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Item # WTB002S
Item # WTB002SFull-bellied gusto.
WTB's original 27.5in Riddler may be the ideal trail tire: cornering grip, straightaway speed, and a generous girth that provides comfort and grip without getting top floppy. The Riddler TCS Light Fast Clincher Tire imports those same characteristics to the gravel bike world. Its 45mm belly eats up gravel and washboard abuse while the molars on the shoulders bite into sloughy stuff and the low-profile, tightly packed center knobs maintain grippy speed across graded gravel. The compound follows suit, with WTB's dual-compound situating soft, grabby matter at the shoulders and harder, faster rubber over the center strip.
The Riddler is set up to run tubeless on any UST rim with the application of a sealant. While 23 and 25mm tires can actually gain weight when run tubeless, these burly donuts definitely benefit from ditching those huge tubes. Going tubeless also lets you lower the PSI, adding additional plushness when cushion and grip are at a premium. At this point in a description, we'd typically lay out a tire's limitations; with the Riddler 45, we're finding ourselves unable to do so. Bikepacking, gravel racing, all-terrain adventure cycling—the Riddler approaches any multi-surface scenario with gusto.
- A gravel tire for multi-surface cycling
- Tread pattern grips at shoulders and rolls fast in center
- Compound is soft at shoulders and harder at center strip
- Generous girth absorbs gravel and dirt road abuse
- Tubeless-compatible TCS bead lets you shed the huge, heavy tubes
View more Cyclocross Tubeless Tires
Reviews & Community
REVIEWS
Ry S.I enjoyed my time on these
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Great tires for the money. I put these on a Fargo for a 500 mile gravel race in Texas. They were the 45c's. What I liked was that they were fast rolling, shed mud and water quickly, and the larger knobs really did the job of keeping me upright when things got squirrely. I felt like the sidewalls were slightly thin. I had to keep pressure at around 35 psi to stop the sidewalls from folding over. Minor complaint, but I did feel pretty beat up after the 500 miles. The tread held up well, and I sold them to a friend to use. He is still using them in fact.
Chris BroullireAll the traction
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Running the 45s on my Niner RLT 9 Steel - such an awesome combo. No end to adventure, because these tires will go ANYWHERE. From pavement to rough singletrack, these hook up nicely.
scott hansonGreat gravel tire
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I run this tire up front on my Niner RLT 9 on stan's ironcross rims. I tried it on the rear but it ended up rubbing my chainstays when my wheels flexed. This tire has been awesome at providing a softer front end compared to the 36mm tires I ran before. I ride fairly rough mountain gravel roads and they have held up perfectly. The tread pattern seems to provide good traction. I've only ridden it in mostly dry conditions so I can't say how they handle wet/muddy conditions.
willin
Avg. ride time: 2h 53m per week- Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.
Good for very rough gravel and light mtb
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Its not great at rolling the tarmac, but for rough roads with embedded sharp rocks, this tire will hold up and roll well. At 1.75 inches (45mm, true to size on a 17.5mm internal width rim) its very nearly a mtb tire. You can climb stuff like an mtb, out of the saddle.
I trained for and rode The Wild Horse 75-mile gravel race with the Riddlers and they were a very good choice--the course is very rough and its competitive on for both proper mtbs, and those who chose a cross bike with large-ish volume tires. There were lots of embedded sharp rocks, deep sand, and hardened clay ruts/potholes that you hit at full speed. The Riddlers held up to the abuse with no flats or cuts, but I sure did try. There were many who got flats on narrower, lighter tires.
I was able to fit the 45s front and rear into a Niner BSB9 frame: front has plenty of room but the back has exactly 2-inches of clearance width, so there was only .12 inches on either side.
I have no complaints. They are perfect or their specific application. I'll give 5 stars, but I don't know their durability yet. I've only rode them about 200 miles.
Gareld H.Great review. What pressure do you ride with these?
Brett ColeBigger is better
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I just set up the 45mm Riddlers on a RLT and look forward to putting in some miles. I have been riding 40mm Ramblers for the past year, but find that a bit more volume could have helped on rough gravel roads or in sandy/loose sections.
crashHow do the rambler compare to the wtb
Jason G.How was your tire clearance on the rear?
Jim DiMaioloWill the 45mm fit on most wheels? What is the min rim inside width?
Matthew KielPerfect CX Training or Gravel Tire!
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I bought a set of Riddlers to use for CX training and they have been awesome. Reasonably light, lively feel, and the 37c has enough volume for the local mtb trails.
Jesse C.Any chance this tire will fit on a Niner RLT 9 alloy w/Stans Grail wheels?
Which year RLT do you have? The latest versions of the aluminum and steel say they can handle a 45mm tire. Just curious before I start considering this big of a tire. Thanks!