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EB15: WTB Trail Boss Bulks Up, More Detail on the PadLoc Grip System, More

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wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (9)

Just after riling everybody up with their new grip “standard,” WTB was on hand in Germany to show off a few more new products. Adding a third tire to their plus size lineup, the new Trail Boss 3.0 is essentially a larger Plus size version of their popular trail tire.

Read on for more about the Trail Boss 3.0, plus why the PadLoc grip system may not be such a bad idea…

wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (10)

wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (13) wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (12)

Using a rounded profile, staggered side knobs, and ramped squared center knobs, the Trail Boss 3.0 could be an excellent trail tire for the Plus size market. Shown here on a Rocky Mountain Sherpa for scale, the tire will be offered in a 27.5″ x 3.0 size with a TCS Light Fast Rolling casing for an 1125g tire. Dual DNA 50/60a dual compound rubber and a TCS tubeless ready bead finish things off. Trail Boss 3.0 tires will sell for $67.95.

wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (6) wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (5)

wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (4)

wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (3) wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (7)

There were a lot of mixed opinions when WTB introduced their PadLoc grip system, and frankly we weren’t exactly sure on the absolute necessity for the system without having laid eyes (or hands) on it. As is often the case, seeing the grip system in person and actually feeling it has done a lot to change our opinion. Not necessarily because of the anti-rotation aspect, but more so because of the additional comfort provided by the lack of handlebar material at the end of the grip. Since the actual handlebar tapers inside of the grip, the end of the grip is made from a big chunk of soft rubber. For someone like myself who places a lot of pressure on the end of their grip, the additional squish provided by the PadLoc System feels really nice on the hand without resorting to a bulky ergonomic grip.

In addition to partnering with SRAM for a carbon Jerome Clementz Blackbox 750mm bar and an aluminum 780mm Boobar that are already cut to accommodate the grips, WTB has also worked with Park Tool for a specific cutting guide. Instead of creating an entirely new tool, the PadLoc cutting guide is an insert for the current SG 7.2 which allows precise cutting of the corners of the bars. If the PadLoc concept survives manufacturers will have to start adding additional markings on the end of the handlebars to facilitate cutting the ends to the same angle. We’ll check in with our impressions soon.

wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (14) wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (15)

wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (16) wtb padloc saddle fit trail boss 3 (17)

On the saddle side, WTB is introducing a new SL8 carbon saddle the checks in at 146 g. Along with the SL8, WTB also has a new saddle fit system that is placed on top of the saddle rather than on a bench. The thought is that if you’re trying to fit somebody to a saddle, they should be in the riding position which will change from bike to bike. Similar to other Devices, visco elastic pad leaves an imprint of the rider’s sit bones which will correspond to different WTB saddles.

wtb.com

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haromania
haromania
8 years ago

Is it just me, or has the tech in the bike industry evolved more in the last 18 months, than the previous 10 years combined? Dang I love seeing this stuff.

SK
SK
8 years ago

haromania, that’s exactly what I think!

Cowtown Cyclist
Cowtown Cyclist
8 years ago

Wow, grips that require you to cut your handlebars at an awkward angle. And they are almost as soft as non lock-on grips as result. Sweet. A sketchy solution to an invented problem. WTB used to make really smart products, what happened? At least they are using the word “system” and not standard for once.

It will be fun to see what happens when they stop producing these in 2 years and a bunch of people have already cut their bars.

68413998
68413998
8 years ago

My foam grips never move lol, I don’t really see a need for the tool and special grips. *shrug*

FoolCyclist
FoolCyclist
8 years ago

So, will WTB pick up the warranty on my bars after I alter them??

TheFunkyMonkey
TheFunkyMonkey
8 years ago

I, too, put a lot of pressure on the end of my bars. It used to cause my hands to cramp when using Rogue’s. Decided to try Ergon grips after a good experience with an Ergon saddle. Comfort is night and day and no more cramps. And I don’t consider the GE1s to be bulky and guess what, they never slip. I’m a WTB fan but not drinking this cool-aid.

Andy
Andy
8 years ago

Seems like people inventing stfuf just to justify a wage sometimes. I think more time riding and less time sitting around would produce better products.

Tad Dickman
Tad Dickman
8 years ago

Sweet on the 3.0’s. The Trail Boss tires are just that, great all around tires.

Alex
Alex
8 years ago

If WTB really wanted to change the world of grips maybe they should become the first company to offer a lock-on style grip in a diameter bigger than 33mm. There are plenty of big handed people out there that could use at least one thicker option.

