At first glance, the proportions of a 32-inch bike seem strangely off. But when you actually stand in front of the bike, you get used to the look surprisingly quickly. Afterwards, even classic 700C gravel bikes seemed strangely small to me. Whether you like it or not, 32-inch wheels are coming. This is evident from the efforts of numerous manufacturers, particularly when it comes to wheels and tyres. The only question is: when. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor
KTM Scarp: On 32-inch wheels to victory in the Marathon World Championship
At KTM, 32 inches has long been more than just a pipe dream. Apparently, marathon superstar Andi Seewald was handed a prototype of the new Scarp just five days before the race and, despite the short lead-up, decided to line up at the start of the Marathon World Championships on the bike. The rest is history. For Seewald, this is already his second World Championship title; for KTM, it’s a phenomenal success even before the new Scarp has hit the market.
So it’s pretty much certain: the bike is likely to be launched in this form or something similar. The prototype on display at Sea Otter Europe was fitted with performance parts from the Spanish manufacturer Gemini and 32-inch tyres from Pirelli. Also featured was a 32-inch cross-country fork from Fox.
Megamo XC Bike: Spain on the rise
Megamo has been making waves in the world of e-MTBs with Avinox for some time now and we even managed to win our latest cross-country comparison test with that track. The successor is likely to feature 32-inch wheels; at least, that is what the concept bike on display at Sea Otter Europe suggests. The tyres for the bike, from Maxxis, have been on show for some time now. More striking is the DT Swiss suspension, which appears to be compatible with 32-inch wheels. The rear triangle features a design with flexible chainstays.
Dirtysixer Mega-Enduro: Why the 32-inch bike has actually become even smaller
For David from Dirtysixer in France, 32 inches is actually a downsizing project. The brand specialises in larger riders up to size 4XL and has even produced 36-inch bikes for professional basketball players such as Dirk Nowitzki. New is the full-suspension concept bike, codenamed ‘Mega-Enduro’, in 32-inch, which is perhaps set to go into production in 2027. David’s appeal to the bike industry: don’t skimp on the hubs. With 32-inch wheels, the Boost standard does not provide sufficient stiffness on a mountain bike. The fatbike hub standards – already widely available – up to 150/190 millimetres would be better, as they offer a wider support base.
Avona Callis – a newcomer from Germany
At the Sea Otter Europe event, visitors were even able to test ride a 32-inch gravel bike from German newcomer Avona. The Rhineland-Palatinate-based company had a handful of test bikes on display at the festival for test rides, including a really small size for riders under 1.70 metres. It comes as little surprise that the bike itself already looks very much ready for series production. The aerodynamically shaped components – such as the fork and head tube – are particularly striking. Alongside high-profile wheels from Newmen, we also spotted Avona bikes at the stand fitted with what appeared to be the brand’s own Faserwerk carbon wheels in 32-inch size. The tyres are from Schwalbe.
Megamo Silk – Home match in Girona
The Sea Otter Europe Festival in Girona is a home game for Megamo. The brand hails from the immediate vicinity and, as such, presents itself with confidence. The centrepiece of the Megamo exhibition was the new 32-inch Silk gravel bike. The bike is fitted with Vittoria tyres bearing a ‘prototype’ label, yet also appears to be aerodynamically shaped. Together with the name of the ‘Silk’ race gravel bike, this suggests that Megamo, too, is clearly targeting racing and performance with its 32-inch bike. With high-profile rims from DT Swiss, it seems another major wheel manufacturer is in the starting blocks with 32-inch wheels.
Berria and Forestal: More of a study than a series
The 32-inch prototypes from Berria and Forestal looked even more unrefined. Berria showcased a bike that appeared to be welded from titanium, featuring a very short head tube and a carbon fork. Unlike Megamo and Avona, which position the seat tube well in front of the bottom bracket, Berria achieves sufficient tyre clearance at the rear via a sharply curved seat tube. The tyres are also from Vittoria.
The small Andorran manufacturer Forestal also had a 32-inch bike on display, though it clearly still has the feel of a concept bike. The 32-inch Reynolds wheels with Schwalbe tyres are likely to be practical. However, the frame with a storage compartment is apparently still just a prototype.
Not pictured: Scott’s RC Gravel 32-inch
Incidentally, Scott’s 32-inch RC Gravel bike was nowhere to be seen, even though the brand had a major presence at Sea Otter Girona. The RC Gravel 32 had already made headlines with Robin Gemperle’s victory at Unbound Gravel – but it was only afterwards that the current Addict Gravel bike was unveiled. This is consistent with Scott’s own statement that the RC Gravel 32 was never intended to go into production. However, it’s hard to imagine that the manufacturer will now shelve the 32-inch concept for good.
Adrian Kaether
Editor