Taking their Road Plus segment further off the beaten pavement, today WTB introduced the “dirt-centric” 650b tubeless 47mm Byway to their lineup. What do you think; worthy of converting a road bike to a Dirt Tourer?

Last year, WTB introduced the Road Plus category with the intention of providing riders with a dependable high-volume tire to expand road rides beyond their usual paved loops. WTB is now pushing the category further off the beaten path with the dirt-centric Byway Road Plus TCS (tubeless) tire. While WTB’s introductory Horizon Road Plus tire encouraged riders to deviate from pavement, the prominent outer knobs and increased resilience of the Byway is intended for riders who prioritize dirt and gravel over the paved roads they took to get there.

WTB Byway Tires, 650b x 47

“The Byway augments Road Plus’ capabilities, taking things one step further into dirt.” stated Will Ritchie, WTB’s drop bar category manager. “It [the Byway] still retains a smooth center to avoid road vibrations but gains protective side knobs for extra bite while resisting flexing on harder conditions. Riders now are looking to test what Road Plus can and can’t do. The Byway proves that dirt is part of the equation too.”

All of WTB’s Road Plus tires have the same diameter as a 700 x 28-30mm road tire and are intended to be used with endurance road and gravel applications. Road Plus was originally built upon the same school of thought as the 27.5+ system for mountain bikes, where an oversized 27.5-inch tire could be squeezed into a 29-inch frame. However, it’s clear that frame manufacturers are now on board with the dirt Plus movement, and according to WTB, the Road Plus movement as well. WTB has also compiled a list of frames currently compatible with Road Plus tires, which can be viewed here.

  • WTB Byway Tires, 650b x 47
  • WTB Byway Tires, 650b x 47
  • WTB Byway Tires, 650b x 47
  • WTB Byway Tires, 650b x 47
  • WTB Byway Tires, 650b x 47

WTB Byway 650 x 47c Road Plus TCS tires feature WTB’s Lightweight Casing and Dual DNA Rubber Compound with preproduction sample weights of 535g. Mirroring the cost of the original Horizon Road Plus tire, the Byway 650 x 47c Road Plus TCS tire will retail for $67.95 USD and is currently available and shipping from the WTB warehouse in Novato, California.

In addition, WTB will be awarding all Trans Iowa finishers with a set of Byway Road Plus tires, as well as Riddler 37 & 45, on Sunday April 30th at the conclusion of the 13th annual Trans Iowa Event in Grinnell, Iowa. For more on the Byway, click here.

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