Since we got properly into offering complete bikes, we have worked in partnership with WTB to supply the tyres on our bikes. We loved the original Vigilante, and when they introduced the current G2 series tyres in late 2018 they made some fantastic tyres for your Cotic bike. Larger casings, great feeling constructions with the brilliant Slashguard option if you don't need the full Tough, but Light won't be quite enough.

Rolling on from our positive experience with the originals, the G2 Vigilante in 2.5" Light Slashguard High Grip became the front tyre of choice for all our MAX drop link bikes, with the monster 2.6" Vigilante on the 27.5" drop link bikes and on the hardtails.

Judge-ment Day

Whilst we pick a default which we think is most appropriate for each build, there are a few options on the WTB tyres. The Judge 2.4 Tough is our default rear option for the RocketMAX and Rocket, and it is SERIOUSLY grippy. Brilliant for the sloppy conditions at this time of year in the UK and elsewhere there isn't snow on the ground. The Tough casing combined with relatively small volume (huge side knobs make up the width) mean you can run low pressures without worry and they have great feel. I run mine at 22spi on a HUNT TrailWide. However, it's a chunky beast and can feel a little slow on harder packed terrain, and the smaller volume means its a bit more chattery through the pedals on fast, rocky terrain. This is where the Trail Boss comes in....

Boss-ing It

Don't be fooled by it carrying the same name as the original 2.25" Trail Boss. That was quite 'exciting' in anything other than smooth dry conditions. As you can see from the photos (and if you've done a demo, probably experience the grip too), the new version of this tyre spaces out the knobbles, makes them much bigger and then adds a bunch of volume too. The 2.4" Tough is your go to option if you need protection from cuts (such as slate) or you just like hitting things hard on your MAX bike. If you're looking at a 27.5" drop link bike or any of the hardtails, there is space for the huge 2.6" version. This has big - almost Plus sized - volume and floats over bumps at very low pressures. With Cushcore installed, Chay and Swinny were running these at around 18 psi when they race EWS Finale in 2018 aboard their Rockets. Regardless of size, both roll faster than the Judge due to the lower profile tread. They're not quite as good in full slop, but they are a great all round option.

Finally, there is the Trail Boss Light Slashguard. Again, don't be fooled by it carrying the 'Light' designation, it's all about the Slashguard. Whilst not as bombproof as the Tough, these tyres have reinforcement up the sidewall to keep them protected and stiff, giving fantastic feel, grip and support.

They save 300 grams over a Judge Tough, and they are my tyre of choice for the spring/summer months. I don't really ride anywhere where cuts are an issue, and despite the fast, rocky terrain I like locally, the Light Slashguard Trail Boss has done fine work on the rear end of my RocketMAX for the last two summers. I even ended up running one in Finale (not intentionally, I got my tyres mixed up!) and it was fine for 3 solid days of hitting those trails. Granted, I'm not the toughest person on tyres, but don't discount these out of hand just because you've always needed something tougher before. I used to have to run Tough 2.3 Breakout on the rear, but the extra volume combined with Slashguard means I can save a chunk of weight for a livelier ride in the summer months. This is the default option on the FlareMAX and Flare for exactly these reasons.

Handing Down The Verdict

There's a new guy in town for the front end though. From this week we are replacing the 2.5 Vigilante with the Verdict 2.5 Slashguard High Grip.

I have been running this tyre for nearly a year now after Swinny tested one, loved it and raced it throughout the 2019 EWS Continental season. Sam has one on his RocketMAX too and we are all massive fans. It rolls well for such a big tyre, but it has grip to spare and such a positive feel. It just edges the Vigilante for me; the feel of it as I go into corners just suits my style a bit better, and the range of conditions it works in is very broad. Goodness knows what the 'Wet' version with even bigger knobs is like. This one is savage enough! Everything from full slop, to trail centre to baked hard Italian mountain trails, it's been great, and I'm excited to be offering these to you on our bikes.

In the big volume 2.6 sizes we are sticking with the Vigilante. As I said above, it's a brilliant tyre, and in that size it has all the grip you could possibly want, but for the 2.5 the Verdict is the way we're going.

Remember, all of these are no cost options once you have WTB tyres specified on your Cotic bike. We assemble right here in the UK, each bike to order. Your Bike, Built For You. If you're not sure which might be best, trust us, go with the default option. All these tyres are great! But if some of the above has chimed with you for your riding, hopefully you can switch up the tyres to something perfect for your riding and your local conditions. That's our aim.