WTB Aero Gravel Tires / Tyres
“WTB’s new family of high-volume gravel tires pair wide tire profiles and efficient treads with patent-pending aerodynamic technology. Engineered to roll fast, maintain predictable grip across diverse terrain, and conserve rider energy at speed, the new line represents a major leap forward in gravel tire performance.” – WTB
Grip and Protection as Standard
The design brief for the Byway RS, Course, and Macro was simple: build the fastest gravel tires possible. Achieving that required optimizing ride quality, balanced traction, low rolling resistance, and dependable flat protection with groundbreaking aerodynamic engineering as the ultimate performance multiplier.
To bring aerodynamic expertise to the project, WTB partnered with Stromm, creators of the world’s fastest UCI-legal road bike. The result is a collection of high-volume tires that deliver the confident handling required to maintain momentum while significantly reducing aerodynamic drag.
WTB Aero Gravel Tires Video
Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription
In this video, JOM of Gravel Cyclist runs through the new Aero Gravel range of tires / tyres produced by WTB.
Reminder: ALWAYS BE A STEWARD FOR GRAVEL CYCLING: Respect the roads, respect the locals, respect the land, respect your fellow cyclists.
Wider Profiles. Premium Construction
The new gravel collection is engineered to perform seamlessly across modern wide gravel rims (25mm to 32mm internal), with the tread and sidewall profiles specifically optimized around a 28mm internal width. This versatile casing profile provides exceptional support, predictable cornering stability at lower pressures, and preserves the ideal aerodynamic surface needed for the trip strips and vortex generators to perform at peak efficiency.
These are not the WTB materials you are used to. WTB has completely overhauled its tire construction from the ground up, implementing new manufacturing methods, ultra-consistent production tolerances, and advanced material sourcing to establish a new benchmark for WTB casing suppleness and compound performance.
Each model features a refined 120 TPI casing with complete bead-to-bead SG2 puncture defense for maximum flat protection without added stiffness. Traction is powered by an upgraded Dual DNA rubber compound, combining refined, low-drag center rubber for high speeds with supple, high-friction shoulder lugs for confident cornering.
The Aero Detail
All three tires feature strategically placed vortex generators and trip strips incorporated into the sidewalls. These features manipulate airflow over the tire and wheel system, controlling boundary layer separation and reducing the low-pressure wake that typically increases drag and slows you down.
As speed increases, so do the efficiency gains. Stromm validated the patent-pending design through rigorous field (Chung) testing, comparing the aero casing against an identical control tire without aerodynamic features under real-world conditions.
Testing at the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome in Redmond, WA, Stromm’s Chief Aerodynamicist Ben Rothacker confirmed impressive drag reductions at typical gravel speeds:
- 5.8 watts at 30 km/h (18.6 mph)
- 9.3 watts at 35 km/h (21.7 mph)
- 13.8 watts at 40 km/h (24.8 mph)
“Stromm applied the same real-world applicable engineering that made the fastest road bike to this tire, designing in surface features that substantially improve aero over the tire/wheel even when dirty and with no compromise to the tread. We brought all our tools to bear, running what may be the largest CFD simulations in the cycling industry to date and then doing detailed CdA measurements of clean and dirty tires with and without surface treatments to make sure what we found on the computer is working on every ride. ” – Ben Rothacker
Meet The Family
WTB Byway RS 50 (620g): The pure speed option in the collection. A slick centerline with low-profile transition and shoulder knobs delivers exceptional rolling efficiency on hardpack gravel, pavement and race courses, while retaining predictable cornering traction when conditions get loose.
WTB Course 52 (635g): The sweet spot between outright speed and all-terrain capability. Its versatile tread pattern delivers dependable traction without sacrificing rolling efficiency, making it the ideal choice for varied gravel conditions.
WTB Macro 54 (640g): Engineered for rougher terrain and bigger adventures. As the highest-volume tire in the family, it pairs a more aggressive tread with taller, wider-spaced knobs for maximum confidence on loose, rocky, and technical surfaces.
Availability
The WTB Byway RS, Course, and Macro are available with a choice of black or tan sidewalls, carry an MSRP of $89.95 / €79.95, and are available through WTB dealers and distributors worldwide and at wtb.com
WTB’s new CGR carbon gravel wheels shown in the pictures will also be arriving soon to create the ultimate high-speed gravel wheel and tire system.
Support Gravel Cyclist:
Buy Me a Coffee – https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gravelcyclist
OR
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/gravelcyclist
Links of Interest:
- WTB (Wilderness Trail Bikes)
- Stromm AeroTech
- North Florida Freeride Gravel Series
- How to Create Amazing & Fun Gravel Routes!
- Gravel Cyclist’s Route Library
- Gravel Bike Tire / Tyre Pressure Recommendations
Don’t forget to Like the Gravel Cyclist Facebook page, follow G.C. on Instagram, and subscribe to our Youtube Channel.