The WTB Wolverine tires came stock on the KHS XCT 555 that I reviewed. I’ve been riding with these tires for a few months now and I wanted to provide our readers a review in the event they are looking for a new set of tires to roll with.
Before we get started, here’s the specs:
Wolverine
USAGE:All Mountain
CONDITIONS:Moist to Dry / Hardpack to Loose
MSRP:$50 Race / $60 UST / $60 AM TCS
In the wild, wolverines are known to attack anything, often preying on much larger animals. On the trail, the Wolverine confidently tackles dicey descents, flies across flats and devours steep climbs. This fast-rolling tire’s moderately-spaced tread pattern combines plentiful working edges that cling to hardpack and outside knobs that let you shred corners. Like its namesake, the Wolverine’s slight profile belies its fierce bite.SIZE GMS LEVEL WEIGHT DETAILS
2.2 54/52 RACE 560g aramid bead | dna rubber | lightweight casing
WTB markets this tire to be used in ALL Mountain riding conditions. Though there is a XC version of it, the set I tested are pretty XC worthy since it only weights 560g. I’ve taken these tires all through out Southern California from mild XC trails to DH race runs as well as the 4X track.
One of the things I liked about the WTB Wolverine tire is that is a low profile design, which translates to a faster rolling tire. I find that higher treads means more grip, but you sacrifice speed. However, the tread pattern and the right height makes this one fast, grippy and aggressive tire. I can easily get my speed up with these tires and take a fast corner without worrying about washing out. If I were to compare these tires to the rolling resistance of another tire, I would say its right up there with the Kenda Small Block Eight. If you’re not familiar with the SB8, that’s one FAST Tire, but you sacrifice traction when you’re in loose terrain. With the Wolverine, you get great speed and great traction.
Not sure if you’ve noticed, but if you look closely, you may see that I’ve set up my wheels as a Ghetto Tubeless. Basically I used a 24″ tube, filleted it down the middle to act as my rim liner, I then installed the WTB Wolverines, poured in some Stan’s and Voila! Tubeless.
Surprisingly the WTB Wolverines worked well for my tubeless conversion. I’ve been running them with this set up since I got the bike and it does make a difference in the tires riding capabilities. In fact I felt more confident with this set up than I did with tubes. I basically get less side to side rolling. What I mean is, if I’m taking a corner, I lean in, I feel the tires grabbing terrain and the tire doesn’t feel like its going to peel off the rim. I believe this has something to do with the rubber compound that WTB uses (DNA). Cheaper tires will often feel squishy on turns and may even washout more than better quality tires.
Flats? I’ve had a few thorns, 3 total. But since I’m running tubeless, all I did was pull them out and keep riding. I really don’t have anything negative to say about the WTB Wolverine 2.2. I think they are awesome tires, works great as a front and rear, plus they are fast! I’ve never had issues with the sidewall getting torn or punctured. If I need to remove the tire, the bead is super easy to work with. Installing is a breeze and they worked with my Ghetto Tubeless Conversion.
