Here is the Vulpine semi-slick tire on the left from 2007 compared to the new Riddler.

Here is the Vulpine semi-slick tire on the left from 2007 compared to the new 2015 Riddler. It illustrates how riding has changed over the years and how WTB has kept up with the times through innovation.​

WTB is on a roll these days. They've stayed true to their core values and have continued to design tires and components that riders want. Capitalizing on the demand for all mountain and enduro tires, they've knocked in a couple of homeruns with the Vigilante and Trail Boss tires.

So now they've worked with Oregon legend, Nathan Riddle to design their new tire called the Riddler. Nathan explains his design objectives for the tire, "Tires are really one of the biggest tech advantages a bike rider can have over the terrain or competition. I had been struggling whether to run the Beeline due to its light weight and fast rolling characteristics for a given race that incorporated an XC stage and a DH stage (with no tire changes,) or the Vigilante for its aggressive cornering traits. Then I realized… Why compromise one for the other? I pitched the idea for a tire that blended the best traits of both models into one tire - The Riddler. I was really amazed at how fast the WTB design team can go from an idea to a 3D model! E-mails flew back and forth literally any time of day or night and usually Evan Smith had the next design iteration for us to see within hours of the suggestion. I am so honored to be a part of the WTB team and to have a tire named after me is actually a dream come true."



WTB Riddler 2.4 27.5" tires will be available in two different levels. Riddler 2.4 27.5" TCS Light: Fast Rolling tires will feature WTB's sealant-optimized Lightweight Casing and dual compound, Dual DNA rubber, weighing in at 868g with an MSRP of $67.95. Riddler 2.4 27.5" TCS Tough: Fast Rolling Compound tires feature WTB's Enduro Casing, composed of two full layers of WTB's sealant-optimized Lightweight Casing, along with dual compound, Dual DNA rubber, weighing 1108g with a $76.95 MSRP.

WTB Employee Alex Hodson getting some at Weir's pump track. Photo by Abner Kingman

WTB Employee Alex Hodson getting some at Weir's pump track. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Who is WTB?

Editor's Note: This story is courtesy of WTB with photos by Abner Kingman.

I guess I could see it all evolving from almost a longing, selfish jealousy - Weir's got, like, all that cool stuff... lucky. Kind of like that childhood friend that obtrusively invited himself over, we inserted our necessity to invade his land of irrefutably rad things. The land of Weir, the land of the Ranch. We devised a ploy, an extended excuse of justification based on a lofted request from our European office: to tell the California story. Our caring cousins from the European Union had visited Marin for global meetings and before they were lectured to lethargy, they identified that need, to tell our story. And we did, through the world of Weir, and we really couldn't have been luckier.

It started here.

Hanging wooden sign. Photo by Abner Kingman

Hanging wooden sign. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Now you'd think that that European media would show up to understand what we're all about. Not so. You'd guess that at the very least, our European office would attend, document our Fest de California, and returned armed with our story of roots, origins, trails and triumphs. That would almost make sense. Nope, somehow we, WTB USA, and our friends, US media and fellow Throwdown sponsors, got to have the time of our lives at the private trails of the Novato Ranch and gluttonously fun backyard of Mark Weir. But before we got to do that, school, was, in, session.

Jason Moeschler and Francis Cebedo of MTBR enjoy the Trail Boss' tale. Photo by Abner Kingman

Jason Moeschler and Francis Cebedo of MTBR enjoy the Trail Boss' tale. Photo by Abner Kingman​

The Trail Boss tells it. He's seen it, he's lived it, he's ridden it, and he's certainly cleaned it - un hunh, I'm talking that sketchball section of trail, the Trail Boss has definitely cleaned it. Mark Slate also kindly helped walk us through WTB's product history.

Mark Slate opening talk. Photo by Abner Kingman

Mark Slate opening talk. Photo by Abner Kingman​

And of course we talked about tires... We ride in the dirt, therefore we talk about tires, that's undisputed, right?

Talking about tires at the 2015 WTB Thowdown, Novato, California. Photo by Abner Kingman

Talking about tires at the 2015 WTB Thowdown, Novato, California. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Then, it was time to sign waivers. Waivers? We don't need no stinkin' waivers. Come within 20 miles of Weir's place and it's time to sign some fine print:

I, the aforementioned, understand that mountain biking and WEIR are inherently dangerous, and am hereby releasing all liability...

It actually made some sense, promptly upon arrival to Novato, media were hurled down this.

Ben Cruz, riding too fast to tell it's Ben Cruz. Photo by Abner Kingman

Ben Cruz, riding too fast to tell it's Ben Cruz. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Continue to page 2 for more from the WTB Throwdown and a full photo gallery »

The Trailblazer and the Bridger Tires

Salsa Protype bike with 27.5+

In the 27.5+ size category, WTB is leading the charge as well as they released their 2.8 Trailblazer to fit in existing 29er frames and forks. Working within the constraints of current bikes, they were able to create a product that allowed folks to taste the kool-aid by converting their existing 29ers into 27.5+ bikes with big tires.

