WTB: Rad to the Bone Since 1982

"Bikes are rad. We know this. Everybody now knows this."—WTB

1982. The lingo. The fashion. The flicks. The music. The music videos (you've been warned). THE BIRTH OF WTB. Back when it wasn't just rad, it was Radical. Choice. Righteous. TO THE MAX.

"Shake It Up"
In those days when mountain biking was brand spanking new, the crew that founded WTB was certainly shaking things up. Hooked on riding their fully rigid steel bikes on dirt, these intrepid visionaries from Marin County, California sought to create durable and functional components for their own rigs, developing a reputation for their innovation and quality. It wasn't long before they were asked by framemakers to help complete their bikes with those reliable, high performance components. And thus the WTB brand was born ... one that has proven to be a solid force in the industry over these past three and a half decades.

"You Can Do Magic"
This passion for bikes turned into a global business that continues to value the very innovation and quality the brand was based on when its products were being produced in a Marin County garage. Components are no longer limited to off-road pleasure riding, but also encompass commuting, racing, and more all around the world. The passion WTB was born with remains unchanged. So much so, that WTB goes above and beyond the manufacturing of bike components – the company has also been an active bicycling advocate for decades. Why? Because "Bikes don’t burn fossil fuels, they don’t cause congestion, don’t produce smog, and who’s ever heard of bicycle rage?" Yep, WTB has been cause-driven since the early 80s. How bitchin' is that?

"(Let's Get) Physical"
Enduro. It's PHYSICAL. So, what makes WTB a stand-out brand for the physically challenging sport of enduro racing? It’s well established that WTB produces products that are solid and reliable, attributes especially crucial to enduro racers as they are constantly pushing the limit of what is possible on a mountain bike. WTB Global Marketing Manager Heather McFadden says, "WTB products have decades of track history that prove their reliability on the trail. For example, our dual compound tires provide grip where it is needed most, while still being supportive enough to handle the forces they put them through." She adds, "Enduro racers often spend full 8-hour days out on the course. They need products that will minimize fatigue and allow them to stay strong throughout the day. Products like our PadLoc grips utilize technology that minimizes fatigue and strain on crucial contact points between the bike and racer."

"Get Down On It"
WTB is the official saddle sponsor of the California Enduro Series. You may be wondering what’s the best seat for enduro and why? WTB believes that a saddle is more about fit and comfort than it is usage. Whether you're making contact with it for mere moments or spending your entire day in the saddle, you want it to be comfortable. Additionally, folks are all shaped differently and a saddle that some use as a downhill saddle might be used as a road saddle by others. WTB PR/Content Editor Clayton Wangbichler points to The High Tail as a good example. "It was designed to allow clearance for shortened chainstays on long-travel downhill bikes without the tire buzzing on the saddle while under compression. That said, many people use the High Tail on their road bike for 100-mile rides. Enduro legend Mark Weir is one of those people."

However, the most commonly used saddles for enduro riders are the Volt, Silverado, and Koda. Saddle features that may be more desirable for an enduro racer include having a shorter nose to provide easier transitions on and off the saddle, being lightweight (carbon or titanium are solid choices), and having smooth edges on the back that ensure your shorts will not snag when coming back from being behind the saddle in a steep section.

The Silverado is Amy Morrison's preferred saddle …

… while the Volt is what Ryan Gardner opts for. So fly.

"We Got the Beat"(er, Bead)
WTB, of course, also offers a hardy selection of tubeless TCS (Tubeless Compatible System) tires, which are separated into two different casing options. TCS Light tires are typically for cross-country racers and trail riders looking to cut down on weight. TCS Tough tires are constructed out of two full layers of casing from bead to bead, therefore providing additional protection from slashes and gashes, as well as blunt force hits from rocks. McFadden asserts, "TCS Tough tires are the only choice for enduro racers who chase podiums when milliseconds often determine the top spot."

"Do You Believe in Love"
What drew WTB to support the California Enduro Series? McFadden says, "We have been working with CES from the beginning and we believe in what they are doing to grow the sport and include new riders into the mountain bike family."

CES co-founder Megan Gemelos echoes the love. "WTB has been such a loyal supporter of the series, taking great care of the top series winners with commemorative Volt saddles. We are excited about the new CES five year anniversary custom design we collaborated on for this season’s top three series winners for each category. What a way to celebrate and have our racers be a part of the milestone. They are the reason we are here putting our heart into the series."

