Pro One tubeless run?
Pro One Tubeless at 700×28mm runs 60–82 PSI tubeless for most road riders. On hookless rims the ceiling is 72.5 PSI regardless of rider weight. For a 70–80 kg rider on hooked rims, 62–72 PSI tubeless is the optimal range for rolling resistance. The 30mm and 32mm variants run 50–65 PSI tubeless. Pro One on hooked rims can run up to 100 PSI at 28mm, but doing so increases vibration and reduces grip without a rolling efficiency benefit at typical road speeds.
What is the difference between Super Trail and Super Gravity for tire pressure?
Super Trail (two sidewall plies plus SnakeSkin) can safely run to approximately 18 PSI tubeless in 2.35" widths for most riders. Super Gravity (four plies plus bead-to-bead insert plus sidewall rubber insert) can safely run to 14–16 PSI tubeless in the same width because the stiffer construction resists sidewall collapse at those pressures. Choose Super Trail for trail and moderate enduro; choose Super Gravity for aggressive enduro and DH where rim protection at very low pressure is the priority.
What PSI does Schwalbe Racing Ralph run for XC?
Racing Ralph Super Ground at 29×2.25" runs 20–32 PSI tubeless for XC riding. Most XC racers in the 65–75 kg range target 22–28 PSI rear and 20–26 PSI front. The Racing Ralph is the rear complement to the Racing Ray front tire — running both at similar pressures (22–26 PSI) is the standard XC pairing. Above 32 PSI the tire loses grip advantage over lighter race tires without a rolling resistance gain.
Can Schwalbe Marathon Plus be run tubeless?
No — Marathon Plus uses a tubed-only construction. The SmartGuard belt and casing are not designed to hold air without a tube. Tubeless conversion is not supported and attempting it will result in air permeation through the casing sidewall. For a tubeless Schwalbe commuter or touring option, the Marathon Almotion in its tubeless version is the correct alternative.
Related Guides
The Complete Bike Tire Pressure Guide
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Mountain Bike Tire Pressure Guide
Discipline-specific MTB PSI — why sidewall maximums are not riding targets and what pressure to actually use.
Gravel Bike Tire Pressure Guide
Terrain-specific PSI for 32mm to 50mm gravel tires with tubed vs tubeless comparison.
Road Bike Tire Pressure Guide
Width-based PSI targets from 23mm to 40mm — tubed, tubeless, and the hookless 72.5 PSI ceiling.
Tubeless MTB Tire Pressure Guide
How much to drop PSI when going tubeless, minimum pressure floors, and insert system compatibility.