"The Trailblazer is a 27.5 x 2.8-inch tire with an overall diameter of the tire is about 28.6inches, very close to a standard 29″ tire," explained WTB Marketing Manager Will Ritchie. "As a result, you can take it and fit it in an existing 29er frame or bike without having to do any custom retro fits. You don't need a new fork, it can fit comfortably within the chainstays of most current 29 inch hardtail or full suspension bikes."

That aTrailblazers weigh in at 895 grams and are designed for rims at least 25mm wide. They retail for $67.95 each and are available now.
Trailblazer 2.8 tires on the rear

Trailblazer 2.8 tires on the rear​

And working without constraints, they introduced the 27.5+ tire in full 3.0 size. "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 will not fit in old frames or forks as it needs frames designed for it and the use of forks with the new 110mm standard. But it has to promise of fully realizing what the 27.5+ size is really capable of.

The WTB Bridger 3.0 is a true 27.5+ tire designed for purposely built frames and forks.

The WTB Bridger 3.0 is a true 27.5+ tire designed for purposely built frames and forks.​

Mark Weir and The Ranch testing grounds

I think they (shredders of the Ranch) call it something like terminal velocity or an equally menacing name referring to foolish speed that I'd always been equally wary and skeptical of, hearing about it for ages. It just completely drops off a hill. One second you're captivated by the beauty of what appear to be gentle ridge tops, then the trail falls out from under you before you know what you're in for.

Clayton from Mountain Bike Action approaching the impending singletrack waterfall with aplomb. Photo by Abner Kingman

Clayton from Mountain Bike Action approaching the impending singletrack waterfall with aplomb. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Yet somehow, they loved it. Rachelle from Pinkbike couldn't hide her smile.

After hurling off the top, the trail snaked its way into a maze of Bays, berms, stutter bumps, and tables. Photo by Abner Kingman

After hurling off the top, the trail snaked its way into a maze of Bays, berms, stutter bumps, and tables. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Nor Jon from NSMB.


It was simple really, shuttle.

Fox Racing Shox and their SVT Raptor were a huge hit.  Photo by Abner Kingman

Fox Racing Shox and their SVT Raptor were a huge hit. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Then send it.

RC Sendin'. Photo by Abner Kingman

RC Sendin'. Photo by Abner Kingman​

I'm getting ahead of myself. Fun was had by more than just media. Weir showed us how it was done on the trails he's the master of.

Mark Weir on the trails. Photo by Abner Kingman

Mark Weir on the trails. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Jason put the big tires to the big test.

Trailblazers are also made for schralping. Proper schralping. Photo by Abner Kingman

Trailblazers are also made for schralping. Proper schralping. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Continue to page 3 for more from the WTB Throwdown and a an awesome wrap-up video »

WTB is a family that was started by some of the originators of mountain biking. They've had many ups and downs but they've stayed true to form and have maintained the revered status of their brand. They still hang on to their original building in Mill Valley, CA. Mark Slate and Gary Gleason continue to steer the company in the right direction, focusing on their core values and product expertise.



And with the help of Mark Weir, Jason Moeschler and a core group of talented engineers and riders, WTB has made a comeback in the component world. They continue to innovate with saddles and they're taking a leadership position again with new tires. And the video above shows how they have fun along the way.

Their new employee. Jeff Kendall-Weed effortlessly aired things out. We had to check in with Jeff and really understand how he could leave Ibis Cycles and the Santa Cruz mountains for this place. Spending a few days with him in Novato, we understand that he is in a very good place.

Jeff Kendall-Weed getting air. Photo by Abner Kingman

Jeff Kendall-Weed getting air. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Marco skimmed stutters with alarming speed.

Low. Marco Osborne always looks low over his bike in pictures when jumping.  It makes complete sense in real life, he's going sooo fast, I don't think there's any other option than a low dart across things. Photo by Abner Kingman

Low. Marco Osborne always looks low over his bike in pictures when jumping. It makes complete sense in real life, he's going sooo fast, I don't think there's any other option than a low dart across things. Photo by Abner Kingman​

And Ben moto'ed his way through things with the sheer force and strength only he seems to have.

Ben Cruz knows this turn well. Really well. Photo by Abner Kingman

Ben Cruz knows this turn well. Really well. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Jerome took a brief pause from shaming people on the descents and redirected his attention to shaming people on the rock crawling course.

Jerome having fun. Photo by Abner Kingman.

Jerome having fun. Photo by Abner Kingman.​

And Nathan Riddle pushed his Riddlers to the brink.

THE Nathan Riddle of the Riddler tire, cornering as the tire, and Nathan, love to do. Photo by Abner Kingman

THE Nathan Riddle of the Riddler tire, cornering as the tire, and Nathan, love to do. Photo by Abner Kingman​

And that was just the riding part. Then it was time to clean ourselves up, pretend we hadn't been pummeling our way down hillsides plagued with poison oak, take a shower, put on a fresh shirt, try to be classy.

