The Mojo SL is hands-down my favorite 26er trailbike on the market and one I’m very familiar with, so I could focus on the performance of the tires and wheels without distractions from a funky or unfamiliar ride.

The new Bronson’s you get a smooth-rolling center channel with spring-like outer knobs for unmatched cornering and grip. As an all-around trail tire, the Bronson’s look to be the ones to beat. Climbing traction was superb and cornering abilities were like Velcro. One of the unique features of this tire is the spring-like outer knobs. you can see they have a “V” cut out of them. This allows the outermost knobs to compress and spring back for improved traction.

At some point, I’d love to get a bit more saddle time on these tires in both 26 and 29er versions, so stay tuned.

As far as the performance of the Stryker wheels are concerned, I had no complaints. The bladed spokes reduce wind resistance and increase stiffness. While I’m talking spokes, the Stryker’s feature angled eyelets that are machined to the perfect angle so the spoke pulls straight to the hub. Go out and look at your current wheelset and I’m sure you’ll see the slight bend just after the nipples. This reduces strength and increases stress on the spoke — that all is completely eliminated with the Stryker’s.

The rolling legend, Mark Weir not only perfected the new Bronson tire, but also worked to refine the new wheels. The result is a lightweight, stiff and aerodynamic wheelset that tips the scales at just over 1700 grams for the 26-inch All-mountain version. XC versions drop weights down below 1500 grams and have been tested by Weir on DH and enduro courses worldwide.

Here’s to a great year for WTB in 2011. Both the Bronson tires and Stryker TCS wheels are going to nail it for both 26 and 29-inch bikes.

More Info: Visit WTB.com

This tire is MEATY for sure. I recall seeing it at the WTB booth at Interbike–definitely DH-only! At 1400 grams each, this thing would be a pig to pedal uphill, but I’m sure it will crush the downhill!

Here’s a bit more info from Niner:

The much anticipated WTB Kodiak tire is now available for purchase exclusively from the Niner Bikes online store and from the Niner Bikes dealer network.

“This tire is the result of our desire to offer the longest travel, burliest production 29er mountain bike, and WTB’s help with the project has been invaluable.” said Niner co-founder Chris Sugai, “WTB knows that there are a ton of riders out there that want a 29er with freeride and downhill capability and their willingness to step up and be the first to make a wire bead, dual-ply 29er tire shows that their passion for the big revolution is genuine”.

WTB Kodiak Tire Details:

A 2.5′” monster, this Niner exclusive tire is the burliest rubber you can spec on your 29er bike. Made with WTB’s High Grip DNA™ rubber compound, the tread is specifically designed for fast, gnarly, technical descending. The WTB Inner Peace™ sidewall reinforcement has your back when it comes to pinch flat protection, sidewall stiffness and keeping tire damage to a minimum. Finally, the wire bead means less bead stretch and better rim retention when you do push the limits of your riding.

WTB Kodiak Specs: 29×2.5″, 1400 grams, 50 Durometer, 27 TPI, MSRP is $49.95 – buy now

More Info: Visit NinerBikes.com

With all that R&D and careful manufacturing, the resulting treads look solid and are sure to be even more versatile than ever. On top of all the changes, WTB was also able to cut prices across the board for 2010. Innovation and lower prices… cha-ching!

WTB Weirwolf – Changes for 2010

The changes to the 2010 WTB Weirwolf tire line are easy to spot. The tiered side knobs, dual-compounds and narrower gap between the crown and side knobs are just the beginning. Here are a few more details:

• Available widths: 2.1 or 2.3
• Tubeless Options: UST or WTB’s Tubeless Compatible System (TCS)
• 60 tpi casing to resist cuts and scrapes
• Reduced gap between crown and side knobs
• Weight: Approx 800g (2.3)
• MSRP: $60
• Availability: I’m told this Fall

Buy Now: Search for WTB Tires

Most all-mountain trail bikes these days come with a 2.35-ish tire. This width is the perfect balance between rolling resistance and all-around trail grip. While Maxxis High Roller and Kenda Nevegal seem to be the most common standard equipment on trailbikes these days, I’m seeing more and more WTB tires come standard. The Mutano Raptor 2.4 should be such a tire. It’s lightweight and versatile enough for all-day riding.

About the WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4 Tires

Some of the lightest 2.4 tires on the market, the WTB Mutano Raptor tires tip the scales at a scant 595 grams. Yes, only 595 grams! That’s a full 100 grams lighter than the Maxxis High Roller 2.35 with kevlar bead. These tires are built with technology from some of the most popular WTB tires in the line. Here’s the word from WTB on the Mutano Raptor tires:

“The Mutano Raptor is derived by mating three of our most popular treads—we combined the fast-rolling centerline of the Nano, the aggressive square blocks of the Moto Raptor and the grippy working edges of the VelociRaptor. The result is a highly versatile and predictable tire that keeps its speed and traction on any trail. The 2.4-inch model actually weighs less than 600-grams, making it a real standout in the world of large-volume XC race tires.”