The CES five year anniversary commemorative WTB Volt saddle will be awarded to the season's top three series winners for each category. (Photo courtesy WTB.)

And the love doesn't stop there. We asked some of WTB's top sponsored riders what they appreciate most about the company and its products. And although far younger than WTB, these riders know their 80s music and even chimed in on what their favorite songs from '82 are—enjoy!

MARCO OSBORNE
WTB has been there for me since day one and I'm stoked to be a part of the family. I enjoy their passion for mountain biking and how they provide reliable products that get the job done. I'm also stoked to work with the product development team, giving feedback on new projects. The Volt with titanium rails is my go-to saddle, and the Vigilante is my favorite all 'round thread.

Fave song from '82? "Don't Stop Believing by Journey"!




AMY MORRISON
WTB was my first sponsor and has been so supportive of me over the past few years. WTB gives back to the community and is supportive of not only the top athletes, but also the up and coming – like I was a few years ago. The Silverado is my favorite saddle to run. I really like that I can go for long rides and not have a sore bum or saddle sores. The saddles hold up for a long time! I am comfortable and confident riding their tires; I don’t want to try anything else. The Vigilante is my favorite tire. Super wet or super dry, the tire will hook up.

Fave song from '82? Haha, before my time, but man, SO many good ones!! Let's go with "Don't You Want Me" by Human League.




JANEA PERRY
I love WTB products. The saddles I run are comfy. I prefer the Volt as I like a shorter nose on my seat where something like the Silverado is a bit longer. And, I actually use the women-specific Diva on my road bike! I find WTB tires to be super dependable and long lasting.

Fave song from '82? I love 80s music! I going to have to go with "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson.




EVAN GEANKOPLIS
I know I can always trust WTB and never need to second guess my equipment that day. Having different options to fit the course is a huge advantage. I also ride heavy casing tires all year round, preferring the way they feel. My favorite saddle is the SL8 but I also like the Volt.

Fave song from '82? "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye




KYLE WARNER
The Volt 142 is the saddle for me. And WTB tires have been such an awesome tool to have in our arsenal for the past few years. The tough casings provide that extra little piece of mind to open it up in those scary sections. The tires are designed and tested in California and their track record reflects that.

Fave song from '82? That year had so many killer tracks! "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor.




RYAN GARDNER
I run the Volt mid wide! Most comfy saddle out there, but not so big it's in the way. For tires, I have been running WTB tires exclusively for the past three years and they have been a huge part of my overall success in racing. As a bigger rider it’s critical to have a tire with some beefy sidewalls and flat protection. There is nothing worse than rolling tires over when cornering. I’m probably jinxing myself here, but since I started running WTB I don’t think I have had one flat during a race run. Tough casing is where its at!

Fave song from '82? I'm going with "I Ran" by Flock of Seagulls.




SCOTT COUNTRYMAN
I can't ask for anything more that WTB tires for enduro racing and riding. They have a super tough casing at a reasonable weight and tread patterns ideal for any condition.

Fave song from '82? Yikes that's hard. I'll go with "Do I Do" by Stevie Wonder.



CORY SULLIVAN
WTB takes great care of our team. With the saddle being the most personal part of your bike set up, it's important to have the right one. The Volt is the perfect saddle for me ... it works just right With a plethora of tire options, we are ready for any terrain.

Fave song from '82? My dad listened to a lot of Rod Stewart, I'm going with "Young Turks."




ESSENCE BARTON
I've been with WTB for two years now and feel like I could never really go wrong with any of their product! I run the Deva saddle which is very comfortable for me. It is very hard for me to find a seat that is perfect for enduro. You spend quite a bit of time in the saddle climbing those mountains and with a comfortable seat that works for a female build it makes the experience that much better. I also love running WTB’s tires because I know that no matter what course I ride I will have the perfect tires, or tire combo, to fit the terrain. I also love the fact that these tough casing tires have never once failed me in a race. Flats are few and far between.

Fave song from '82? Oh man that's hard—I like a lot of them. But if I had to choose I would choose between "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by the Police or "Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne!




Keep in mind the 2016 CES commemorative WTB Volt saddle is available for purchase at the CES booth at the upcoming Ashland Mountain Challenge—the 2017 CES finale!—this Saturday, October 7. It's just $65 and proceeds benefit the series, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.


More tunes from '82, you ask? Check out 1982 Billboard Top Hot 100 Singles! So ace.

Learn more about WTB here and the California Enduro Series here.


Words by Michele Charboneau
Photos by Scott McClain (except where noted)