With the whole industry going wider in both tire and rim combinations, it’s a surprise no one has thought of this yet. Instead of oversizing everything on the bike to add weight and complexity, why not just make things, smaller? Requiring zero modifications to fit within existing frames, the tires adhere to the WTB mantra of “Minus is More.” Offering similar rollover ability with better acceleration, the new undersize tires over deliver on performance…
| Contact: Det. John Kimble
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GUADALAJARA, MEXICO – April 1, 2015 – WTB unveiled a comprehensive line of minus sized tires during day one of the month of April. Minus sized tires combine the traditional overall diameters of standard sized tires with non-traditional, narrower widths, fitting within the dropouts of existing bicycles in the market without the need for proprietary or custom modifications. “Minus is more,” stated Willy Loman, WTB’s former top outside salesman. “It proves that with less, you really can do more. Why lug around extra grams when you can have the same overall diameter at a lower rotational weight? This means the same rollover characteristics available in a more sprightly package, ensuring faster Strava times.” Though the industry seems in a state of flux as to what width minus will collectively settle on, most tire manufactures are following suit in the 29 x 1.0 to 1.15 range. “The math actually works,” stated Holden Caulfield, WTB’s chief cynic. “Believe it or not, a 29 x 1.0” is the same overall diameter as a 27.5 x 2.5” but go any lower than a 1.0 and you run the risk of entering non-ETRTO compliance and unsanctioned usage. Due to the undersized nature of this emerging category, rather than overall diameter, we are now referring to it as underall diameter,” furthered Caulfield. “Remember,” cautioned Caulfield, “two minuses make a plus.” “This poses a remarkable opportunity to frame builders and OEM brands,” stated Alotta Unitz, WTB’s European OEM sales manager. “Your quiver killer has arrived. Where else can you get pitted through seven stages of Enduro then throw on some bike bags, rando your way to a hashtag moment? We’re at a point of carbon fiber and suspension where bikes are light and efficient enough that yesterday’s EWS winner is today’s #adventurelifestyle selfie star. It’s limitless really. Spec our tires, it’ll change your life.” WTB Minus Sized tires will be available in three tread patterns. The LaserDyno combines heritage with new school design, blending decreased rolling resistance with enhanced cornering through a bald tread pattern. The Pitted-o-Saur, intended primarily for Enduro usage, features regressive side knobs and is intended for you know, the type of riding we all do. Details are scarce on the third tread pattern, thought to be named the #Mysterious, though referred to by others as the WolverHampton and though WTB representatives have been tightlipped about its application, those that, know, and revel in obscurity, have proclaimed it to be a randonneuring tire. WTB Minus Sized tires are projected to arrive on the 12th of Never with a MSRP of A.Q. About TCS WTB’s proprietary sealant tubeless system, TCS (Tubeless Compatible System,) revolutionized rims and tires in 2009 when combining ETRTO, ISO, and UST standards with light tubeless rotational weights. Never before had a standards-based tubeless system weighed so little. Certified as the first sealant-based tires for the UST system in 2012 by Mavic, TCS continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible through purpose-built tires and rims tailor-made for every discipline of cycling. Learn more about what’s possible at wtb.com/tcs About WTB Founded in 1982, WTB was formed in the birthplace of mountain biking to design better bicycle products. Renowned for saddles, tires, rims, and grips, this rider-driven company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible through an unrelenting spirit of innovation and passion for two-wheeled adventure. |