More features of the WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4:

• Casing: Aramid bead, DNA rubber, lightweight casing
• Weight: 595 grams each
• Widths: 2.24 and 2.4 (tested)
• MSRP: $60

WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4 Tire Review

I mounted these treads on a 2009 Santa Cruz Blur LT for a few months. Honestly, these are the narrowest 2.4 tires I’ve ever ridden. Compared to the Kenda Nevegal 2.35′s that came on the bike, they look like 2.2′s.  But, as in life, looks can definitely be deceiving. What the Mutano Raptor lacks in width, it gains in excellent dry-condition traction.

My first ride was tentative (as are all first rides with new treads), because I couldn’t get over how narrow the tires seemed. Surely they wouldn’t provide the traction I was used to with other tires. Once over that hurdle, the Mutano’s hooked up very well. The long tread pattern provides excellent hook up in soft or hardpack while rolling extremely well. Carving hard into the corners, the Mutano’s track with the best of them.

The terrain I’ve ridden has been mostly soft dirt, hardpack and rocky. I haven’t taken them into super-technical, rock-strewn trails that eat tires for breakfast. Under the test conditions, I never had a single flat (nice work WTB), even though the casing is super-lightweight.

Good Mutano Raptor

• Amazingly-light at 595 grams
• Tracks well
• Excellent rolling resistance
• Hooks up in soft and hardpack
• Flat-free in 2 months of charging
• Solid braking performance

Bad Mutano Raptor

• Seems a bit narrow for a true 2.4, but widths are always relative
• Lightweight casing could meet its match in rock gardens

The Bottom Line on the WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4 Tires

Despite the seemingly-narrow 2.4 profile, the Mutano Raptors hook up with the best all-mountain tires. Used as front and rear, the Mutano’s are excellent choices for solid climbing traction, braking performance and overall handling. They have provided me with two months of riding without a single flat–that’s saying something for such a lightweight casing.

Buy Now: Search for WTB Mutano Raptor Tires

My favorites have been the High Roller and Minion tires from Maxxis and the Kenda Nevegal–all in 2.35 widths.  But, I have yet to ride many bikes equipped with WTB tires, until the Rocky Mountain Slayer SXC 70 that I’ve currently got for testing. How does the WTB Prowler XT 2.3 compare to those venerable treads? Read on and see.

About the WTB Prowler XT 2.3 Tire

Built as an all-mountain design, the WTB Prowler XT is wide and soft. The directional tread pattern features a lower center and larger outer knobs for exceptional rolling and cornering. Construction consists of an aramid bead, DNA rubber with a lightweight casing.

At 2.3 width (measurements are all fairly relative between manufacturers), these are high-volume tires with a wide profile. Here’s what WTB has to say about the Prowler XT 2.3 tires:

The square-profile, twin-knob design offers exceptional climbing grip and extra traction (XT) in a variety of conditions. The XT offers amazing control and stability in tight turns and under heaving braking. In loose conditions, the XT works best as a rear tire, paired with a Prowler MX, WeirWolf or Stout up front.

Feature highlights:

• 2.3 width
• Suitable as front or rear
• Weight: 848 grams
• Aramid bead
• DNA rubber (55/60)
• MSRP: $50

WTB Prowler XT 2.3 Tire Review

As standard equipment on the 2008 Rocky Mountain Slayer SXC 70, these tires have been outstanding overall. Like I said, I’ve been a Maxxis HighRoller/Minion or Kenda Nevegal fan for a long time.  Those treads typically grace the wheels of most all-mountain bikes. However, you can add the WTB Prowler XT’s into that mix as well.

Surprisingly, WTB states that these work best as a rear tire and they suggest running a Stout, WeirWolf or Prowler MX up front.  From my experience thus far, I’d have to debunk that train of thought–at least for Utah trail conditions. I like them as a front/rear combo.

I’ve ridden these tires in a mixture of smooth hardpack (Clark’s Trail in Draper, UT) to varied conditions in American Fork Canyon, UT.  I have yet to find any regular conditions where the front or rear tire washes out under hard cornering on hardpack or loose conditions.  Overall cornering traction is definitely on par with other top tires in this category. The only time I felt them let loose just a little was on a slow corner filled with deep desert sand. But, I don’t know any tires that will hold their own on the beach, so that’s not a major concern.

Even at higher-than-normal pressure, they are still hooky. I feel this is due to the split knob design. Nearly every knob is siped straight down the middle from front to back. As you’re cornering, the rubber adheres to the ground and just powers on through rough terrain.

The rear tire has provided excellent climbing traction in hardpack, loose silt and rocks. I have found it to just plain work well under all conditions.

Good Prowler XT

• Wide, siped knobs provide consistent traction
• Center knobs roll well
• DNA rubber compound is grippy

Bad Prowler XT

• A little heavier than comparable products
• Some may not recommend as a front tire (I think they are great)
• Braking has chewed up the rear treads a bit prematurely

The Bottom Line on the WTB Prowler XT Tires

Though I haven’t flogged these for a season, I can confidently say they are solid choices for the all-mountain rider. My previous experiences with WTB tires were mixed, so I’m glad to report that these tires and the entire new crop of tires from WTB are solid. Contrary to what WTB says, I’ve found these tires to be great running front or rear.

Buy Now: Visit GEAR.com to Search for Prowler XT Tires