Fast Gravel Treads: WTB Vulpine S 45c Tires Review

WTB has been on a tear lately, with their wide array of gravel tire offerings. Hot off the press are the new WTB Vulpine S tires. They are available in both 40 and 45c widths and they are purpose-built for racing. They took the versatile Vulpine tread and made it even faster and still-capable for a tire that checks all the boxes for mixed terrain gravel rides.

WTB Vulpine S 45c Tires Features:

• Race-focused tire with a smooth center tread
• Short, tight knobs for efficiency and grip
• Rounded profile rolls naturally from turn-to-turn
• Versatile for gravel and road
• SG sidewall protection
• Dual DNA compound mixes rubber hardness where needed
• Weight: 550 grams (45c, black casing)
• MSRP: $69.95

Love these “go fast” gravel tires

With both the new Vulpine S and Resolute gravel tires covering both ends of the spectrum, I’ve had both in the hopper for a few months. But with racy-fast gravel on the menu, the 45c Vulpine S tires were a great choice as a followup to the Bontrager Girona RSL GR tires I reviewed earlier this year. The duel was set and with thousands of miles on the WTB Vulpine tires over the years (currently aboard the Cervelo Aspero that’s in for testing), I had a pretty good idea what to expect with these new treads.

Installation was straightforward and didn’t require any tubeless tricks to get them installed or seated. Loaded up with about 3 oz of sealant, using the Reserve Fillmore valves, I inflated them with my trusty old floor pump without any issues. The beads locked nicely into place and I haven’t had any issues with burping or significant air loss throughout my testing. It’s always good to have a swear-free tubeless setup. Cha ching!

All miles were ridden aboard the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37V wheels, with a 25mm internal width. They do offer a hooked bead, which may have contributed to the 44.6mm external width of the tires when inflated. Tire security has been great and at some point, I’ll get these installed on a set of hookless rims as well (they are compatible with either rim style).

WTB offers a ton of sidewall and casing protection for the gnarliest terrain. And, with that, these are almost 50g heavier than the Bontrager Girona RSL GR tires. The added protection does offer peace-of-mind — particularly if you ride in tricky terrain where sidewalls can get eaten alive. But, it does come with a small weight penalty. I have had no issues with their durability so far.

Most of my riding consists of mixed terrain. I have a variety of rides that are 50/50 or 90/10 gravel-to-road ratio. And, there are other rides that mix in a healthy dose of singletrack in there for good measure. All of these types of terrain and conditions are perfectly-suited for the Vulpine S. The center tread ensures the fastest roll on the road and smooth gravel while the shoulder knobs deliver confidence when things get loose. You can see in the photos, the type of terrain I’m riding.

Without question, I’ve found these to roll quickly when pushed hard. They are a little slower than the Girona RSL tires, but that’s honestly splitting hairs. As expected, traction does get a little less secure on steep, loose climbs. But, with the right weight balance and air pressure, they are quite capable. In fact, where I was surprised was on technical singletrack where the side knobs delivered more confidence than expected. With both wide tires and rims, I was able to drop a couple of psi from my usual, which makes a big difference in comfort, traction and grip. I’m always surprised what even 1-2 psi. will do to a tire.

I wouldn’t hesitate riding these for any fast-paced ride or race, like SBT GRVL. I love that they are 45c wide as the added girth definitely improves comfort and capability. In fact, most racers are now moving up to larger tires, so 45c is really the norm right now. All miles were aboard the OPEN WI.DE., which is already a comfortable gravel bike, but I noticed added comfort and confidence. Most new gravel bikes can accommodate 45mm tires, but if yours doesn’t, WTB offers these in a 40mm width.

I haven’t had any punctures so far, which is astonishing given the plentitude of goat head thorns on the trails these days. I’ll post updates should anything change.

Tire setup: I’m 175 lbs and have been riding these with 35 psi front and 37 psi in the rear. 

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