In February 2016, WTB launched Road Plus, a fresh take on big volume road tyres. With our preference for larger volume tyres on our Life Bikes (we use 37c Continental Sport Contact 2 on our Escapade and Roadrat) this is right up our street!

Road Plus takes the direction that 275 Plus has on mountain bikes: Take the next rim size down from the traditional wheel size - using 650b rims instead of 700c in this case - and then add a high volume, wide tyre which has a similar overall rolling diameter to the traditional wheelset. WTB have introduced the 650 x 47c Horizon which rolls at a similar diameter to a 700x28c wheel/tyre combination. It also runs tubeless to improve traction, reduce rolling resistance and save weight.

The benefits are that you get the large volume, comfortable ride at a much lower weight than a large 700c tyre, and the wheel diameter is smaller, similar to a traditional road wheel, so rider fit issues like toe overlap (particularly with mudguards) is much reduced, and the BB is lower for a more stable, confident feel to the handling of the bike.

The New Escapade and Roadrat are both Road Plus compatible.