When WTB asked me to test the Venture gravel tire for the Marketplace project, I could not be more happy to do so and I was wondering if it could be the perfect tire for my bikepacking setup. Let’s analyze this tire in detail.

About WTB

Feeling a sense of ennui, they resolved to inject some excitement into their lives. Failing to find what they sought, they took matters into their own hands and crafted it themselves. Yet, even after bringing their creation into being, they found themselves unsatisfied. Their pursuit for perfection drove them to continuously refine it, elevating its quality with each iteration.

Since their humble beginnings, hurtling down Mt. Tam on makeshift, ill-equipped bikes in ’82, they have been guided by the conviction that life is enriched by the presence of bicycles. They steadfastly believe that superior bicycles pave the way for an improved existence, fueling their tireless quest to develop components that elevate every facet of the cycling journey.

The Venture gravel tire

Venture is the set-it-and-forget-it gravel tire for riders who demand steadfast traction on a wide range of surfaces. Elevated centerline ridges and dense intermediate peaks conform to any terrain during out-of-the-saddle efforts while two rows of outer knobs provide both the support and sidewall protection you need to really push it in the corners. Venture is an excellent choice when both the terrain and destination are unknown.

Usage: Adventure Road and Gravel

Conditions: Pavement, hardpack, dirt, gravel

Features

Fast centerline: Tightly-spaced centerline tread provides a smooth and efficient ride on pavement and hardpack surfaces while still providing the grooves and knob edges needed to maximize accelerating and braking traction on loose dirt and gravel surfaces.

Massive footprint: Large, high-volume footprint allows for more of the working edges of the tread to be in contact with the terrain. Increased surface contact between the tread and terrain results in more traction without the need for tall knobs that reduce rolling efficiency. 

Supple intermediate ridges: Rows of dotted ridgelines are repeated along the transition zone of the tread. Tight spacing allows the ridges to provide a nearly continuous contact patch that increases efficiency as a whole, while the ridges are able to individually conform to the terrain and therefore increase braking traction and cornering confidence.

TCS Tubeless-Ready: TCS (Tubeless Compatible System) is WTB’s standardized tubeless system. These tires feature a TCS tubeless-ready casing, which nearly eliminates flats and allows lower tire pressures to improve traction and comfort over a traditional tube-type tire.

Testing

The testing occurred during the month of April where in Canada it is the beginning of spring with mud, damped gravel and snow left. I usually start my season on tarmac and light gravel and check where I can ride more gravel roads and this month did not disappoint.

I opted for the 700×40 variant, finding its versatility ideal for a range of conditions. Whether navigating cycling paths, light gravel, tarmac, tackling mud, snow (yes really), wet sand, or heavy gravel, the Venture proved itself faultless. Its adaptability far exceeded my initial expectations upon first glance.

In conclusion

At times, we ponder the tire choices amidst ever-changing conditions in different locales, and the Venture emerges as a true multitool, offering versatile solutions.

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