Modern mountain biking has developed to the point where riders are tackling silly terrain much faster than before. Wilderness Trail Bikes, or WTB, has acknowledged this and built its new SG1 casing to be the toughest yet. Additionally, the brand has updated its rubber compound to help it perform better, everywhere.

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Back in 2020, WTB unveiled its SG2 casing that promised more than just an extra layer of protection. Using flat nylon fibres, SG2-equipped tyres use less rubber to reduce weight and improve air retention. Furthermore, the SG2 casing boosted puncture protection compared to previous models.

Now, WTB has announced a new SG1 casing –  the most durable protection technology the brand has created. The new versions of the Trail Boss, Vigilante, Verdict and Judge all boast the latest tech, which features extra protection to help stave off punctures from sharp objects.

2024 wtb judge logo 2.jpg, by Liam Mercer

These tyres also benefit from a new IP+ technology that triples the height of the Inner Peace tech found in the brand's Tough casing tyres. This takes the form of a pair of tough strips that run along the tyre bead allowing lower pressures, for more grip and improved stability through compressions.

2024 wtb judge sidewall deets.jpg, by Liam Mercer

On top of the new carcass, the tyre also benefits from revisions to WTB's Fast Rolling and High Grip rubber compounds to improve durability and grip. To do so, WTB has tweaked its ratio of natural and synthetic rubber and the blend of carbon black and reinforcing agents in the rubber. 

We're told that the compounds are less slippery when exposed to moisture, which should mean more consistent grip from dry to wet conditions. The tweak to the carbon black also makes for a more durable tyre.

Prices for the SG1 tyres starts at £80.

• www.wtb.com

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