Surly’s Dirt Wizard was one of the first plus size tires available, only it was launched in 26 x 2.75″ for their Instigator. Just about the time that Surly is rounding out their range of Dirt Wizards with a 27.5 x 3.0″ offering the rest of the industry seems suddenly interested in 26+, but that’s a story for another day. The news here is that after releasing the 29″ version of the magical tire back in 2014/15, the time has come for the much anticipated middle size to have its day.
If you’re looking for an aggressive 27.5+ tire with a weight-be-damned attitude, the newest size of the Dirt Wizard may cast a spell over you and your bike…
Labeled as a 27.5 x 3″ tire, Surly’s numbers for knob shoulder width (75mm) and max casing width (71mm) paint a picture of a tire that is just under 3″ with a claimed 2.95″ at the knobs. Meant for rims measuring 35-65mm in width, Surly indicates that the sweet spot is likely 50mm. Actual weights are not provided, but from what we’ve seen, don’t expect these to be particularly light. Available initially in 60tpi with a folding, tubeless ready bead and a nylon reinforced sidewall, these will surely fall somewhere between the lightest and heaviest current Dirt Wizards, so 850-1390g (we’re guessing in that 1100-1200g range). The trade off is that this will probably be one of the most sure footed 27.5+ tires around between the chunky tread and 42a rubber compound. Surly also mentions the rubber has additional additives to make sure that super soft rubber doesn’t just rip off the first time you go for a ride.
Available now for $80 a tire, we’re told that we’ll learn more about why this very tire was created in July. New bike? Stay tuned.
