WTB Enters the gravity world with the new Convict

Hot on the heels of its Ranger tyre, WTB has just announced another new rubber ring. This time, though, there are no ‘plus’ sizes, or funny pioneering stuff. This time the company is launching its first ever dedicated downhill and enduro-race tyre (apparently the Vigilante didn’t count)

In a hyperbole and dudespeak-heavy press release from PR guy Clayton Wangbichler (yes, that’s his name…), WTB says “The Convict epitomizes the toothy tread and robust features of truly aggressive gravity tyres. Making easy work of the gnarliest modern enduro courses, the Convict chews through a wide range of terrain while standing up to every rock and drop it meets along the way. Tall, meaty knobs with multidirectional channels provide steadfast traction whether braking hard or decimating corners. This is not your everyday, run-of-the-mill, let’s-take-it-easy kind of tyre. The Convict encourages riders to really get after it and test what both they and their bikes are capable of. With the Convict leading the way, your tyres will not be the weakest link. Guilty of first-degree loam assault. Sentenced to life for devouring the gnarliest descents.”

The WTB Convict 2.5 27.5” tyre is offered in three different combinations of tyre compound and casing in order to meet the specific tyre needs of every gravity rider. As a front tyre, the TCS Light (High Grip) level uses WTB’s Lightweight casing ‘to keep rotational weight down and save seconds on race day’, while the TCS Tough (High Grip) level uses an Enduro casing for ‘endless rock garden bashing throughout your weekend shuttle laps’. Though it’s most commonly used as a front tyre, the wide and chunky knobs also ‘provide steadfast braking traction when running the TCS Tough (Fast Rolling) level as a rear tyre in loose conditions’. Otherwise, pair it with a Vigilante 2.3 27.5” Tough (Fast Rolling) on the rear to create ‘a stout tyre setup that will remain glued on the steepest gravity chutes’.

Well, that’s quite a reputation to live up to. The tyre will only be coming in 27.5in and only in a 2.5in width. Weights range from 1042g for the Lightweight TCS High Grip to 1253g for the TCS Tough Dual DNA. There are three combinations of the tread compound and casing weight. UK prices have yet to be set, but in the US the prices are up in the $75 or so region that puts it level with other similar grippy and tough tyres.

Tyres are currently ready to ship in the USA, though UK importers, Hotlines don’t have a date (or prices) just yet.