These 700x40 Schwalbe Marathon Duremes have several hundred miles on chip seal, smooth asphalt, gravel, and dirt. Just look at the little rubber nubs (is that the right word?) still standing there proud as your cat at the back door with a bloody bird at its feet. There's a ridge nub running down the center of the continuous middle tread, and amazingly it is still there.
I agonized over the purchase of these tires because I thought they'd feel lifeless and horribly slow. But I eventually pulled the trigger because I thought they looked right. I wanted some wider tires on the Quickbeam than the 32mm Pasela tires I had. I needed some volume for comfort and control, and wanted some tread because I thought it might help on the gravel climbs a little. I also thought they would make my gravel-leaning, fixed gear all-arounder look a little more ruggedly handsome. I might as well just come right out and admit it. Looks are important.
They might not be as supple and fast as a Grand Bois tire, but they don't seem dead or horribly slow either. In fact, to my senses, they feel good on gravel. They have what I'd call a comfortable, stable feel. These Duremes are also tough, and probably just as important as anything else, they LOOK tough. Because when you are no longer a slave to performance, you can enjoy looking cool.
Chip seal is an elegant paving, So rarely done in these parts. An emulsion of sorts then rolled with 3/8 stone or like. Kind of just left. To find it's time..I'm new to this medium ... Kenda Kwest's are rockin it.
ReplyDeleteChip seal is an elegant paving, So rarely done in these parts. An emulsion of sorts then rolled with 3/8 stone or like. Kind of just left. To find it's time..I'm new to this medium ... Kenda Kwest's are rockin it.
ReplyDeleteThe picture is really cool.
ReplyDeleteBut, you agonize over the purchase of bicycle tires? Oh, wow!
Schwalbe tyres are quality, I have Schwalbe marathon plus for commuting on bullet proof ( so far )
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this kind of simple consideration. Your tires are the only part of your bike that touch the ground when you ride, so agonize away.
ReplyDeleteWell, let's just say that "agonize" is my artistic license word for "gave it some thought". Fortunately, God has spared me a great deal of agony in my life.
ReplyDeleteOver at Gravel Grinder News, Guitar Ted often mentions the Schwalbe Marathon series as popular gravel road tires. I'd say you made a good choice. Also, I agree looks count in the satisfaction department. :)
ReplyDeleteSeveral hundred? Just getting broken in!
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing how good these tyres are but they are plenty expensive in Canada. My Kenda Small-Block 8's still work well for me because of their traction on snow and ice. I'd love to hear your review on that Pondero, alas I realize its not likely forthcoming (you're in Texas, correct?).
ReplyDeleteStill, I may shell out for Schwalbe's one day and I will keep your positive comments in mind.
Yes, this is Texas. We'll get a little snow and ice each winter, but it is more likely I'll be sitting by the fireplace instead of doing tire reviews :)
ReplyDeleteYes, they are expensive tires, and might not be the best value for everyone. We'll see how long these things last...
I have to say I think they are some of the cheapest tires around when put into perspective. I've been running Schwalbes on four of my bikes since 2007. I've never had to fix a flat or replace a tire yet. Several pairs have 5,000 plus miles on them. You get a heck of a lot for the price.
ReplyDeleteChris:
ReplyDeleteHow are they with puncture protection?
Have you had any flats??
Peace :)
Too soon to form an opinion regarding puncture resistance. But I will say that I haven't experienced any punctures yet. Fortunately for me, I seem to ride in an area that is not very puncture prone. Or at least I did until I typed this reply.
ReplyDelete@Wilson - For Canadians, the best (cheapest) source of schwalbe tires I have found so far is chainreactioncycles.com in the UK. They ship free over a certain price point and consistently beat Canadian and US prices.
ReplyDeleteI have no business relationship with them and won't receive a penny for saying any of that, by the way.
Thanks for the review--learned of you thru Bike Touring News. Thorn Cycles of UK (the Rohloff hub people) also recommend the Dureme. Seems like a good tire, and I'll look at it for my next set. Have just put 2000 kms on a set of Vittoria Randonneur pro foldables (700 x 32). Very nice feel, wear well. Had one puncture along the Rhine--savage amount of glass shards on the pathway, lotsa building going on. John Saxby, Ottawa, Canada
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