BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — WTB released a new, gravel-specific tire named the Nano 40c during the first day of QBP's Frostbike. The tire has a high volume 40mm casing, rounded profile, and centerline tread pattern designed for speed, consistency, and ample cushioning for the gravel market.
“The inspiration for this tire actually came directly from this show one year ago,” said WTB’s product manager Chris Feucht. “We were blown away by the number of requests we received for a gravel tire last year so we took a long, hard look at our tire line and decided to use the Nano tread pattern as a starting point. We wanted something that would appease racers due to its speed and light weight, yet also appeal to those wanting comfort over the long haul. By simplifying the pattern slightly, we’ve actually created a more durable tire while maintaining speed and the unique Nano handling characteristics, making for a winner.”
WTB-sponsored ultra endurance athlete Jay Petervary spent time on early prototype tires and was please with the speed and comfort the tires provided, having initially requested something in the 35c range. WTB will be sponsoring the Trans Iowa Gravel Race in late April as well as Petervary’s own Fall Gravel Backyard Pursuit.
WTB said Mike Varley of Black Mountain Cycles in Point Reyes Station, Calif. and Sean Walling of Soulcraft in Petaluma, Calif., also contributed insights to the Nano 40c project.
WTB Nano 40c tires will be available in Race and Comp versions starting in April. The Race version will feature a folding Aramid bead, lightweight casing, DNA Rubber, and a 470-gram weight. They will retail for $49.95. Nano 40c Comp tires will have a wire bead, durable casing, DNA Rubber, and tip the scales at 550 grams. They will retail for $31.95.
