It seems that we’ve hit that point where if you don’t have a plus-size tire in your lineup, you’re behind. Because of that, brands like Onza are getting in on the action with new plus treads of their own. What isn’t certain though, is just how the sizing will shake out. Some see the bigger tires as the answer, and others like Onza see 2.85 or smaller as the ticket. The good news is that whatever your thoughts on the matter, there seems to be enough tires now that you can choose…
For Onza’s first plus tire, they simply supersized their Canis tire with enlarged tread blocks appropriate for the size. Offered in skin wall or black, the black tire will use their FRC 120 tpi casing while the skin wall uses 60tpi. Designed or use around a 40mm rim, Onza is definitely in the smaller tire side of the spectrum mentioning that there is even some talk of 2.6″ tires becoming the sweet spot for longer travel mountain bikes. That remains to be seen, but we’ve enjoyed the 2.8″ tires on 40-45mm rims that we’ve tried. Weighing in at 840-920g, both models are tubeless-ready with folding beads. To be priced at $100-110, Canis plus tires should be available mid summer.
For those digging the skin wall look but not the size, the Canis will also be offered in tan walls in more normal widths.
Building on their line of trail and enduro tires, Onza is getting into aggressive XC with the new Svelte. Still offering a durable, burly XC tire, Onza calls the Svelte a marathon tire that isn’t designed to be the absolute lightest at 625-660g. Available in 29″ now, a 27.5″ tire is on the way. Sold in either black 120 TPI or skin wall 60 TPI, pricing is TBD.
