XC Gets Faster, Lighter, and Stronger with the new WTB Macro 2.4”
Cross-country racers want a Goldilocks mix of characteristics in their gear: speed without sketchiness, suppleness without delicacy, and tank-like grip without tank-like weight. For tires, it’s often been a matter of sacrificing one characteristic for another. Not anymore. The new WTB Macro 2.4” tire shatters that trend. It rolls fast, digs into the turns with precision, and deflects even the sharpest rocks thanks to its SG puncture protection.
Macro’s centerline is made up of small, tightly spaced knobs that pack a punch, delivering unmatched speed and braking traction. When you lean into a turn, the wider spacing and raised outer knobs provide a steadfast grip when you need it most.
Pair this dynamic tread with a wide, rounded profile and the ability to run lower air pressures, and you get an incredibly capable tire that delivers a perfectly smooth transition as you pitch in and rail through turns.
“There are some good XC tires out there that excel in certain areas,” said WTB Product Vision and OEM Director Johs Huseby. “Some are fast in a straight line, some bite well in corners, some are light, and some feature robust protection. Macro puts all those characteristics into a single tire.”
The 2.4” tire measures 62mm and weighs 732g (120tpi black with SG protection).
Part of the secret sauce is WTB’s SG puncture protection, which is made of a rubberized nylon fabric that protects the sidewalls without compromising suppleness. Flat fibers in the SG barrier reduce weight compared to traditional round fibers, allowing WTB to tune the ride characteristics further.
First Impressions => It was fast, quick-rolling, sticky, rugged, and quick-turning. It went downhill so fast that I braked too late and had to brake harder to slow down. It could be better for traction in deep, loose conditions, but the tread height isn’t that tall. They provide surprising traction if you keep your weight a tad back on the saddle. With their snappy acceleration and lightweight, you could power up some steep terrain with aplomb. The SG protection sidewall protection does a fantastic job, and you can toss them in places an XC tire usually wouldn’t be used.
They sure look sweet with the tan sidewalls!
Sustainably Packaged and Available Now
All new WTB tires are packaged using 100% recycled materials and zero plastic. Macro is available at WTB.com and now has dealers across the USA. It will be on shelves across Europe in late July. The Macro is available in both Black and Tan casing options and carries an MSRP of $76.95 / €69.95 / £75.00.
- An actual 2.4” XC tire i30 rim
- Our newest XC race tire
- Tightly spaced, low center knobs to increase rolling speed
- Wide breaking edged to increase braking traction
- Widely spaced transition and side knobs allow increased cornering traction
- Rounded tread profile to increase rolling speed and provide smooth cornering on hard pack
- 62mm section width
- 100% Recycled and Recyclable Packaging
Gravel cycling just got an upgrade.
WTB has just rolled out three new exciting tires today! Introducing the all-new Vulpine S race tire, available in 40 and 45, delivers a perfect blend of speed and traction. Also debuting is the bigger Vulpine 45, building on the classic gravel race design, and the Resolute 50, a new size for the ultimate all-weather robust gravel tread. Get ready to elevate your gravel cycling experience!
All three models feature Dual DNA rubber compounds, combining harder, faster-rolling center sections with softer, grippier shoulders for optimal performance and weight. Additionally, each tire has robust puncture protection to ensure durability and reliability on any terrain.
“Whether riding or racing, gravel cyclists continue to expand what’s possible on a bike, and WTB is proud to help them get further and faster, with purpose-built tires that deliver rocket ship efficiency, best-in-class grip, and peace of mind with superior puncture protection,” said Johs Huseby, WTB’s Product Vision and OEM Director.
Vulpine S – a high-performance gravel race tire
Vulpine S is the perfect choice for racers aiming to maximize straight-line speed without sacrificing grip in the corners. A solid centerline delivers pure speed while tightly packed small knobs bite into the dirt as you lean through turns.
Gravel racers Whitney and Zack Allison tested the Vulpine S during the 8-day Transcordilleras bikepacking gravel race in Colombia, as well as the grueling 200-mile Unbound Gravel in Kansas, among other events.
“The Vulpine S tires are the best of all worlds: generous volume and some side tread for chunky terrain with a smooth center tread to keep the speed,” Zack Allison said.
Beneath the tread, the speedy, supple, and durable 120tpi SG TCS tubeless-ready casing enhances ride comfort, offers ample protection, and keeps weight to an absolute minimum.
“This tire puts the fun in gravel. I ran this thing across Colombia this spring for 60 hours in 8 days and had zero issues. In fact, I still am running it,” Whitney Allison said.
The 700c Vulpine S is available in 40mm and 45mm widths in black and tan sidewalls for $69.95 / €59.95 / £65.00.
Vulpine 45 – a bigger version of an all-around gravel classic
Gravel riders love the Vulpine tread for its blend of efficiency and confident traction. The 36mm and 40mm Vulpine tires have a new sibling with the 45mm edition. It boasts the same Dual DNA compound found in the Vulpine S but offers even more grip in the center portion of the tread.
Tightly spaced knobs along the centerline ensure fast rolling while maintaining good grip when out of the saddle on steep, loose climbs. Additionally, the short knobs on the shoulder provide extra grip without adding unnecessary bulk that could slow you down.
The Vulpine 45 is available in 700c, featuring a supple and lightweight 120tpi TCS tubeless ready casing with SG puncture protection in the sidewalls, and comes with a choice of black or tan sidewalls for $69.95 / €59.95 / £65.00.
Resolute 50 – the ultimate in robust, all-weather gravel riding
The Resolute has long been the go-to choice for riders prioritizing durability and maximum comfort on the roughest and wettest gravel rides. Now the tire is available in a 50mm version, offering even more flotation, confidence, and comfort over rowdy roads and trails.
The Resolute 50 is designed for speed. It features a supple 120tpi TCS tubeless-ready casing, a Dual DNA rubber compound, and bead-to-bead SG2 puncture protection.
A tight and consistent centerline ensures impressive rolling efficiency for clocking up the miles, while the small, square knobs deliver predictable bite into a variety of terrain and conditions. The rounded edges on the knobs, combined with the wide spacing of the transition and side knobs, ensure efficient mud clearing and consistent traction even on the wettest days.
Along with its incredibly versatile tread, the Resolute 50’s extra volume makes it a great choice for those seeking to conquer the unconquered.
The Resolute 50 is available in both Black and Tan casing options and carries an MSRP of $69.95 / €59.95 / £65.00.
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