WTB Byway 40x700 All-Terrain Tyres | Review - Outdoors Magic

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WTB Byway 40×700 All-Terrain Tyres | Review

We've tested this all-terrain bikepacking tyre over 3,000km. Here's our verdict

The WTB Byway is built for mixed terrain exploration, it is a go anywhere do it all tyre.

I bought these tyres because I got myself a complete gravel bike and I wasn’t satisfied by the stock tyres that came with the bike – too many punctures and not fast enough on the tarmac.

I was looking for a tyre that was going to fit my needs; one that offers a good level of puncture resistance so that I could rely on it over hard-going terrain, enough grip/aggressive lugs to tackle technical trails and something that would get me to ‘the good stuff’ quickly. 

The Byway seemed like the obvious winner to cover all of these points.

The smooth centre line allows for fast cycling on hard surfaces with very little rolling resistance. A textured section coupled with the large lugs on the outside of the tyre provides grip and control on soft and loose surfaces. These lugs also extend down the sidewall to add further protection.

You can opt to have the tyre with SG2 Puncture Protection, which I went for as I wanted maximum durability. This is essentially a nylon insert that provides bead to bead coverage which will reduce the frequency of punctures. 

I have put approximately 3,000km into my tyres and have been massively impressed by the performance. They have allowed me to take on a huge variety of off-road terrain from hero gravel to boggy farm tracks to woodland trails – and they’ve taken everything in their stride.

Rear tyre mid-way through a ride
Graduated tread pattern
Testing the tyres on the trails

Of course, in the more serious stuff they are not going to perform as well as a wider more aggressively-lugged tyre but you would be surprised with what these can handle. 

On the road they don’t embarrass themselves. This is my do it all bike, so I go out with friends on their roadies and I have no problem keeping up.

I have been impressed by the SG2 technology, I often find myself wondering how I’ve avoided getting a flat when coming off a particularly flinty track. That’s not to say I haven’t had punctures, trust me I’ve had plenty, but without the puncture protection offered here there would have been a whole lot more.

These tyres are also tubeless ready, not something I’ve opted for but it’s good to have the choice.

After 3,000km the rubber is starting to show a bit of wear with some small slices and gashes where the flint has made itself known. I’m always pulling small stones and glass out of the tyres and they are holding up fine, a testament to the SG2 protection.

Overall I have been really impressed by the WTB Byway. For me, it’s served as a perfect all round tyre allowing me to get to the gravel quickly and to then be able to shred the trails with confidence one I’m there.

Price: £40

More info:
wtb.com

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