Puncture protection levels explained
Schwalbe tires use several different puncture protection technologies, each suited to a different balance of weight, cost, and protection.
In general, more protection means more weight and a bit more rolling resistance, so the right choice depends on whether you're prioritizing speed or peace of mind.Here's what's under the tread on different tire lines:
City and Tour Tires
Only tires with SMARTGUARD® and SMART DUALGUARD can call themselves Flat-Less. You can never completely rule out a flat tire. Against the typical puncture gremlins such as glass shards or goatheads with the Marathon Plus however, you are very well protected. With all Marathon Plus tires it is necessary to use a pressure gauge to adjust the air pressure. Due to the special design a pressure test by thumb is not sufficient.For City and Tour Tires, Schwalbe has the following offerings:
Rating | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
7 | The safest puncture protection, typically found on wider tires (greater than 40mm)Made of highly elastic special rubber.4mm puncture protection insert plus two layers of nylon fabric (RaceGuard®).Features Flat-less technology. | |
7 | The safest puncture protection available for bicycle tires. Made of highly elastic special rubber.5mm puncture protection insert.Features Flat-less technology. | |
6+ | Secure puncture protection at high loads, specially designed for cargo bikes. Reinforced construction. 6-ply double carcass. | |
6 | Extra safe due to combined on the sidewalls (snakeskin), and various types under the tread: DD V-Guard - Lightweight and cut-resistant high-tech fiber under tread. DD Greenguard - 3 mm puncture protection insert with recycled material under tread (GreenGuard®).DD Raceguard - Puncture protection belt made of two layers of double laid nylon fabric under tread. | |
5 | Ideal puncture protection for lightweight race and touring tires. Puncture protection belt made of lightweight and cut resistant high-tech fiber. | |
5 | Recycled puncture protection insert made of natural rubber. 3mm puncture protection insert with recycled material. | |
4 | Reliable puncture protection for fast and light tires. Puncture protection belt made of double laid nylon fabric. | |
3 | Basic puncture protection. Puncture protection insert made of fiber-reinforced natural rubber. |
The minimum standard for Schwalbe Tour & City Tires is a Puncture Protection Rating of 3.
A Puncture Protection rating of 2 would constitute a 67 EPI carcass without any puncture protection.
A rating of 1 would constitute a 50 EPI carcass without any puncture protection.
Schwalbe does no fabricate such tires casings as they are in-sufficient for use.
Updated on: 08/12/2026
Thank you!