WTB knows by now that I love testing new tires. Over the years, they have sent me quite a few different models to review and the arrival of the new Byway RS 50 was another opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I have also tested the previous Byway, so I was curious to see what this new wider and faster version could bring to the table, especially with 50 mm gravel tires becoming more and more common.
About WTB
WTB, or Wilderness Trail Bikes, has been around since 1982 and has built a strong reputation for developing components for mountain biking, gravel and adventure riding. Tires are a big part of their lineup and something I have had the chance to test extensively over the years. From fast rolling gravel tires to much more aggressive options, WTB offers a pretty wide range depending on where and how you ride.
The Byway RS 50
The new Byway RS takes the idea behind the original Byway and pushes it further. The 700 x 50 mm size gives you plenty of volume while the almost slick center section is clearly designed with speed in mind. Small transition knobs and more pronounced shoulder knobs are there to provide additional grip when the surface gets looser or when cornering.
The version I tested uses WTB’s 120 TPI TCS Light/Fast Rolling casing, Dual DNA rubber compound and SG2 puncture protection. It is obviously tubeless ready and despite its 50 mm size, the black version comes in at around 630 grams.
WTB also did something quite interesting with the sidewalls of the Byway RS. Working with Stromm, they incorporated Vortex Generators and Trip Strips designed to improve the airflow around the tire and wheel. Aerodynamics isn’t necessarily something we usually associate with a 50 mm gravel tire, but it shows how much development is now going into these larger and faster gravel tires.
Testing
My testing took me through pretty much the type of terrain the Byway RS was designed for, ranging from tarmac to hardpack and loose gravel.
On pavement, the first thing I noticed was just how fast they felt. Looking down at a 50 mm tire, you might expect some additional rolling resistance or a heavier feeling, but that wasn’t really the case. The slick center rolls extremely well and makes the Byway RS a great option for rides where pavement is part of getting to the gravel.
Hardpack was probably where I was the most impressed. The large volume gives you plenty of comfort while the tire still feels quick and responsive. It is a combination that works particularly well on the gravel roads we have here, where surfaces can change quite a bit during the same ride.
Loose gravel was another nice surprise. Looking at the minimal tread, I wasn’t expecting the Byway RS to offer the same grip as a more aggressive gravel tire, but the shoulder knobs did a great job of keeping things predictable. I could push the tires harder than I initially expected without feeling like I was giving up too much grip for the extra speed.
I did encounter some light mud during testing and this is naturally where the minimal tread starts showing its limitations, but that was completely expected considering the design of the tire.
In conclusion
The WTB Byway RS 50 surprised me. We are now at a point where a 50 mm gravel tire doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing speed, and this tire is a perfect example of that.
What impressed me the most is how well it works across the surfaces I ride most often. It is fast on pavement, extremely comfortable and efficient on hardpack and offers more grip than I expected once the gravel gets loose.
If your rides are a mix of tarmac and gravel and you have the clearance for a 50 mm tire, the Byway RS is definitely worth considering. It brings the comfort and confidence of a high volume gravel tire without making the bike feel slow, and for me, that is what makes this tire so interesting.
