Big, tough, aggressive. The WTB Dissent and Kodiak 29 x 2.5 FR/DH tires are the first of a new category of tires for the big wheels. Both produced by WTB, the Kodiak is a Niner Bikes exclusive. These are the largest overall 29er tires yet available, though limitations in manufacturing equipment means the casing volume is not  as great as some other small-tread models.

 

I have mounted and measured both of the new tires on my usual control 24mm wide rim and the 36mm wide Salsa Gordo. The narrower rim gives both tires distinctly rounder profiles, especially noticeable with the Kodiak. Its tread width increased while the Dissent tread measured the same. More telling are the widest point radius increase of both tires. This affects frame clearances as well. The casing width and slight casing height increase of each tire when mounted on the wider Gordo also pushes the air volume.