Plus slippers also for bikes with racing handlebars
More grip, more volume, more stable cornering behavior and a large limit range before the tire smears away under pressure in the curve: These are just a few of the perceived advantages of plus-size tires on a mountain bike. These advantages are also interesting away from the pure bike habitat. And with the tailwind of the gravel trend on bikes with racing bars, a transfer is emerging, a transfer of the plus-size tire from bike to road bike.

WTB as an innovator
WTB is at the forefront of this and is sending a clear and easy-to-understand message with "Road Plus": The tire on the road bike is getting wider and more voluminous. WTB is launching the "Horizon Plus" tire onto the market as the first product ready to make a statement. This is available in 650b size - and therefore requires a corresponding wheelset - and offers roughly the same outer diameter as a 700x28C tire in 650bx47C size.

Yes, does it fit at all?
As far as compatibility is concerned, WTB isn't yet going out on a limb - but only says that on endurance road bikes where a 700x28C tire fits, the 650b Plus shoe could probably also fit, provided there is still a little space left between the stays on the 700x28C tire.

Screw it yourself
So at the moment, it is probably up to the mechanic in the store who likes to experiment or the trend-savvy hobby mechanic to test for themselves whether a 650b wheelset feels comfortable in an endurance road bike and whether the Road Plus tire doesn't rub anywhere. If the Road Plus experiment is successful, the converted bike could open up completely new terrain and unexpected riding experiences.

If you don't fancy trying it yourself: The Open Cycle U.P. and Cannondale Slate gravel machines will certainly fit the Road Plus tires.

An eye-catcher at the 2016 Taipei Cycle Show: The Open Cycle U.P. with Road Plus tires

WTB indicates July as the first availability date for the "Horizon Road Plus TCS" tire and states a weight of 515 grams.

www.wtb.com