Grippy, durable and fairly light, a very good all-round performance training tyre
Weight: 235g John Whittington, May 12, 2012
Schwalbe Durano tyre
Schwalbe's Durano is 'for mile eaters': a training specific tyre. As a dual compound, folding tyre and at 235g, it is slightly more than this, a true utility tyre but how does it fare?
The first thing you probably want to know about a training tyre is what its puncture protection is like. Included is Schwalbe's premium level protection: RaceGuard, a synthesis of rubber and nylon moulded into the standard rubber. Schwalbe say this adds very little to weight and rolling resistance.
At 235g you can't dispute the first point and I found the tyre to zip along nicely; still remaining supple unlike some heavily reinforced tyres.
Puncture protection is hard to test but just riding, but I rode these tyres for a few thousand kilometres and didn't suffer any punctures. Luck plays its part, and perhaps Schwalbe went around sweeping the roads of Bath before the review but as tests go, it is a glowing result.
Dual compound rubber is normally found only on race tyres but it allows for a better combination of rolling resistance and grip. For grip, you want sticky rubber, but grippy rubber doesn't roll as well, and wears out quickly.
A dual compound aims to give the best of all worlds, by combining grippy rubber at the sides for cornering with a faster rolling compound in the centre. With lightly treaded sidewalls, the resulting tyre handles well in the wet (plenty of opportunity for that in the last month!) but isn't a labour to keep moving.
In fact, handling on this tyre is a strong point. It feels more like a premium race tyre than other training rubber I have used. The bite is good and I could confidently throw the bike into corners – even in the wet – without the backend fish-tailing about.
Longevity looks promising. The tyre still looks to have plenty of wear left after 2,000km; the top hasn't flattened off too much and sidewalls look healthy.
The Schwalbe Durano is available in a range of colours of questionable taste (we had the standard black), in folding or wired bead and plenty of wheel size and widths. It is clearly intended as a 'one-stop' tyre option.
The folding 23mm wide version is a good option for those who don't want to spend ages researching different tyres or having to change tyres the night before an event in pursuit of better characteristics. You can stick these on your bike year round and they should keep you happy.
The £32.99 rrp is about right – comparable with a Continental GatorSkin – and the dual compound of the Durano is one better.
Verdict
Grippy, durable and fairly light, a very good all-round performance training tyre.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Schwalbe Durano tyre
Size tested: 700x23C
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
"For mile eaters. Durano is the right choice for high mileage purposes, because no other racing tire lasts longer. At the same time the Dual Compound offers great grip for training on wet winter roads. It has the proven RaceGuard protection belt. Folding tire. 235 g."
I'd say they've hit the mark there: basically a long lasting racing tire.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Dual compound rubber, 235g, folding bead, plenty of wheel sizes and widths, RaceGuard puncture protection which appears to work.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Taking it out of the bike and fitting it, it has a feeling of premium rubber. I didn't suffer any nicks or bead coming through either.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Strikes the balance of training tire and racer well. Good wet weather riding too.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
After 2,000km still has life in it. Sidewalls in particular look healthy.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
5/10
A Continental Gatorskin is around 220g so 30g less over a pair of tires; could do better.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
A pleasure to ride and certainly doesn't test the nerves.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
£32.99rrp is a few pounds more than similar offerings but this is a slightly racier tire.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Performs well: zero punctures but you don't pay the price in ride quality.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Zero punctures throughout the test!
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Can't think of much really. I personally would dislike lime-green, cream and chocolate brown colours on my bike but the option is there. Each to their own!
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
A solid contendor for a true all-round road bike tire.
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