Product release: WTB Saddles – optimized for 650B
WTB released a new performance saddle shape called the High Tail as well as carbon-railed versions of the Volt and Rocket V saddles during day one the Taipei International Cycle Show last week. The High Tail saddle was developed as a direct request from Pivot Cycles, who identified an emerging need for a purpose-built saddle while designing and refining their upcoming carbon 27.5” downhill bike.
The High Tail saddle features a unique and distinctive cut-out to the back of the saddle, allowing for additional rear tire clearance as full suspension 27.5” bikes cycle through their travel.
Chris Cocalis, Pivot Cycles’ Founder and President, commented on the thought process behind the design, “It quickly became apparent that we weren’t going to be able to use the geometry we wanted to use with a conventional saddle on our upcoming 27.5” carbon downhill bike. We wanted to maintain the same travel, chainstay length and rider the positioning as on our current 26” Phoenix DH bike and this presented an overall clearance challenge with current seat and rail profiles. Something had to give, so we contacted WTB with the idea of a saddle to accommodate the rising popularity of the 27.5” full suspension market.”
The Prototype WTB High Tail saddle on display at Taipei Cycle Show – the completed product with carbon rails and decals will be ready later this year.
As Cocalis mentioned, the High Tail saddle not only caters to downhill bikes but also trail and enduro 27.5” full suspension bikes following trends toward slacker angles aimed at more aggressive usage. “The High Tail is particularly special,” furthered WTB’s OEM Sales Manger, Jason Moeschler, “you’re getting technology gleaned from downhill bikes and now used by many categories and rider types. You don’t usually get such a quick transition from gravity to all aspects of riding, a big thank you is owed to Chris [Cocalis] for tipping us off.”
WTB will highlight the usage spectrum of the High Tail through its level options. A $249.95 US MSRP Carbon option will bring downhill technology to gram-counting cross country riders. A Titanium–railed Team level and and Cromoly Pro option will retail for $159.95 and $119.95 USD, respectively, bringing the technology to more attainable though decidedly high-end price points. Predicted availability worldwide will be September of 2014.
New options for successful models
Additionally, WTB also released carbon-railed options for their Volt and Rocket V shapes, also retailing for $249.95. Both the Volt and Rocket V saddles will also gain additional width options, expanding to 142mm and 150mm widths throughout the two saddle’s level options.
“We’re excited for elite level carbon options as well as additional width availability for the Volt and Rocket V saddles,” stated WTB’s Director of Sales, Gary Gleason. “They [Volt and Rocket V] are incredibly popular sellers for us, it’s empowering from a sales side to know that the Volt and Rocket will broaden their reach further through expanded fit, sizing, and price points.”
Rocket V and Volt Carbon saddles, along with 142 and 150 widths, are expected to become available starting in September as well. Rocket V and Volt pricing will follow WTB’s traditional saddle price structure, with satin steel-railed Comp saddles starting at $39.95 USD, followed by $59.95 Cromoly-railed Race saddles, $89.95 Pro options utilizing DNA padding, and $129.95 Team saddles featuring Titanium rails.
For more information, visit www.wtb.com
Words & Pictures: Pressrelease WTB
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