WTB Peacekeeper Tires – Could These Be the Perfect All-Around MTB Tire?

Where do XC Tires Stop and Trail Tires Begin?

Every rider dreams of that one tire, the one that rolls fast, grips hard, resists flats, and doesn’t flinch when trails get sketchy. But does such a tire really exist? That’s the question the WTB Peacekeeper sets out to answer. Designed to sit perfectly between cross-country speed and trail-bike confidence, the Peacekeeper promises versatility above all else. So, is this the one tire to rule them all? Let’s dig in (with those corner knobs)! 

The Peacekeeper is their latest entry into the “downcountry” category, engineered to blend efficiency, traction, and longevity for riders who want one tire that can do it all. It’s not just another tire, it’s WTB’s answer to the modern rider’s demand for downcountry performance.

Specs & Options

The WTB Peacekeeper is available in two configurations; Fast Rolling and High Grip, both in a 29x2.4” casing. Each version is tubeless-ready via WTB’s TCS Light construction and features SG2 puncture protection, a high-density nylon insert running bead-to-bead for added durability.

Both variants use WTB’s TriTec compound, a triple-layer rubber blend designed to keep rolling resistance low without sacrificing cornering confidence. The center tread is firm and efficient, while the outer edges use softer rubber for increased traction and braking performance.

Specs Breakdown

Construction & Materials

• Casing: TCS Light single-ply (tubeless-ready) 60TPI
  

• Protection: SG2 bead-to-bead puncture protection layer
  

• Compound: TriTec three-compound rubber (hard center, soft shoulders)
  

• Width: 29x2.4”
  

• Weight:
  

• Fast Rolling: ~1024g
  

• High Grip: ~998g

Tread Design Highlights:

• Low-profile center tread for faster rolling and climbing efficiency
  

• Aggressive side knobs for braking and cornering control
  

• Rounded profile ensures smooth transition from center to edge

Setup

During testing, I primarily mounted the Peacekeeper on a 115mm downcountry bike—a setup that represents modern XC versatility. The tubeless setup was seamless; inflation was quick, even with a standard floor pump. Compared with similar XC tires from WTB, I’ve found lower pressures to work quite well as the Peacekeeper features a more supportive sidewall than other options. I like to ride Peacekeepers front and rear for daily riding, I choose the High Grip up front and the Fast Rolling out back. 

My Setup:

• Front (High Grip): 19-22 PSI
  

• Rear (Fast Rolling): 22-26 PSI

On-Trail Performance

Trail performance is where the Peacekeeper earns its name. I’ve been shredding these tires nonstop for the last few months, on everything from lycra-ed up XC races to burly, borderline enduro chunk. 

Despite these tires visually looking not that far from your typical XC treads, those knobs hook! The tread pattern transitions seamlessly from center to edge, avoiding the “drift zone” common in more aggressive tires. The Peacekeeper feels secure when leaned, and the casing support keeps the tire composed through roots, rocks, and chatter. 

The Fast Rolling version feels lively under power, climbing efficiently and maintaining momentum over flatter terrain. It has become my go-to tire for the sun-baked clay of SoCal when “pure” XC tires start sliding. Meanwhile, the High Grip digs deep in loose corners, offering braking confidence even on steep, dusty descents. 

If there’s one place that can truly test the capabilities of an XC tire, it’s the downcountry gnar of Downieville. I’ve been making my yearly pilgrimage to the mecca of California mountain biking for over 6 years now. This year, I ran a Peacekeeper in the High Grip compound up front, paired with a 29x2.4 Ranger Fast Rolling in the rear. On my very first run down Sunrise trail, I immediately noticed the added volume of the Peacekeeper, allowing me to surf the top of the moon dust and rocks, keeping the front wheel from getting bogged down or knifing in the deep pow. 

Post summer XC racing, with some “downcountry enduro” on the calendar, I switched out the Ranger for a Fast Rolling Peacekeeper and was stoked on just how hard I was able to push the limits of these tires. I raced this setup at the Mt. Hough Enduro (part of the Mountains to Meadows Endurofest and also put on by Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship) where these tires helped me grip and drift my way to the Overall win. And if that’s not enough, Norcal local ripper Evan Geankoplis piloted his Peacekeeper-equipped trail bike to the Downhill win at the Downieville Classic! 

One potential downside to this tire is the weight. I won’t lie, the Peacekeeper feels slightly porky when held side by side with many of the XC tires on the market today. For me, this really comes down to the use case. If I’m looking for a weight-weenie XC race tread, I would look towards WTB’s Macro. But when you are looking for a tire to rip some berms, hold strong through chunky rocks, and generally take some abuse, the con of the added weight to the Peacekeeper equals out to supportive casings and sideknobs that actually bite. 

*Update*

After writing the review, WTB has since released a 120TPI version of the Peacekeeper. This model will be available in 29x2.4, Fast Rolling, and black or tan sidewalls. Claimed weights for these are 809g and 741g, respectively. 

The Goods / The Bads

The Goods

• Excellent blend of speed, traction, and durability
  

• SG2 protection prevents flats and sidewall cuts
  

• Predictable handling with smooth corner transitions
  

• Tubeless setup is quick and reliable
  

• Ideal front/rear pairing options for different terrain

The Bads (60tpi)

• Slightly heavier than pure XC tires (~1,000g)
  

• Stiffer casing may feel firm for riders who prefer ultra-plush tires

What’s Worldwide’s Takeaway?

So, can one tire really do it all?

For the WTB Peacekeeper, the answer is pretty close to yes. This tire nails the middle ground: it’s fast enough for long rides and durable enough for rough days in the backcountry. The balanced compound and smart tread design make it an excellent choice for trail and all-mountain riders who value performance and reliability. WTB didn’t overpromise here, they simply delivered a tire that performs exactly how modern riders expect.

Pair a High Grip up front with a Fast Rolling in back, and you’ve got a setup ready for everything from midweek trail laps to weekend backcountry rides. With the update the 120tpi High Grip will make its way to the front of my bike soon.