Best WTB Tire Setup for Lost and Found Gravel Race in Portola, CA
Northern California’s Lost and Found Gravel Festival throws down big miles and bigger terrain—loose corners, fast fireroad descents, rough granite, and occasional singletrack. To ride strong from mile one to the finish line, you need a tire setup that balances traction, comfort, durability, and speed. Here’s our top WTB tire recommendations for tackling the rugged beauty of the Lost Sierra.
Resolute 700x42
Why it works:
The Resolute is a no-brainer for the front tire. With ample knob height and open spacing, it provides traction and confidence on sketchy descents, chunky climbs, and unexpected washouts. You get predictable handling when the terrain gets spicy—especially up front where control matters most.
• Wide tread spacing sheds debris and grabs hold in loose terrain
• 42mm casing absorbs chatter and keeps you fresher, longer
• SG casing defends against sharp Sierra rock strikes
Bonus Setup: Dual Resolutes
Racing for fun and not the podium? Or looking to maximize control on a choppy course? A dual Resolute setup delivers max traction and confidence. It’s a great pick for riders who prioritize comfort and stability for long-haul, all-conditions adventure riding.
Vulpine 700x40/45
Why it works:
Pair the Resolute with the fast-rolling Vulpine to optimize speed without losing grip. The slick center tread glides over smoother sections, while the side knobs hold their own when cornering or powering through loose rollers.
• A great rear tire for those pushing pace
• Ideal mix of efficiency and cornering grip
• SG2 puncture protection = less downtime, more race time
Raddler 700x40/44
Why it works:
Want a bit more bite without sacrificing speed? The Raddler hits that sweet spot. With its tightly packed center knobs and taller side knobs, the Raddler offers increased traction for climbing loose gravel and confidence in high-speed corners—especially as rear tire terrain can change drastically over the course of the event.
• More aggressive than the Vulpine, lighter than the Resolute
• Great for riders looking to mix control with race-day responsiveness
• Available in 700x40 and 700x44 for comfort tuning
• SG2 protection keeps you rolling strong over flint, rock, and roots
"The Raddler 44 with SG2 combined with WTB sealant is my go-to for Lost & Found. Fast rolling lowpro center tread for the pavement sections, knobby enough to get rad when that Lost Sierra dirt gets sketchy loose, and tough enough for the rowdy descents!"- Josh Becker Single Speed and Mustache Champion
WTB Pro Tip: Optimize Your Pressure
Dial in your tire pressure for Lost and Found’s mixed terrain. Lower pressures smooth out the chatter and help grip in loose-over-hardpack conditions. Whether you’re running tubeless with TCS Sealant or lightweight NanoAir TPU tubes, your setup should match the ride, not just the weather.
Conclusion: Built for Backcountry Grit
There’s no one-size-fits-all for Lost and Found, but with Resolute, Vulpine, and Raddler in your corner, you’ve got options to dial your ride exactly how you want it—fast, grippy, durable, and confidence-inspiring. Make sure to stop by the WTB aid station for a bacon wrapped pickle! Read more about the stoker station.