Continue to page 4 for more from the WTB Throwdown and a full photo gallery »

Overwhelmingly good food at the Weir's home. Photo by Abner Kingman

Overwhelmingly good food at the Weir's home. Photo by Abner Kingman​

The Weirs' beautiful home was only almost eclipsed by the feast of overwhelmingly good food. So much meat, Weir threw out some statistic about the quantity of meat consumed that was a rather alarming pound per capita ratio. It was all the good kind too - you know the happy life, live in Novato kind (I'm talking meat here, btw.) He, Weir, gave a deeply heartfelt and sincere welcome, thanks, and toast to everyone as we were digging into the scrumptious food on his fine lawn. It definitely had that ring that hung in the air and was so far from fake. It wasn't rehearsed, it wasn't long. It was real, it couldn't be more real. He said thanks and he meant it. The more time I'm lucky enough to spend in proximity to Weir (after signing liability releases, mind you) the more I realize that's just Weir, he's real, like it or not, but it's pretty hard to not like. The next morning, as I was detangling myself from the confines of my truck camper across the street, he approached with a smile and open threats of fresh coffee as I was scampering about, trying not to raise neighbor's suspicions. He didn't have to do that. Why was I sleeping in the back of my truck? Simple, because of this.

Mix free beer, too much good food, pump track, way too many RC cars, a bonfire and it starts to seem normal for mechanized things to fly past your head at speed. Photo by Abner Kingman

Mix free beer, too much good food, pump track, way too many RC cars, a bonfire and it starts to seem normal for mechanized things to fly past your head at speed. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Yeah it was fun.

I am fairly certain it is impossible to not have fun here. Photo by Abner Kingman

I am fairly certain it is impossible to not have fun here. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Jeff Kendall-Weed taming the pump track in front of Alex Dunn's amazing mural - stay posted, more to come on the mural soon. Photo by Abner Kingman

Jeff Kendall-Weed taming the pump track in front of Alex Dunn's amazing mural - stay posted, more to come on the mural soon. Photo by Abner Kingman​

I'd say too much fun but I think it was just right. I expected a lot of hurt feelings and scraped appendages, purely from the evening but things seemed very... controlled... or I don't know if I'd go so far as to say behaved, but certainly not the level of total meltdown that I think many feared. I'm even fairly confident to say that I think all had a good time, that's huge, I witnessed no squabbles, people were downright happy.

And though you won't believe me, we did climb, well, a little bit, as Cushionbury of Dirt Rag kind of sort of proves here.

Actually, this just looks like he's climbing.  We did climb though, I swear, and man was it steep. Photo by Abner Kingman

Actually, this just looks like he's climbing. We did climb though, I swear, and man was it steep. Photo by Abner Kingman​

And the party didn't stop, it just moved venues.

Ron Koch at TDS tape and Red Dirt. Photo by Abner Kingman

Ron Koch at TDS tape and Red Dirt. Photo by Abner Kingman​

On to race tape and tacky red dirt as Ron from Bicycling shows above, then sloppy red mud as you can read about HERE.

This Tallboy LT with  WTB Bridger 3.0 tires illustrates how WTB is looking forward in to the future and leading innovation by leading the charge in 'plus' size tires.

This Tallboy LT with WTB Trailblazer 2.8 tires illustrates how WTB is looking forward in to the future and leading innovation by leading the charge in 'plus' size tires.​

Here's to the inaugural Throwdown. We were the kids that invited ourselves over and didn't leave. We had more fun than we thought possible and couldn't be more thankful that all our friends put up with us during our seemingly imposed and extended stay. It was a blast that didn't stop, we couldn't be more fortunate for the opportunity. A huge thank you to all media that attended and gave us the excuse, to Eugene Power, the finest chef you'll find, Tony Rissotti who raised the meat we gluttonously thankfully ate, the entire Weir and extended Weir family for hosting and graciously accommodating all of us, to all the sponsors that helped make it possible - Smith, Cannondale, CamelBak, Fox Racing Shox, Stages Cycling, Royal Racing, GU, Kali Protectives, Axial, Chico Bag Horizon Hobby and Blackburn. Plus our athletes that made it happen: Lauren Gregg, Nathan Riddle, Jeff Kendall-Weed, Jerome Clementz, Ben Cruz, Marco Osborne, Jason Moeschler, of course Mark Weir. A big thank you to Lisa and Heather in marketing for nonstop, tireless planning and orchestration. How's that for an unwarranted grammy acceptance speech? How's this - see y'all next year for more fun than you can imagine having.

Parting vista Weir. Photo by Abner Kingman

Parting vista Weir. Photo by Abner Kingman​

Here's to the Throwdown and good times. Too much fun is just the right amount of fun to have.