WTB has introduced a new lineup of three wide, high-volume gravel tyres that incorporate patent-pending design elements aimed at enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. The brand describes this release as “a major leap forward in gravel tyre performance.”
The collection consists of the 50mm Byway RS, the 52mm Course, and the 54mm Macro. According to WTB, these tyres strike a careful balance between grip, rolling resistance, and puncture defence to deliver optimal ride quality and what the company calls the fastest gravel tyres available.
For this project, WTB collaborated with Stromm, an aero road bike manufacturer known for producing what it claims is the fastest UCI-compliant road bike. The tyres are engineered to work with the wide gravel rims that have become standard, optimised specifically for a 28mm internal rim width. However, WTB notes that riders will still see advantages when using rims ranging from 25mm to 32mm.
A key feature of these tyres is their sidewalls, which incorporate vortex generators and trip strips. WTB asserts that these elements help manage boundary layer separation and minimise the low-pressure wake that creates drag around the wheel and tyre interface.
To confirm the aerodynamic advantages, WTB conducted field testing at a velodrome, comparing the new tyres against a control tyre with an identical profile but lacking the aero features. The testing was performed at speeds typical for gravel riding. Results showed a 5.8-watt savings at 30km/h, which increased to 9.3 watts at 35km/h and reached 13.8 watts at 40km/h.
Achieving these aerodynamic goals required WTB to overhaul its tyre manufacturing processes entirely. The company implemented tighter production tolerances and introduced new materials. A fresh 120 TPI casing is said to be more supple while providing bead-to-bead puncture protection, a feature WTB calls SG2. The rubber compound has also been revised, with a low-drag compound in the centre and high-friction shoulder lugs.
Byway RS 50
Like the original Byway, the Byway RS features a slick central tread with low-profile side knobs, built for speed on hardpacked gravel and tarmac surfaces. WTB lists a claimed weight of 620g per tyre.
Course 52
The Course 52 broadens all-terrain capability with a shallow centre tread for rolling efficiency, making it suitable for more diverse off-road conditions. The claimed weight is 635g per tyre.
Macro 54
The Macro 54 offers the highest volume among the three and is tailored for rougher terrain, featuring a more aggressive tread pattern with wider spacing between knobs. Claimed weight is 640g per tyre.
All three WTB aero gravel tyres come in either black or tan sidewall options and are priced at £69.50 / $89.95 / €79.95. Sharp-eyed observers may have noticed WTB carbon gravel wheel rims in the tyre images. WTB has confirmed these rims will be released soon to complement the new aero tyres.
