WTB saddles and tires get trail time tested

We received a few goodies from WTB back in the spring and quickly got them to our riders to thrash test. Being a courier during the day, Fiona was an easy pick for the Laser SHE saddle. Ryan hooked up Pure V and I put some miles on the new Timberwolf tires.The WTB Pure V saddle series is touted as the “ultimate bled of form and function” for mountain cycle riders, and in truth it isn’t far off. We tested the Race model, and with a firm yet comfortable “Whale Tale” platform, this is a good seat if you’re pedaling long distances or sneaking a rest while bombing your local downhill trails. The down-turned nose keeps shorts from snagging and ensures easy mounting, while the “Love Channel” takes the pressure off the sensitive bits. There are only a couple of minor draw-backs to this great all-arounder: the whale in the tail is possibly a bit too wide if you’re shuttling steeps all day; the other beef is specific to the synthetic materials of the entry Race model of the Pure V line we tested. While the high-end Pure V Stealth is reinforced with Kevlar (and titanium rails), the Race’s synthetic chrome side effects quickly wore to a dull hue after a day of muddy shorts. All in all, for a $60 (Canadian) saddle this is a hell of a bargain for a comfortable ride that’s good for going up and down. Double the price and you’ll get the Kevlar version and probably twice the life…
-Ryan Kuhn


A few words about my sweet saddle...

Having had my WTB saddle for a few months now I have to admit I would have a hard time going back to my old "butt wedge."

About a year ago my friend & LBS owner Mike told me about all of the advantages of having an "anatomically correct" saddle especially on long rides and I remember thinking, its just a seat what's the big deal!


Well was I wrong.....working as a courier I spend a lot of time on the hardtail and having the right seat makes a HUGE difference. Not only does the shape of my WTB saddle feel great, but all of the cushy padding and pro gel makes it a great choice (and it's not bulky or weird looking!)

The only thing my seat is not good for is downhilling, I tried it and my inner thighs were not happy, but if you're looking for a great place to plant your butt for a long ride, get one of these saddles, you'll be happy mile after mile!
-Fiona Taylor



The WTB Timberwolf tire was the tire of choice for many mountain bike resorts this past summer. It features really tall block knobs that dig in deep to loose terrain and a medium rubber compound so that is doesn't wear out super fast as the rental bikes log close to a million vertical feet at a lot of resorts. I logged no where near a million vertical, but I did get in a lot of great runs on these tires. Check em' out if you're looking for an all around tire.

-Tyler

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