Long-Term Review: VeeTire Snap WCE Top 40, all the grip none of the slip

Downhill tyres made from motorbike rubber? Andi puts the VeeTire Snap WCE Top 40 to the test in his long term review.

I’ve been running a VeeTire Snap WCE on my enduro and eMTB since well before winter and I feel I’ve put in enough miles to comment on how they perform. For those of you who don’t already know, VeeTire is from Thailand and manufacture tyres for motorbikes, cars, ATVs and mountain bikes. The Snap WCE is their flagship downhill tyre and was developed with the help of the Propain Factory team and Phil Atwill before he moved to Cube.

Vee offers the Snap WCE in 27.5 and 29in options and I’ve been riding the 29 x 2.5 version of the tyre, which is made of the same ultra tacky Top 40 compound the Snap Trail is made of. Over the past few months, I have used the Snap WCE on both my enduro bike and eMTB and tested them both as a pair and as a front only tyre running a Snap Trail on the rear.

On The Trail

Each time I’ve come to mount the Snap WCE to a pair of wheels I’ve been impressed by how easily they mount and seat. Shimano, Sun and CrankBrothers wheels have all been used in the testing of the Snap WCE and each time the tyre mounted using just my hands and I was able to seat them with a track pump.

Once fitted you can take in the size of these tyres. Originally Vee offered only a 2.35in version of the WCE, but at the request of downhill teams, they produced a wider 2.5in version too.

Because the tyre has such an aggressive tread pattern and wide side knobs the 2.5in tyre actually measures over 2.6in. Those side knobs are made up of rectangular and L shaped treads with block square edges that offer bite and purchase even on flat-out fast turners.

The entire tread is made of VeeTire’s Top 40 compound, this is a 42a durometer compound originally designed for use on motorbike dragster tyres. In addition to exceptional grip, another benefit is the slow rebound which helps to absorb vibration and improve comfort on the track.

Being so soft and pliable allows the knobs to twist and mould over rocks and bite into the earth, but the grip always feels precise and predictable. Over my time with the tyre I’ve used them across the UK in all sorts of conditions from mud, slick rocks, wet roots, to dry and dusty conditions, and in every situation, the level of grip is simply awesome.

The well-spaced tread design has enough room to quickly shed loam and mud, and the lower profile central tread does a good job of speeding this chunky tyre along the trail.

Climbing is good in firmer conditions, but it can lose traction in mud and loam, though this is a primarily a downhill tyre. I found in soft and wet conditions switching to the Snap Trail on the rear improved climbing, the narrower profile biting into the dirt better than its downhill brother.

Considering the grip, soft compound and weight (1390g), the rolling resistance is good, but not as fast as other tyres, however, this is a compromise I’m happy to accept. The grip is immense, always biting when you expect it to and not letting go. I found while testing the Snap WCE that I was more confident across wet roots, and leaning over on the local steep switchbacks.

Another plus is the puncture protection – sure I run tubeless in all my tyres, but I still split them from time to time. This is something I’ve not had happen with the VeeTire Snap WCE or the Snap Trail thanks to the tough Gravity Core casing.

Things that could be improved

• A dual compound version of the tyre might be a good idea. I only really noticed the drag at the end of a long day of riding, but other riders noticed it from the off.

Things that I loved

• Incredible grip in all conditions.
• A very good all year tyre. I’ve used it in mud, ice, dust and loam and the Snap WCE works very well in each situation.
• Bulletproof sidewalls. I’ve ripped plenty of tyres to shreds, especially on eBikes, but the VeeTire Snap WCE hasn’t let me down.

Overall

A tyre that inspires confidence in all conditions. Immense grip even in flat loose corners, and incredible puncture resistance. The softer compound does increase rolling resistance slightly, but it’s only really noticeable on long road climbs.

Review Info