WTB’s new plus sized Ranger tire
The Ranger is equally at home shredding trail as it is fully loaded on a bikepacking tour (click to enlarge).
With 27.5+ now a recognized wheel and tire standard, it’s easy to forget it was originally designed to balance the needs of bike packing and shredding trail. The new WTB Ranger carries that legacy forward by combining a plus sized casing with a tread pattern versatile enough for a variety of conditions.
The Ranger has a fast rolling center tread, yet can still bite into a corner (click to enlarge).
The tight centerline tread is designed to be fast rolling, while the outer lugs offer plenty of support in corners, and are claimed to shed mud well. Multi-directional siping throughout provides additional traction when cornering and climbing.
The 27.5+ version will be available with either a lightweight or tough casing, as well as fast rolling or high grip compound. This is the first time WTB is offering a plus sized tire with their TCS Tough casing. If you’ve experienced issues with tearing or puncturing lighter weight plus sized tires, the new Ranger could be an excellent alternative.
The 29+ standard has emerged as a popular alternative for the bikepacking crowd (click to enlarge).
WTB is also offering this tire in 29+ form. Many of the company’s employees are avid bikepackers and they’ve found that the 3.0” width is the ideal size for smoothing out the ride and still getting rowdy.
Depending on tire size and compound, prices for the new Ranger range from $68-$77. The lightest 27.5+ version weighs a claimed 803 grams. The 29+ model is 100 grams heavier. They have select versions in stock and the full range will be shipping soon.
For more information, visit www.wtb.com.
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