I recently bought a new toothbrush. The bristles are firm yet supple, and it left my mouth feeling refreshed and comfortable—not just while brushing, but long after. It’s not limited to toothbrushes, but when you replace something you use every day, you can really notice the difference. If it’s a good product, you might find yourself whispering "that's nice," or even saying it out loud.
If you want to change your ride, start with your tires
A bicycle is made up of many different parts, and upgrading any of them will let you notice a change, but if you’re thinking of changing the ride quality of your current bike, why not start by changing your tires?
A variety of shapes for every situation
Tires come in various shapes depending on their intended use, including diameter, width, and tread pattern. They are one of the parts where you can most noticeably feel the difference in how the bike moves and rolls. If you choose a narrower tire because you want to go faster, you’ll enjoy lighter rolling resistance and a refreshing sense of speed. If you choose a wider tire because you carry heavy loads and want to handle various road conditions, you’ll gain excellent comfort. If you need grip for off-road use, choosing one with sturdy knobs will allow you to confidently tackle even the roughest roads.
As I’ve mentioned before, my riding partner so far this year has been my RETROTEC Half Top CX, and my rides have consisted entirely of heading from the city into the mountains. Along the way, I open doors where there is no sign of anyone else, and I turn the pedals onto new paths. Beyond those doors, I find rough pavement and the off-road trails we love so much.
The popular Byway is now available in 700c
I am currently using the Byway 700 x 40c, which WTB recently added to their lineup. I’m using it because it was already highly regarded in the 650x47b Road Plus size, and because its arrival coincided with when I was building my RETROTEC. I’m very satisfied with it, as it perfectly matches my style of riding. Just last week during my holiday ride, which was a mix of on-road and off-road, I was able to fully enjoy its smooth rolling and stability on rough terrain.
【WTB】Byway
Price：¥7,800(excl. tax)
Size : 700 x 40mm, 650b x 47mm
Features a slick pattern and two types of knobs
The center slick section provides consistent lightness on paved road sections, while the diamond knobs of just the right size placed right next to it provide moderate traction on off-road terrain. The consistent side knobs provide us with absolute peace of mind, especially when cornering in unexpected situations. It is also TCS compatible, meaning it can be used tubeless by adding sealant.
I wanted to introduce these sooner, but they actually sold out shortly after arriving, and we have finally restocked them. If you want to conquer any road from on-road to off-road, please give them a try. I’m sure you’ll find yourself saying, "That's nice." By the way, the time I whispered "That's nice" was on my way home, completely exhausted.
Circles also carries a large lineup of other WTB products, including tires, saddles, and grips, so please be sure to check them out.
I was thinking about going for a ride tomorrow to put these tires' performance to the test again, but I’ve decided to hop on my road bike for the first time in a while. I’m looking forward to riding a bike with a position that doesn't account for off-road descents at all, and just enjoying a smooth, brisk ride on the pavement.
By the way, I’ve been using PANARACER's Gravel King 700x28c on my road bike for a long time. Even though it's a road bike, I sometimes push it to its limits, and they have the durability to keep me feeling safe even at those times.
