WTB

Overview

WTB (Wilderness Trail Bikes) is a manufacturer of mountain bike components, specializing in tires, saddles, rims, wheels, grips, and accessories. Founded in 1982 in the birthplace of mountain biking, it supplies products worldwide to bike manufacturers and shops. The company focuses on durable, high-performance parts for mountain, gravel, and road cycling.

History

WTB was founded in 1982 in Marin County, California, by a group of early mountain bikers seeking to develop reliable mountain bike-specific equipment. It began by addressing the limitations of cobbled-together bikes in the nascent sport. Over four decades, WTB expanded its offerings to include tires, saddles, rims, wheels, and grips, becoming a global supplier for transportation, recreation, adventure, and racing.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

WTB designs products in California but sources manufacturing internationally, primarily in Asia, for tires, rims, and components. Production is outsourced to specialized factories rather than in-house facilities. Specific supplier locations are not publicly detailed.

Notable Products

• Vigilante Tire - Aggressive tread pattern for rear-wheel traction in loose conditions.
• Trail Boss Tire - Versatile all-mountain tire with balanced speed and grip.
• Judge Tire - Wide, burly tire for steep descents and rough terrain.
• Ranger Tire - Fast-rolling trail tire suitable for XC and enduro.
• Volt Saddle - Lightweight saddle for XC and trail racing.

Reputation

WTB is respected among mountain bikers for reliable tires and saddles that perform well in varied trail conditions. Enthusiasts praise the durability and grip of models like Vigilante and Judge, though some note higher weights compared to competitors. Professionals value its consistent innovation since the 1980s origins in Marin County.