In Marin / CURRENTS
MADE BY MARIN
Wilderness Trail Bikes
WILDERNESS TRAIL BIKES ( W TB) is a bicycle parts company. “The running joke has been ‘ Where’s the Bike,’;” says Mark Slate, who cofounded the Mill Valley–based enterprise in 1982. “W TB sold frames for a period of time, but has never produced a complete bike.” At the time of W TB’s inception, there was a clear hole in the market when it came to o;-road bicycle equipment, and
Slate created the company to provide necessary parts to the small but enthusiastic riding community. Today, mountain biking is a popular pastime across the globe, and W TB continues to o;er the
accoutrements that allow riders to hit the trails. PHILOSOPHY “Whether referring to bike parts
or places to ride and the overall experience, the W TB philosophy is ‘make it better,’;” says Slate.
This applies not only to the brand’s o;erings, but also to its commitment to the wider community — W TB has played a large part in making Safe Routes to Schools, which supports walking and
biking to school, a federally funded program. THE SCOOP W TB crafts tires, saddles, wheels, rims,
grips, accessories and apparel that are a;ordable and made to enhance the ride. Most of the company’s products are sold to cycling companies as original equipment for new bicycles, but items
can also be found online and in stores all over the world — from small specialty shops to stores like
REI. BE YOND MARIN Aside from the actual goods, Wilderness Trail Bikes is also involved with
bicycle racing in the form of Team W TB. “Team W TB is a small group of dedicated athletes who
race locally and internationally, primarily in Enduro and XC racing formats,” says director of sales
Gary Gleason. Team members have accomplished awesome things — captain Mark Weir is known
for climbing one million vertical feet on a heavy mountain bike in one year. WHAT THEY SAY “We
believe that bicycles hold key answers for personal health and a better environment,” says Slate.
“To test that yourself, take a bike ride. Even if it’s only down to the end of your street and back, it
will change your perspective.” Adds Gleason, “It’s all about the ride.” wtb.com CALIN VAN PARIS
Team W TB racers/employees
Jason Moeschler and Kenny Burt
riding bikes built from W TB parts.
VELOCIRAPTOR
TIRE, FROM $34.95
SPEED V COMP
SADDLE, $39.95
NANO TIRE, $34.95
ORIGINAL TRAIL GRIP, $12 PER PAIR
Cofounder Mark Slate
carving a prototype saddle
out of a block of wood.
MEN’S LOGO
TEE, $20
MO TO-X CLAMP-ON GRIP, $30 PER PAIR
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