The Schwalbe Durano S tyre is the latest to take up residence in the trusty Kinesis Racelight TK3 that serves as our test rig.
Firmer than its predecessor, the race-oriented Ultremo ZX, and less supple too, we’re expecting to trade performance for robustness as we move into winter.
Wet, gritty roads, and the additional frequency of punctures that this combination brings, had led us to keep an eye open for winter boots for the TK3.
While the Durano S, a tread-free, 23c cover, doesn’t fit the conventional billing for an off-season tyre, we’re hoping it will prove tough enough for the rigours of winter without sacrificing all the pleasure of rolling on fast rubber.
We discovered the Durano S during a recent test of Raleigh’s hard-charging, aluminium crit bike, the Militis Comp, and fired off an email to the good people at Schwalbe to request a sample set. Let’s take a close look at what they’ve sent.
The most significant difference between the Durano S and its predecessor in the TK3 is the compound. While Schwalbe deploy their three-part Race Star compound in the Ultremo ZX, the construction of the Durano S is simpler: a ‘dual compound’ intended to offer a smooth rolling tread and grippy shoulder.
The Durano S is also likely to feel less supple, with a 67tpi casing, compared to the 127tpi casing deployed in the Ultremo ZX. This difference is likely to be the greatest factor in making the Durano S a heavier tyre: a claimed 225g, compared to the 195g headline weight of the ZX.
The German brand specifies a pressure range of between 85psi and 145psi, and while few are likely to run the Durano S at its maximum capacity, it should easily accommodate our standard 100psi setting. With winter upon us, we may even dip lower than that, in a bid to increase the rolling surface.
Check back soon for a full review.
Price: £34.99
Size: 700c x 23c
Colour: Black, with red, white, blue, or silver detailing
Website: Schwalbe
