Review: WTB Peacekeeper TCS Fast Rolling and High Grip Tires

WTB has been busy launching new tires and saddles this year and I’ve had just the right bike to test the WTB Peacekeeper 29×2.4 Fast Rolling and High Grip tires. So, they went on the Pivot Trailcat SL and I loved the immediate speed and traction they provided over the stock tires on that bike.

WTB Peacekeeper TCS Fast Rolling and High Grip Tires Features:

• 29×2.4″ only in High Grip and Fast Rolling compounds
• Built for aggressive XC and trail riding
• Fast-rolling center tread
• Bead-to-bead SG2 protection
• TCS Light 60 tpi casing for added suppleness
• Weight: 950g (High Grip) and 1065 (Fast Rolling) actual
• MSRP: $76.95

Keeping the peace

When test bikes arrive with DH/enduro tires, it’s a guarantee that I’ll swap them out for something faster-rolling (and hopefully lighter weight). While the included Maxxis Minion and Dissector tires offered tenacious grip, they were slow and clunky on the 1/2 mile road approach to my local trail system and left something to be desired on the gravel connectors. As luck would have it, a set of WTB Peacekeeper Fast Rolling and High Grip tires arrived to provide some fast-rolling relief.

Installation was very easy aboard the DT Swiss XM 1700 wheelset. No tools were required to pull the tires into the rims and all it took was a floor pump to carefully get them inflated. I was careful to pull the beads outwards around the circumference of the rim and hold them in place during inflation. But, no crazy swears or frustrations were necessary. Once seated and inflated, the tire/wheel combo held air admirably. To keep things matchy matchy, I did use WTB’s own tubeless sealant, which must be poured into the tire before pulling the tire onto the rim. I’ve tried to inject it through the valves and it just coagulates.

I chose to run the Peacekeeper Fast Rolling in the rear and High Grip up front. The denser rubber of the Fast Rolling tire does weigh 115 grams more, but all told, I did drop just over 200 grams over the stock tires on the Trailcat SL. That drop in weight was immediately noticeable as was the improved rolling efficiency.

At the end of the day, you have to choose the type of tire you need for your terrain and riding style. I would consider myself a fast XC/All-mountain rider. I don’t do shuttle runs and 90% of my riding consists of fast singletrack with some extended climbs and occasional sketchy sections. Really, I just like to have fun and push myself as hard as my body allows. I want tires that transition well from singletrack to gravel and I need them to roll fast. WTB built the Peacekeeper tires just for that purpose. Admittedly, they are still heavier than I would like, but you do get additional peace-of-mind knowing that you’ve got a stout casing to go along with all the traction on offer.

Compared to the WTB Ranger 2.4’s, these have more edge bite but aren’t quite as supple. It’s a trade-off that I can expect for added durability in more rugged terrain. I ran them at 23/25 psi and appreciated the ride feel and traction. Standing efforts were always met with capable traction — on even the loosest terrain. When it comes to pushing hard through corners, they transition smoothly from turn-to-turn. While I didn’t try the Fast Rolling tires up front, I really didn’t have to and wouldn’t want to either. I feel like the High Grip in the front allows the party to happen in the back. The shoulder knobs of the High Grip tires are supple and conform well to the terrain. They also bite well in the corners.

As I tackled more aggressive flow trails at speed, I was pleasantly surprised at the capable traction I always found. I increased my overall speed versus the stock Maxxis tires and my legs appreciated less rolling weight. I’d say the ideal type of bike for these tires would be a downcountry/tail bike like the Yeti SB120, Santa Cruz Tallboy, Canyon Neruon AL 6 or the Pivot Trailcat SL.

Setup: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs and I had these tires set up with 23 psi front and 25 psi rear aboard the DT Swiss XM 1700 with 30mm internal. I rode the Peacekeeper High Grip up front and Fast Rolling in the rear.

Buy Now: Visit CompetitiveCyclist.com