WTB Macro tyre review

The WTB Macro tyre marks a significant step forward, breaking new ground for the brand with several notable firsts. From an initially sparse range of cross-country tyres, this latest addition has impressed across the board. Its speed, grip, and responsiveness have quickly elevated it to one of the best mountain bike tyres I’ve ever used, performing exceptionally well across various terrain and conditions.​

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WTB Macro tyre – Technical details

While many tyres are offered in various carcasses, colours and compounds, WTB has taken a more straightforward approach with the Macro. It comes in a single 29 x 2.4in size, and the only decision to make is between a black or tan wall. Notably, the tan wall is a genuine construction, not just a painted-on design.

Both colour options share the same construction foundation, featuring SG sidewall puncture protection, TriTec rubber compound and, for the first time in WTB’s MTB range, a TCS Light casing with a 120tpi construction.

WTB lists the tan wall version at 709g and the black sidewall at 732g. Our test pairs weighed slightly more, 739g for the tan wall and 722g for the black sidewall. In comparison, they are lighter than similar options like the Hutchinson Python 3 Racing Lab, which averaged 780g, and the Rocket Ron 2.35in Super Race Addix Speed at 752g.

WTB Macro sidewall.jpg, by Matthew Page

One notable advantage is WTB’s eco-conscious packaging, using no plastic. The tyres come folded in a cardboard box, without even a plastic strap to hold them together.

WTB sizes the Macro at 2.4in based on being mounted on a WTB i30 rim, which refers to a 30mm internal rim width. While an increasing number of high-end cross-country wheelsets use this wider standard, particularly in carbon builds, riders with narrower rims might experience variations in the tyre’s inflated size.

The tyres were mounted on a set of Hunt XC Wide (V3) wheels, with a 28mm internal width on the front, where the tyre inflated to 2.37in. The rear, with a 26mm IW, measured 2.36in. Both measurements were taken with digital micrometre calipers.

WTB Macro profile.jpg, by Matthew Page

Mounting the tyres onto the Hunt wheels was relatively easy. They slipped onto the rims without tyre levers, though the wider casing and shallow rim hook did require more effort to seat them fully. Once in place, the tyres inflated smoothly. In fact, after inflating one tyre without sealant as a test, it remained perfectly sealed overnight, holding air without issue.

WTB Macro tyres – Performance

WTB makes no bold claims for the Macro, simply stating that it will help you go faster – no graphs, test data, or rolling resistance figures are provided. The tread pattern is unique and doesn’t borrow from WTB’s gravel or gravity-focused tyres, though it does share some similarities with other cross-country designs. The central knobs are closely spaced but not to the extent of the Vittoria Mezcal.

On hard surfaces, the Macro rolls quickly and quietly. Even on longer rides, I never experienced any issues with tyre drag. While independent rolling resistance tests are currently unavailable, I’d estimate that the Macro performs on par with other cross-country race tyres I’ve tested recently, including the Vittoria Mezcal XC-Race and Schwalbe Rocket Ron, the latter being well-regarded for its rolling efficiency.

Off-road, the Macro continued to impress, maintaining speed and delivering exceptional feedback and feel. The grip is outstanding for a tyre of this type, especially in dry conditions, offering a level of control beyond anything I’ve tested lately. On rocky, trail-centre tracks with bermed corners, the tyres felt composed and secure. Even at low pressures, the sidewalls provided enough support to maintain shape.

WTB Macro tread.jpg, by Matthew Page

The tyre’s rounded shape and profile deliver consistent grip through corners, even when fitted to narrower rims than WTB recommends. This gave me the confidence to enter corners faster, and as I grew more accustomed to the tyres, I found myself braking less in situations where I’d usually be more cautious.

In wet and muddy conditions, the Macro performs as expected for a low-profile tyre. While it begins to slide and drift, there’s enough feedback to remain in control. Traction remains solid on wet tracks, with minimal slippage on climbs and sufficient braking power on descents.

The trend towards wider tyres in cross-country riding and racing has become more prominent, offering good traction, comfort and rim protection due to increased air volume. The Macro’s 2.4in width is generally beneficial, though it may pose fitment issues for some older frames and forks not designed for such wide tyres. Additionally, in thicker mud, the wider profile can cause the tyre to float on top rather than dig through to firmer ground. However, these drawbacks apply to wider tyres, not just the WTB Macro.

WTB Macro tyres – Verdict

At £75 per tyre, the Macro sits on the pricier end of the market, even among premium options. While WTB is aiming to shed its image as primarily an OE tyre brand and become more closely associated with high-performance MTB and gravel tyres, the cost could be a major deterrent for many riders seeking a top-tier option. For comparison, Schwalbe’s Super Race range, including the Rocket Ron, comes in at £63 per tyre, and the latest Vittoria Mezcal and Peyote XC-Race versions are priced around £65 each.

WTB Macro tread 2.jpg, by Matthew Page

Although I doubt third-party tests will place the WTB Macro among the very fastest, lowest-tread XC tyres available, the real strength lies in the balanced performance.

What has made the Macro so enjoyable for me is its blend of speed and grip, a rare combination. It’s a tyre I’d confidently use for nine months of the year, handling all surfaces, from racing to general riding, with a mix of speed and traction that few tyres can rival.

• saddleback.co.uk
• The reader’s guide to Off-Road.cc’s review scoring system

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