Schwalbe Durano 700C Road Tire

Heading to Tuscany for two weeks of cycling, I wasn't sure what the road quality would be like, so I decided to give this tire a try. After close to a thousand miles including some pretty rough pavement and gravel roads, these tires have held up well. They show very little signs of wear - just a little squaring off of the tread.

I did have one puncture. With less than 20 miles to go until the end of our tour, I pulled out a thin wire probably from a shredded truck tire that had worked its way through the tread. But I also ran over glass a few times with no problems.

Ride quality is pretty good for such a durable tire, and rolling resistance is low enough. My only real reservation is lack of traction in the wet. The tires got a little squirrely on fast descents with tight curves when the roads were wet. If I was doing this tour again, I'd probably bring a tire with a bit better wet weather performance such as the Continental Grand Prix 4-Season even though I think the Durano is a bit more durable.

I have ridden these for 2 months with 1 flat. This was after hitting a huge staple that went directly through the tire. Few tires on the market could have survived that. I patched the tube and have been riding on it ever since with no issues. I went to these after riding some 700 x 25 Marathon Plus tires for several months. The Duranos ride SO much better than the Marathon Plus tires. While the Marathon Plus may be SLIGHTLY more flat resistant, the ride quality, nimbleness and durability have made the Durano Plus 'my tire'. I am a daily commuter and have tried every 'puncture proof' tire on the market. I am impressively prone to flats. On other tires I have had up to 8 flats in a single month. For me, these are well worth the cost.

I have had a front and rear set with 2000km. Noticeable squaring off of the rear, two significant flats, one resulting in a tire killing 1cm gash in the tread. I expected better from a tire claiming flat protection and extended wear. I can't comment on the long term wear of the tire, since I only rode them for a month before the terminal cut. Probably it was just bad luck, but I like I said, save your money and buy an equivalent tire for 2/3 the price.

The tires themselves ride fine, perform well over wet cobbles and brick and are quick on asphalt, but the ride and wear-resistance is no better than a cheaper Ultra-gatorskin. I'm 170lb, carry minimal gear, and 95% of the 2000km I put on these tires was asphalt, mostly out of cities, mostly off highways.

I used these tires recently in the Buffalo Springs Tri-Raider Triathlon and they are fast, good riding, with great grip. I transitioned from the swim into a steady rain for the 17.4 mile ride, and the Duranos were very confidence inspiring in the rain. The 145 psi rating allows me lower rolling resistance for an added plus, and they are light. Throw in the puncture resistant belt, and they are ready for just about anything you can throw at them.

I have used more expensive tires that did not perform as well. Excellent Product!