Joined
·
2,523 Posts
There is no doubt that high volume tires and wider rims are getting attention right now. However the problem is that in order to get with the program you pretty much have to invest in a whole new bike which quite frankly is expensive. But there is a solution that is coming out courtesy of the good folks at WTB that will cut the cost of admission because all you will need is a wheelset and tires. Still $$ I know but not nearly as much.
The + size, while not considered fat by the true believers in that realm, still provides a good amount of volume and makes at least a good 3 season tire. But quite frankly if you ride packed trails in the winter it should be fine then also. The overall diameter of the TrailBlazer 2.8 mounted to a 40mm rim is a skosh under 29"es and basically the same diameter as the "tire" that started it all, the 52/47 WTB Nanoraptor. Because of this there is no change in the bikes geometry so using it in the front only is an option that many will probably do. The Trailblazer should provide very similar ride characteristics to 29+ and weigh less too.
The Krampus 29+ is undoubtedly popular and since its inception has gotten the + concept off to a good start. But as previously mentioned in order to experience it you have to sign up for a whole new frame, fork and a wheel set to boot. Ka ching. So by combining the right sized tire and using the smaller diameter 650b rim + sizing can be adapted to many existing 29" frames and forks, most importantly the suspension ones that the 29+ market is lacking.
WTB is bringing a 40mm wide rim along with the tire but due to the wider rim trend in general there are other options available in alu and carbon in the 650b format so getting a set of wheels together should not be a problem.
I say bring it on!
The + size, while not considered fat by the true believers in that realm, still provides a good amount of volume and makes at least a good 3 season tire. But quite frankly if you ride packed trails in the winter it should be fine then also. The overall diameter of the TrailBlazer 2.8 mounted to a 40mm rim is a skosh under 29"es and basically the same diameter as the "tire" that started it all, the 52/47 WTB Nanoraptor. Because of this there is no change in the bikes geometry so using it in the front only is an option that many will probably do. The Trailblazer should provide very similar ride characteristics to 29+ and weigh less too.
The Krampus 29+ is undoubtedly popular and since its inception has gotten the + concept off to a good start. But as previously mentioned in order to experience it you have to sign up for a whole new frame, fork and a wheel set to boot. Ka ching. So by combining the right sized tire and using the smaller diameter 650b rim + sizing can be adapted to many existing 29" frames and forks, most importantly the suspension ones that the 29+ market is lacking.
WTB is bringing a 40mm wide rim along with the tire but due to the wider rim trend in general there are other options available in alu and carbon in the 650b format so getting a set of wheels together should not be a problem.
I say bring it on!
