One glance at the AVN 3.2 makes it clear: this hardtail is different from the rest – and it always will be. The unique frame, made from carbon tubes and aluminium sleeves, is a bespoke build designed to explore the potential and challenges of 32-inch mountain bikes. For a prototype that’s unlikely ever to make it onto the market, the French have done an extremely impressive job. Let’s take a look at the unique AVN 3.2.
Conclusion
Visually and technically, I think the AVN 3.2 is simply brilliant. The combination of CNC-machined aluminium connectors and carbon tubes immediately piques my interest. I also share the French view that 32-inch mountain bikes are best tested in practice and mustn’t be too sluggish. Who knows, perhaps a hardtail like the AVN 3.2 will find its way onto the open market one day after all. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
The AVN 3.2 in detail
- Intended use: Cross-country / Marathon
- Suspension travel: 90 mm
- Wheel size: 32”
- Frame material: carbon / aluminium
- Frame weight: 1.48 kg
- Weight of complete bike: 9.9 kg
- Price: prototype not for sale
The proof is in the pudding
Behind AVN Bikes lies a small prototype and frame-building workshop. Together with the French magazine Vojo, the developers embarked on a project to create a 32-inch mountain bike. The aim: not just to discuss the concept in theoretical terms, but to actually test, trial and bring the new wheel size to life. A prototype frame made of steel or aluminium seemed the obvious choice, as it would be cost-effective and straightforward to manufacture. However, such a frame would also have been heavy, and the inventors didn’t want to be comparing apples with pears when testing it against other 29er hardtails. Creating a design for a monocoque carbon frame, on the other hand, would easily have cost tens of thousands of euros.
AVN specialises in hybrid frames made from carbon fibre and light alloy. To outline the feasibility of the project, the 3.2 was initially designed using 3D computer software. This was followed by an initial, true-to-original plastic prototype produced by a 3D printer. This allowed initial stiffness data to be measured and minor design elements to be adjusted. The so-called ‘lugs’ are then produced on a CNC milling machine. The 3.2’s connecting elements are made from 7075 aluminium. Carbon tubes, cut to exact length, are bonded into these. Double bonding points are intended to ensure the necessary stability. Vojo states the frame weight as 1.475 kilograms.
Special bodywork
There were never any plans to sell the AVN 3.2. It is purely an experiment. As there are currently no off-the-shelf components available for 32-inch bikes, a Cannondale Lefty upside-down suspension fork was used in the build. To prevent the large front wheel from bottoming out, its travel had to be reduced to 90 millimetres. In order to better compare the 32-inch hardtail with its 29-inch counterparts, the aim was to achieve a geometry that did not deviate too far from standard conventions. The prototype’s head angle is 67 degrees, whilst the reach measures 475 millimetres.
One of the biggest challenges was the chainstay length. The large wheels naturally require more space in the rear triangle. To still achieve a short rear end with chainstays measuring just 430 millimetres, AVN designed a special, tapered yoke and opted for a Superboos hub standard. To prevent the front end from being too high, they chose a particularly short head tube. The wheels feature Tune hubs paired with textile spokes from Berd and Evoride’s own carbon rims. Despite their long lever arm, the fabric spokes are less prone to breakage. Maxxis Aspen tyres in the size 32 by 2.4 inches were fitted.
First impressions
Based on initial test rides, Vojo reports on the strong roll-over behaviour typical of 32-inch mountain bikes. The resulting stability whilst riding allows for more aggressive line choice and greater confidence on rough terrain. In fact, the AVN 3.2’s easy handling is said to have surprised the test riders. Short chainstays and a light overall and wheel weight contribute to its agility. Vojo concludes that whilst the new wheel size isn’t for everyone, there’s more to 32-inch wheels than just a marketing ploy to sell bikes.
What do you think: would you buy a 32-inch hardtail like the AVN 3.2? Or are you more into conventional bikes? Let us know in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor