WTB launches Proterra range of mountain bike and gravel wheels

WTB Proterra
(Image credit: Ken Viale/WTB)

The Proterra is WTB's new range of American-made, alloy wheels for mountain biking and gravel riding. 

Made from 6069 aluminum alloy in the brand's California facility, the wheels are offered in Light or Tough options, depending on what type of riding you'll be doing. 

The Proterra Light is designed for gravel riding up to light trail riding. It's offered in 23mm, 25mm, and 27mm internal rim width options. The 23 and 25mm models feature 28 spoke holes and a centerlock rotor mount, while the 27mm option features 32 spoke holes and a 6-bolt rotor mount. 

The Proterra Tough is designed for trail and enduro riding and uses a 30mm internal rim width. The rim features 32 holes for brass spokes and a 6-bolt rotor mount. 

WTB Proterra

(Image credit: WTB)

The Proterra hubs use a six-pawl freehub design with 3.7 degrees of engagement, and WTB says that they are serviceable without the need for special tools. 

The wheels use WTB's Tubeless Compatible System, which features a 'Solid Strip' in between the rim tape and spoke holes, which protects the tape from sagging into the holes or getting punctured from broken spokes. The Solid Strip comes pre-installed along with rim tape and tubeless valves, making tire setup a breeze. 

The weight for a 29-inch Proterra Tough wheelset is a claimed 2,112 grams whereas the lighter gravel/XC in its widest i27 29er option comes in at 1,930 grams.

Front wheels cost $294.95 while rear wheels are $354.95, and both will cost you $649.90. WTB is only selling the wheels on its website with plans to distribute them to retailers sometime in the future. 

WTB Proterra wheel models

Proterra Light (23mm and 25mm)

  • Sizes: 650c (25mm) or 700c (23mm)
  • Holes: 28
  • Hub spacing: 12x100, 12x142
  • Driver body: SRAM XDR, Shimano HG 11spd
  • Nipples: Alloy
  • Spoke lacing: 3-cross
  • Rotor Mount: Centerlock

Proterra Light (27mm)

  • Sizes: 29-inch
  • Holes: 32
  • Hub spacing: 15x110, 12x148
  • Driver body: SRAM XDR, Shimano Microspline
  • Nipples: Alloy
  • Spoke lacing: 3-cross
  • Rotor mount: 6-bolt

Proterra Tough (30mm)

  • Sizes: 29-inch, 27.5-inch
  • Holes: 32
  • Hub spacing: 15x110, 12x148
  • Driver body: SRAM XDR, Shimano Microspline
  • Nipples: Brass
  • Spoke lacing: 3-cross
  • Rotor mount: 6-bolt

WTB Proterra pricing (all models) 

  • Front Wheel: $294.95
  • Rear Wheel: $354.95
  • Pair: $649.90
Ryan Simonovich

Ryan Simonovich has been riding and racing for nearly a decade. He got his start as a cross-country mountain bike racer in California, where he cultivated his love for riding all types of bikes. Ryan eventually gravitated toward enduro and downhill racing but has also been found in the occasional road and cyclo-cross events. Today, he regularly rides the trails of Durango, Colorado, and is aiming to make a career out of chronicling the sport of cycling. 


Rides: Santa Cruz Hightower, Specialized Tarmac SL4