WTB’s Weirwolf tyres have been around for a while (since 2002) but recently came in for an update, undergoing a slight redesign seeing subtle changes to the tread. And they’re also tubeless compatible with a newly introduced TCS (Tubeless Compatible System) version.

Designed over a five-year period with all-round mountain bike endurance downhiller legend Mark Wier, I was expecting great things from these tyres; aimed at being a good all-rounder (they reside in the company’s all-mountain range) with an eye to more aggressive and tough riding. During the redesign they added an extra row of knobs between the central and side rows, to give a smoother transition from straight up riding and cornering. Additionally, the side knobs are ‘terraced’ to give a progressive feel in the corners. You can see a video explaining the development process of the new tyre here.

They certainly looked pretty effective, but with a reasonably close tread, these were possibly not going to be the best fun in the mud. So, first run on the tyres was a muddy dual slalom on a very wet field, nothing short of spikes was going to work well in these conditions. No surprise, the tyres did clog a bit faster than others, not the best of starts.

Out on the trails things faired a little better however. While they were never going to be a fan of the sticker mud, when they were out in that “just after a downpour” type of mud the tyres started to work well. Once they were pushed hard they would break through the slop and bite into whatever was underneath, allowing for some sharp cornering for the conditions.

Out on the rockier trails they were stable and predicable and hooked up well even on the wet rocks and roots. The construction was also tough enough to survive the worst that the Peak District could throw at them, without coming at too heavy a weight penalty.

They also proved a fast rolling for the size and type of tyre, making them a swift and fun tyre for trail centre action, both in the wet and dry.

Unfortunately because of injury I have not been able to take these tyres out in the super dry and dusty conditions that these tyres were really designed for, but I will give an update once I can get out and do them justice.

Several versions of the Weirwolf are available, including a 2.1in carcass an the 2.4in tested here, with steel, aramid and UST aramis bead options. Quoted weights range from 712g for the light Race model and 930g for the 2.3in TCS tyre. Prices start from £19.99.

Verdict

An excellent tyre in the right conditions offering great bite in the corners, but a little disappointing once it gets a bit damp. A good summer tyre, but not the best if you prefer to fit and forget your tyres.

www.wtb.com and available from http://hotlines-uk.co.uk