Giant wheels from Bike Ahead: 32" carbon wheelset goes into series production

After Maxxis presented a 32-inch version of its Aspen race tyre for the first time at Eurobike 2025, the mountain bike scene has been discussing a possible new wheel standard intensively.

The Würzburg-based manufacturer Bike Ahead has been working on this topic since the summer of 2025 and is now presenting the Biturbo X 32 Safewing, a wheel specially developed for the larger diameter. The aim is to make the most of the specific advantages of the 32-inch size. We have all the information on the new Bike Ahead Biturbo X 32 Safewing.

>> Our reporter was allowed to help with the production of the new 32" wheels from Bike Ahead. Click here for the story.

Bike Ahead Biturbo X 32 Safewing in detail

• Range of use: XC / Trail
• Wheel size: 32"
• Material: Carbon
• Wheelset weight: 1495 g
• Inner rim width: 30 mm
• Price: 3599 Euro
• Special features: Six-spoke design, monocoque construction, made in Germany

>> We took a closer look at the 32-inch hardtail from Bike Ahead here.

Monocoque construction & Safewing rim

Bike Ahead uses a six-spoke monocoque design for the Biturbo X 32 Safewing. The wheel is made from a single component, which means that there is no preload in the unloaded state.

According to the manufacturer, this allows the rim area to be designed around 30 per cent lighter than with classic spoked wheels, whose rims may have to be reinforced due to the spoke tension.

The rim of the new 32-inch wheelset is based on the Safewing concept patented by Bike Ahead. Its flat profile with rounded shoulders is designed to stabilise the tyre and better protect the carcass in the event of punctures.

At the same time, the design should allow lower air pressures, which can increase both grip and driving safety. The rim width is 30 millimetres. A specially tuned carbon layup promises high lateral stiffness and should also absorb shocks better.

>> Here we show 6 new bikes with 32 inch wheels.

Weight and price

According to Bike Ahead, the complete wheelset weighs 1495 grams. The front wheel accounts for 697 grams and the rear wheel for 798 grams. The specially developed hubs incorporate technology from DT Swiss. They are available with Shimano or Sram freewheel and are also available in a version for Lefty forks.

The axle standards used are 15×110 millimetres at the front or Lefty Ocho and 12×148 millimetres at the rear. The maximum system weight is 110 kilograms including luggage in accordance with the ASTM3 standard.

Bike Ahead deliberately avoids a classic paint finish. Instead, the surface remains visible in the typical true carbon look. According to the Franconians, not using paint saves additional weight and at the same time emphasises the high-quality manufacturing.

The wheelset is designed for cross-country and trail use and is produced entirely in Germany. The price for the wheelset is 3599 euros and includes tubeless valves.

>> There is also a first production suspension fork for 32": All details about the Intend Samurai 32 in this article.

Test study with Ride Better Bikes

Together with Ride Better Bikes, Bike Ahead carried out a test study to investigate the influence of the larger wheel size. An experimental prototype enabled a direct comparison between 29-inch and 32-inch wheels on the same bike. The Maxxis Aspen tyre was used in both cases.

Acceleration was measured on a test bench, while differences in comfort on a bumpy track were determined using acceleration sensors. In addition, a race track was divided into several segments in order to analyse real driving situations.

According to Bike Ahead, the results show an interesting picture: the slightly poorer acceleration of the 32-inch wheels is almost compensated for by the additional grip when riding uphill. On downhill trails, the large wheels are said to offer many advantages. In the tests, a hardtail with 32-inch wheels was faster than with a 29-inch setup and fought a close duel with a 29-inch race fully, which served as the reference bike.

>> This article shows the test results from BIKE on the subject of 32".

Cooperation with Stoll Bikes

The Swiss brand Stoll Bikes also played a role in the development of the new Bike Ahead Biturbo X 32 Safewing. Company founder Thomas Stoll, himself an elite racer for many years, began experimenting with 32-inch wheels back in the summer of 2025.

The recently presented Stoll P32 carbon fully is based on a frame that is also manufactured by Bike Ahead in Würzburg. The Biturbo X 32 Safewing was specially designed for this bike. The two companies have been working closely together for several years.

As a small manufacturer, Bike Ahead can realise developments particularly quickly. Design, 3D printing, prototype construction and series production all take place at the site near Würzburg. This structure made it possible to bring the project to market comparatively quickly.

On 9 May, Bike Ahead and Stoll Bikes invite you to a test day in Veitshöchheim. There, interested parties can try out both the Stoll P32 and the Biturbo 32 Safewing for themselves. Further information is available on the Stoll Bikes website.

>> We have compiled facts and opinions on the new wheel size here.

Conclusion

I was able to see the production process of the new Biturbo X 32 Safewing for myself at the Bike Ahead site near Würzburg. I was impressed by the quantity and quality of the craftsmanship from Bavaria. I will soon be able to report on how the new 32-inch wheels ride in practice, as a set of Bike Ahead Biturbo X 32 Safewing is already on its way to the BIKE editorial office. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor