Founded in 1982, WTB was formed in the birthplace of mountain biking to design better bicycle products. Renowned for saddles, tires, rims, and grips, this rider-driven company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible through an unrelenting spirit of innovation and passion for two-wheeled adventure. Here’s some info about WTB’s 2015 carbon saddles range:
WTB Volt
Volt Carbon saddles are the lightest production saddle WTB has ever produced. The WTB Volt Carbon saddle weights 155g while using the same padding and shape that has made the Volt many riders’ favorite saddle.
The Volt Carbon saddle uses oval-shaped 7mm by 9mm rails designed around top-down clamping seat posts. The saddle does not have a weight restriction and comes with a two year warranty. An elongated cut out to the center of the base, referred to as the Comfort Zone, provides soft tissue relief while a slight rise to the rear top of the saddle provides support as riders ascend, giving something to push against while also tilting the rider’s pelvis into more of a climbing position.
“The Volt Carbon marks WTB’s commitment to premium saddle options for our most popular shapes,” stated Chris Feucht, WTB’s product manager. “It joins the Silverado, Rocket, and new High Tail saddles making for four WTB saddles available in a Carbon level. The Volt’s incredible versatility has helped it become one of the most successful shapes within WTB’s line. It’s [the Volt] the same shape that won both the Enduro World Series and the WEMBO [World Endurance Mountain Bike Organization] Single Speed Championships last year beneath Jerome Clementz and Brett Bellchambers, proving both its strength and long-lasting comfort. We are incredibly excited for the new Volt Carbon, there hasn’t been a saddle this lightweight boasting so much comfort,” concluded Feucht.
Volt Carbon saddles use WTB’s DNA padding and are currently available globally. WTB Volt Carbon saddles retail for $249.95.
WTB Silverado
Silverado Carbon saddles features a revised cover, graphics, and new color-coded hierarchical level indicator.
“The Silverado shape continues to be one of the strongest sellers within WTB’s line,” stated Gary Gleason, WTB’s director of global sales. “A revised graphics package augments its already clean looks and the newly adopted color accents lend themselves well to level classification – an already popular saddle is all the more irresistible now.”
Silverado saddles feature a long, broad nose that lends itself well to forward migration during climbing and the relatively flat shape has led to popularity in the road category. 2015 Silverado Carbons now display a relatively muted flat black and high sheen black color scheme along with key gold accents that denote its Carbon level. The 133mm x 274mm saddle tips the scales at 169g.
Silverado Carbon saddles feature 7mm x 9mm oval shaped rails designed around top-down clamping seat posts. The saddle is not subject to a weight restriction and comes with a two year warranty to the original owner with proof of purchase from an authorized dealer. Silverado Carbon saddles are available worldwide and retail for $249.95 USD.
WTB High Tail
WTB announced also shipping of the High Tail Carbon saddle, marking availability of their high-end saddle featuring a unique cut out developed in collaboration with Chris Cocalis of Pivot Cycles and DW Link’s Dave Weagle.
WTB High Tail Carbon
The WTB High Tail saddle was designed to accommodate larger wheeled suspension bicycles boasting modern geometry favoring shorter chain stays. As frame designs have tended to place greater importance on short chain stay lengths and larger wheel sizes have gained acceptance, bicycle brands have faced difficulty in creating a wheel path that adheres to modern tastes while providing clearance for traditional saddles.
“Pivot Cycles Chris Cocalis approached us with the concept while working with suspension guru Dave Weagle on the new Phoenix Carbon downhill bike,” stated Jason Moeschler, WTB’s OEM Sales Manager. “This is an issue we have seen before but Chris [Cocalis] reminded us not only of the issue but the direct need for it to be accommodated today. With the amount of 29ers and 27.5” trail bikes touting quick handling, 17” and sub 17” chain stays, this issue is more prevalent than ever. A huge thank you is owed to Chris Cocalis and Dave Weagle for tipping us off.”
WTB High Tail Team
While designed initially to accommodate suspension bikes, WTB chose to include deliberately higher end features to appeal to all categories and showcase their manufacturing capabilities. “On all levels of the High Tail you find a lightweight and elegant Carbon composite base and vacuum formed edges, something you don’t see with our other shapes,” commented WTB’s Product Manager, Chris Feucht. “Combine that with outboard rear rail placement and bridging our carbon rails at their juncture toward the nose and you really have a sleek and sophisticated example of what’s possible when you combine a little outside the box thinking with attention to detail.”
As the rails on High Tail saddles approach the rear of the saddle, they flair noticeably outward after passing the traditional clamping area. This allowed WTB to then remove excess space from the rear of the saddle, creating a cut out in the area where tires approach. A relatively normal rail length before departure allows for traditional fore and aft saddle adjustment.
WTB High Tail Pro
WTB High Tail saddles are now available worldwide. The WTB High Tail Carbon retails for $249.95 and weighs 159g, a Titanium railed Team option comes in at 200g and $159.95 MSRP, and the Cro-Moly railed Pro version retails for $119.95 weighing 225g. All level options feature the same Carbon composite shell, vacuum formed edges, and DNA padding.