WTB Vulpine S in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test

The WTB Vulpine S relies on a completely slick but very narrow centre strip, flanked by a fine, closely spaced knob pattern. It is intended as the race-oriented option in the WTB line-up. Does it actually deliver on the promised balance of speed, grip and durability? We put it to the test.

The WTB Vulpine S comes from the gravel portfolio of the American brand WTB, which has evolved since the 1980s from an accessories supplier into a full-scale tire and wheel manufacturer, including tubeless systems and sealant.

In the current group test, the Vulpine S lines up alongside the Vulpine and Resolute, clearly representing the fastest direction within the WTB range. While the standard Vulpine still leans more towards all-round capabilities, the Vulpine S is clearly aimed at speed. A very narrow, slick centre strip is designed to minimise friction on asphalt and hardpack, while small side knobs aim to provide security in corners. Overall, the concept is clearly aimed at holding an efficient pace on firm and fast surfaces, without sacrificing the minimum level of control expected in gravel riding.

S is for Speed – The WTB Vulpine S in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test

The WTB Vulpine S is intended to be the fastest tire in the brand’s line-up, but our testing only partly confirms that claim. At 576 g, it’s far from lightweight, something which noticeably affects acceleration. The lab figures don’t help either: at 18.2 W of rolling resistance, it sits a good 3 W above average. The ride feel is accordingly more sluggish than truly lively, putting the Vulpine S on a similar level to the much more aggressively treaded Michelin Power Gravel.

On asphalt and firm gravel, the Vulpine S feels intuitive, leaning into corners willingly thanks to its round profile. The transition from centre tread to side knobs is smooth and unobtrusive. Once the surface turns to loose gravel, however, it quickly reaches its limits. It lacks directional stability and traction, but steering remains relatively predictable, as grip loss is at least progressive and controllable. There are no nasty surprises, but also no real reserves, for example in the form of more pronounced shoulder knobs, meaning the tire tends to drift towards the outside of corners.

If the goal is pure racing performance, the Vulpine S takes quite an old-school approach to ride comfort: it feels as harsh as a go-kart, transmitting vibrations straight through to the rider. Puncture protection sits in the midfield, with pinch-flat resistance even slightly above average, offering decent protection for rim and tire. On a more positive note, the WTBs are easy to live with: installation is easy without tire levers, and the tubeless setup seals quickly and reliably.

Conclusion on the WTB Vulpine S

The WTB Vulpine S delivers less than it promises. In particular, its efficiency, supposedly its key strength, falls short of expectations, and the lack of grip away from road and hardpack doesn’t make up for it. The only real positives are its predictable turn-in and the well-controlled loss of traction. Overall, however, the other models in WTB’s range clearly have the upper hand here.

Tops

• predictable loss of grip
• easy installation

Flops

• poor cornering grip
• less efficient than promised

Made in Taiwan | Size (ETRO) 45-622 | Width in mm¹ 44,6
Height in mm¹ 40,93 | Weight 576.2 g | Price € 59.95
¹measured dimensions at 1.75 – 3.0 Bar, depending on tire width

More information at wtb.com.

The Testfield

This tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 – an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.

Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XP
Continental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra Speed
Goodyear: Connector Inter | Connector Speed
Hutchinson: Caracal Race
MAXXIS: Rambler | Reaver
Michelin: Power Adventure | Power Gravel
Pirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel S
Rene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-Slick
Schwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland Pro
Specialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLR
Vittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60
WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | Resolute

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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Jan Fock