Photos by Abner Kingman @abnerkingman
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA – April 9, 2019 – On the first day of Sea Otter, WTB will unveil two new aggressive TCS (Tubeless Compatible System) tires for enduro and gravity riding. The new Verdict and Verdict Wet tires share a tread pattern designed for the loosest, rowdiest conditions where relentless traction takes priority over rolling efficiency. Differentiating the two tires, Verdict Wet provides taller knobs that punch through sloppy and loose terrain to provide dependable traction in unpredictable and muddy conditions. Abundant open space between all knobs allows the tread pattern to dig through the driest days of summer and fling mud in the wettest months. Backed by decades of WTB tire testing and development, these new tires are available in both 27.5” and 29” diameters with a 2.5” width.
Which of these tires is right for you? “It’s completely dependent upon conditions,” explains Clayton Wangbichler, WTB’s product marketing manager. “Dry and dusty during the loose summer months in California, Colorado or Italy? Go with the Verdict. Wet and sloppy like an average spring ride in the Pacific Northwest or UK? Go with the Verdict Wet. The Verdict gives you ridiculous amounts of grip, but the Verdict Wet is for greasy days where no amount of traction is enough. Days where you wish your goggles had wiper blades.”
All Verdict and Verdict Wet tires feature WTB’s new TriTec Compound, which utilizes three rubber compounds to provide different levels of traction, support and durability based on their placement within the tread. The entire tread pattern is supported by a base of high durometer rubber, which also transitions halfway into the height of the knobs and allows for the use of softer knob compounds without the tire folding due to cornering forces. The tops of the center knobs consist of a medium durometer compound to provide traction and durability without sacrificing rolling efficiency, while the outer knobs feature the softest compound to deliver maximum grip and slow rebound.
The Verdict is available with a TCS Light or TCS Tough casing. TCS Light versions of the Verdict feature Slash Guard technology, which incorporates a protective nylon insert spanning the entire sidewall to provide extra puncture protection without the weight of a dual-ply casing. The Verdict Wet is available in a single TCS Tough/High Grip level to provide a stout, supportive foundation that prevents any unwanted flex or squirm often experienced with other tires featuring tall knobs.
“As soon as I saw the Verdict Wet, I knew it would be an absolute game changer!” said WTB enduro athlete Marco Osborne. “From super sloppy mud to the deep dust of the Sierra Nevada, it hooks up like no other tire I've ridden! A tire seriously worthy of “confidence-inspiring” traction. Then there's the Verdict, the do-it-all spike that can literally handle anything loose and rocky. Excited to put these new tires to the test on the sketchiest EWS lines!”
Pair either of these new front-focused tires with the Judge 2.4 tire on the rear for ultimate grip at both ends of the bike. Depending on the TCS casing and diameter, both of the new tires have MSRPs ranging from $70.95 to $83.95 USD. Verdict and Verdict wet will be available in North America in mid-May while Europe will receive tires in mid-June. Are you going to Sea Otter? Visit the WTB booth (#110) to check out the new tires.
