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| WTB Byway, Course, Macro tires (L-R) |
WTB Introduces A First In Gravel - Aero, High-Volume Gravel Tires:
Wilderness Trail Bikes (WTB) announced today that they have added high-volume, aerodynamically designed tires to their gravel tire range. There are three new designs in the range which consists of tires in widths measuring from 700 x 50mm, 700 x 52mm, and 700 x 54mm. The tires were designed in conjunction with Stromm Cycles, makers of the most aerodynamic road bike according to tests conducted by Tour Magazin.
The tires, named Byway, Course, and Macro, were designed with a completely new manufacturing methodology utilizing "ultra-consistent production tolerances, and advanced material sourcing to establish a new benchmark for WTB casing suppleness and compound performance.", according to the press release.
The patent-pending aerodynamic features of the range include aerodynamic vortex generators and trip-strips along the tire sidewalls. These features are incorporated to manipulate airflow over the tire and wheel system. This controls boundary layer separation and reduces the low pressure wake which typically increases drag and slows you down.
Stromm validated the testing using the Chung Method and real-world testing against identical tires without the aerodynamic features.
Tests at a velodrome by Stromm's Chief Aerodynamicist, Ben Rothaker, verified the reduction of drag at typical gravel racing speeds.
●5.8 watts at 30 km/h (18.6 mph)
●9.3 watts at 35 km/h (21.7 mph)
●13.8 watts at 40 km/h (24.8 mph)
Mr. Rothaker is quoted in the press release as follows:
"Stromm applied the same real-world applicable engineering that made the fastest road bike to this tire, designing in surface features that substantially improve aero over the tire/wheel even when dirty and with no compromise to the tread. We brought all our tools to bear, running what may be the largest CFD simulations in the cycling industry to date and then doing detailed CdA measurements of clean and dirty tires with and without surface treatments to make sure what we found on the computer is working on every ride."
Tire Models For All Use Cases:
Each tire in the range covers a different aspect of gravel riding. The 50mm wide Byway is the tire for all-out speed with its central slick tread. It still retains good cornering manners due to the side-knobs which give the rider stability in cornering situations.
The 52mm wide Course is a tire for more all-around conditions. It features enough tread to give a rider confidence in all gravel conditions yet it retains a fast rolling performance. The slightly larger volume casing allows for better rider comfort and control as well.
The 54mm wide Macro is the tire for the rougher stuff. Ideal for the adventurer, this model has deeper, widely spaced lugs which grab traction in rockier, looser conditions. The highest volume tire in the range also lends the best comfort and control.
The 700 X 50mm Byway, 700 X 52mm Course, and 700 X 54mm Macro will come in all black or black with tan sidewalls. Each tire will retail for $89.95 / €79.95. Tires are available from WTB retailers and authorized dealers world-wide now.
As a side note, the CGR wheels shown in the images will become available soon.
Comments:
The aero revolution in gravel reaches a new benchmark with these tires, the first of their kind in gravel. It is interesting to see there are no tires in a width less than 50mm, marking the new trend for higher volume gravel tires. At least for racing, this is a trend, but I would guess going forward that gravel bikes will be capable of wider tire fitments whether or not they are earmarked for racing.
Look for a more detailed look at this range in another article posting soon. Guitar Ted Productions will be testing the Byway and Course tires. Images, weights, and impressions of the tires will come with this article. The Macro was not requested as I do not have a bicycle which is appropriate to test them with, but I will also include details for this model in the next article as well.
3 comments:
I have been thinking WTB was a bit quite as of the last few years, now I know why.
These tires would work well in 650bx54mm size but I guess that's not trendy anymore. What's sad is that 27.5" is statistically the correct wheel size for most people. Unless, of course, you live in the Netherlands where the average height of men is 6.0" or so.
It would be nice to get measurable a speed gain from changing a relatively inexpensive wear item. A quick search showed the best results were obtained on rims with 30 mm internal width and ~50 mm depth so you would also have to buy those.
Unfortunately the WTB tires don't come under 50 mm and AFAIK other aero tires don't come over 35 mm.
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