Named after the Japanese gods of storms and thunder, the Raijin offers unholy race-day grip when the dark clouds are gathering.
WTB use a wide open selection of slightly convex-sided square blocks and deep-buttressed shoulder tread in a soft ‘DNA’ compound to dig out grip. It’s an impressively high-grip tyre across a range of surfaces, from marsh to rocky, rooty woodland.
It will slide if really pushed, but even then it’s always predictable and communicated rather than sudden and snappy. Typically for WTB, the 2.1in carcass is generous too, making this a comfortable and well-protected trail tyre that’s happy on rocky trails as well.
While it’s perfectly safe on roads, big gaps in the tread make it slow and growly on smooth surfaces. That soft rubber will start to rip and tear very quickly if you work it hard through the pedal and brakes, too, so don’t expect two winters for your money.
