MILL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA – June 23, 2016 – WTB is proud to announce the release of a new gravity-focused tire, the Convict, which is the most robust tire ever made by WTB. The Convict expands WTB’s line of mountain bike tires to satisfy the needs of gravity enthusiasts. Its tread pattern provides the aggressive knobs and hearty sidewall needed for riders on the most challenging and technical gravity courses. The tall, meaty knobs of the Convict tread pattern are designed to bite into loose, wet and rocky conditions, while the 2.5” width provides the stable platform and massive contact patch needed for high-speed descents. The wide working edges of the knobs provide excellent braking traction when used as a rear tire in loose conditions.
Evan Smith, WTB tire designer:
The Convict 2.5 is our gravity specialist, whether it be charging bike park laps, the most unforgiving enduro stages or those all-mountain shuttles where emphasize is clearly on the descents. It uses wide, blocky knobs, to till through loose conditions and grab ahold of chunky rocks and wet roots, while also keeping them spaced consistently along the centerline to minimize rolling resistance. Leaning it over, tall side knobs keep the traction predictable while each is siped at alternating angles to hold traction in every direction. It’s a gravity tire, through-and-through, but we believe riders will be surprised at how efficiently it rolls, making it an equally suitable tire for all-mountain riding in areas with loose, rocky terrain.
High Grip models of the Convict 2.5 27.5” TCS tire feature WTB’s Gravity DNA Compound, which pairs sticky 45a durometer side knobs to a faster rolling 60a center tread for increased traction in corners while retaining efficiency on the straightaways. The Convict 2.5 27.5” Tough: Fast Rolling version utilizes WTB’s Dual DNA Compound which delivers the same 60a durometer centerline, while 50a outer knobs deliver steadfast traction without soaking up speed. Additionally, WTB Convict 2.5 tires are available in both WTB’s Lightweight and Tough casings, which are both sealant optimized to provide supple ride quality and resistance to abrasion and punctures, to provide both a lightweight race tire as well as a version ready for downhill domination.
Offered in three different levels, there is a WTB Convict 2.5 27.5” tire to fit the tire combination needs of every gravity rider. The TCS Light: High Grip version weighs 1042 grams and has an MSRP of 57,50€. The TCS Tough: High Grip tire weighs 1239 grams and has an MSRP of 65,00€. The TCS Tough: Fast Rolling version weighs 1253 grams and has an MSRP of 65,00€. All models are currently available and shipping from WTB.
About TCS
WTB’s proprietary sealant tubeless system, TCS (Tubeless Compatible System,) revolutionized rims and tires in 2009 when combining ETRTO, ISO, and UST standards with light tubeless rotational weights. Never before had a standards-based tubeless system weighed so little. Certified as the first sealant-based tires for the UST system in 2012 by Mavic, TCS continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible through purpose-built tires and rims tailor-made for every discipline of cycling. Learn more about what’s possible at wtb.com/tcs.
About WTB
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.