Is 2015 the year of 27.5+ or 650b+? It sure seems like it, last weekend Fox introduced a new “plus sized” fork so the concept is definitely gaining momentum. For more info on this new wheel and tire size, check out our Breakout Session. WTB now expands on their existing 27.5+ products with a new tire:

WTB released a new 27.5+ TCS tread pattern called the Bridger 3.0 at day one of the Taipei International Cycle Show. The Bridger 3.0 27.5+ tire features an open tread pattern composed of square shaped blocks designed for aggressive riding applications including the enduro segment.

“The Bridger shows that we are once again thinking beyond conventionality,” stated Chris Feucht, WTB’s product manager. “Rather than stick within the confines of traditional plus sized tire applications, we are directly targeting aggressive riding. We are offering the Bridger 3.0 27.5+ tire in a TCS Tough: High Grip option. Sticky Gravity DNA rubber coating a full 2-ply casing begs for technical descents. There is really no reason why this tire size isn’t perfect for aggressive riding applications.”

The Bridger 3.0 27.5+ TCS tire really proves the legitimacy of this wheel size, marking trail worthiness and usage beyond a taste of plus sized ride characteristics. Big, blocky, spaced knobs hunger for technical trail and the size is unquestionably large. Bicycle and suspension companies are now doing ground-up designs around this larger, more aggressive size. Plus, offering the Bridger 3.0 27.5+ in a TCS Tough High Grip begs for enduro use considerations when designing a bike around it.

91706b27-1c54-46fa-a978-28f5fd88d2d7 Kopie

WTB TCS Tough tires feature WTB’s Enduro Casing, composed of two full layers of their sealant-optimized Lightweight Casing. TCS Tough tires are then broken down into High Grip and Fast Rolling options, primarily intended for front (High Grip) and rear (Fast Rolling) uses.

WTB introduced TCS Tough: High Grip tires first with the Breakout tire just over one year ago at Taipei Show in 2014. Existing applicable patterns within the line underwent the change over the past year.

“The Bridger 3.0 27.5+ TCS Tough: High Grip tire marks quite an opportunity for bicycle brands,” explained Jason Moeschler, WTB’s global OEM sales manager. “It allows ground up design – the tire has come before the bike, a capable full suspension needs a tire like this. We started this size and we are continuing to drive it through broadening its application and usage.”

WTB is proud and grateful to be recognized for the TRAILBLAZER tire and the 27.5+ system. WTB feels this use of 29” tire bikes – with a new wheel and much fatter tire – defines a new type of use and ride. The ride is different than any other size, not too fat and not too big in diameter, it can fit many sizes of riders. WTB believes this 27.5+ size defines a very meaningful difference in the type of ride the tire provides.

WTB Bridger 3.0 27.5+ tires will be available in TCS Tough: High Grip and TCS Light: Fast Rolling options. WTB lists preproduction weights of 1235g and 1510g for TCS Light: Fast Rolling and TCS Tough: High Grip options with a projected availability of August 2015. Bridger 3.0 27.5+ TCS Tough: High Grip tires will retail for $76.95 while TCS Light: Fast Rolling tires will carry a $67.95 MSRP.

Words & Photos: WTB Press Release


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