What is WTB's Road Plus?

February 28, 2024

What is Road Plus?

【ROAD PLUS VS. STANDARD 700C】

WTB's Road Plus concept offers greater benefits than 700c x 28mm for adventurous riders who aren't solely focused on speed or lightness. By using 650b wheels with 47mm tires, Road Plus promises a superior experience. The slick center tread minimizes rolling resistance, while the all-weather herringbone pattern with cornering channels on the sides will elevate your riding experience. High-volume tubeless tires provide significant advantages to the rider. On paved roads, you can maintain your even speed and reduce road noise, while on gravel, the severe vibrations from the ground are mitigated, ensuring greater control off-road.

【FITS CURRENT ENDURANCE FRAMES】

Road Plus tires are manufactured with the same construction as existing long-distance road bike tires but are designed for higher air volume. By switching a 700c long-distance road bike to 650b wheels and tires (a feat possible because 650B x 47C has the same overall diameter as a 700 x 28c tire), you can create a Road Plus bike capable of handling more varied terrain. While it requires slightly more chainstay clearance than a typical road bike, it is compatible with many modern production bikes, often referred to as "endurance models."

*Quote from manufacturer's website

A 650x47c tire has almost the same outer diameter as a 700x28c tire.

If you increase the tire volume on a 700c wheel, you face negatives such as a higher ride height making it difficult to reach the ground, an excessively large outer diameter making it hard to maneuver, or simply not fitting into the frame.

By downsizing to 650B (27.5 inches), you can gain significant tire width and air volume while maintaining the same outer diameter.

As we've mentioned in previous blog posts, the Road Plus standard, originally conceived and advocated by WTB, is gaining traction. It allows you to choose the right tire to explore new terrains depending on your intended use.

The comfortable ride, almost a floating sensation, due to the abundant air volume, is a notable highlight! It effortlessly clears everything from city bumps to gravel gaps.

As WTB is the originator, their tire lineup continues to grow, and the choices are ever-expanding.

Recently, frames and complete bikes designed specifically for the Road Plus standard have also become important.

Incidentally, the manufacturer has also released an official list of compatible bicycles.

Of course, this isn't exhaustive, and there are many unlisted bikes that are compatible. And the list is growing daily.

TCS = Tubeless Ready models!

With abundant air volume, going tubeless makes them lighter and reduces puncture risk, allowing you to maximize their potential.

A slight digression, but WTB's original "tan wall" sidewall color is really cool, isn't it? That exquisite brown, different from skin-side, is irresistible.

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