Fan Boy
Fan Boy
8 years ago

want big fat cushy LOCK-ON grips… fit Oury.

want big fat cushy grips that are light, so comfy it’s got to be illegal, and never (ever slip) despite having no clamps… fit ESI silicone Extra Chunky.

gsmith
gsmith
8 years ago

ESIs are stupid good (when they are new…). But what a pain to put on. Ugh (even with an air compressor).

Bart
Bart
8 years ago

@gsmith
Isopropyl alcohol is your friend.

Split Lip
Split Lip
8 years ago

And don’t bother leaving the ESIs in place if your bar hits a rock in a crash.

Glenn
Glenn
8 years ago

ESI sucks when wet. Rode long, extra chunky ones for a year on my hbars.

For my big mitts…chromag squarewave XL. Fantastic option, 34.5mm at the bulge. Bigger and grippier than ourys.

Sevo
Sevo
8 years ago

Grips-I second the love of ESI grips no doubt. Zero issues. Chunkies for years.
BUT I found the Chromag Wax grips, 150mm wide grips. Requires a little hairspray/air compressor action to stick but damn…love the grips.

WTB’s original B+ tire was ok, but didn’t quite cut it for me. But then I was already used to bigger tires. These new tires? Me like.

benzo
benzo
8 years ago

The embarrassment continues: 15-20 years old ideas such as 3.0 tires passed as innovation and an invitation to cut your carbon bars to put rubber at their place!!!

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
8 years ago

benzo…tires are still round too. Any clue why nobody has tried to change this? I’d like to see the weight on a 3″ 27.5 tire from 20 years ago. Hell, a 3″ 26″ tire from 20 years ago would be way heavier than mostly any 3″ 29er tires.

Cowtown Cyclist
Cowtown Cyclist
8 years ago

To all the guys looking for grips for a bigger hand, Deluxe Shovel Hands. As a matter of fact the local BMX shop in this neck of the woods has a far superior selection of grips to any normal bike shop these days since they refuse to carry lock ons. I road the Shovel Hands every day last year on my winter commuter and they wont be coming off any time soon.

Bomber
Bomber
8 years ago

(deleted)

Jdog
Jdog
8 years ago

Tag Rebound moto grip. Best grips ever. I use them on the dirt bike and the mtb. The only bummer is that you need to buy two pairs to make a useable set for the mtb. Worth it.

Jim Mac
Jim Mac
8 years ago

Maybe it’s me, but I never had a lock on grip rotate (full disclosure: I had an ODI co-sponsorship for DH and have one now for BMX racing). I’ve raced DH in snow/mud/rain and any combination thereof (who the hell in the northeast books the NYS DH finals in November???) and never had them move. I understand the comfort issue with the outer hand resting on the outer lock ring, but still this seems much ado about nothing.

King County
King County
8 years ago

Like another said: W/traditional lock-ons, I have no grip movement issues in any conditions. For added comfort with traditional lock-on grips, the core plastic can be reduced. Tioga had something like that, but grip patterns were limited and I did not like the clamp design. The plastic ran only in 1/2 the core. You would position the plastic section to where your hand contacted the grip least.

offrhodes
8 years ago

If you want nice grips that are comfortable, do not slip, and are comfortable with bare hands (my preference) then just use road bar tape and wrap three layers. I have been doing this on my mtn bikes for over 10 years and will never go back to rubber grips.

Stan Key
Stan Key
8 years ago

That 3.0 tire makes perfect sense for a bike wheel that has seen hundreds of dollars of parts spec designed to minimize rotating weight. The cyclist’s work-related end result is the same as a cheaper (heavier) wheel and 2.3 tire with DH casing. Maybe even the same as running those old Gazzaloddi 3.0s, which are something probably 95% of the commenters don’t even remember. That’s why they keep thinking this stuff is “new technology” rather than same old stuff sold again as new. Where’s my purple or blue anodizing? My 18.3 lbs carbon fully rigid 29 hardtail is light and fast but it sure does beat me up, anyone willing to reinvigorate the old Girvin flex-stem?

Andy
Andy
8 years ago

Pretty sure I saw some kind of flex stem recently

Espen Wettre
Espen Wettre
8 years ago

Gazzaloddi 3.0 weighted in at 1.5 pound more than this Trail Boss 3.0.

More area, volum and width makes allot of sense as a rear tire a trail hardtail.

29 x 2.4 up front.

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