32-inch wheels promise better rollover behaviour and more traction than 29-inch wheels. The scene is unanimous: 32 inch is coming and the trend is unstoppable in some areas of the market. However, the new wheel size brings with it a number of challenges for designers. Geometries and, of course, components cannot simply be transferred between 29 and 32 inches. The first manufacturers are sending finished hardtails and fullys out onto the trails to find out the various parameters. Some are even pushing the first production bikes into the shop window. Here are six early starters on 32-inch bikes.
The giant bikes are coming! 32 inches is unstoppable and will revolutionise parts of mountain bike technology. Small manufacturers are forging ahead and presenting exciting concepts. With the first production-ready fullys, these innovative brands are proving that the new wheel standard can be translated into sensible geometries. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
E-Pelmo Super-Mullet from Alutech
While most of the new 32-inch bikes are in the cross and downhill segment, Alutech presents a 170-millimetre e-enduro bike with a 32-inch front wheel. The rear triangle accommodates either a 29er or a 27.5er wheel. This super-mullet concept is designed to prevent the rear wheel from coming into contact with the rider's rear end on steep descents. At the same time, the front and bottom bracket height remain slightly lower than on the Full-32. The prototype is powered by an exotic Gobao motor. Planned series launch: spring 2026. Also exciting: a Maxxis Dissector tyre in 32 inches spins on the front wheel. Until now, only the Aspen with the new size was known.
XCO 32" from Dead Rabbit
Customised frame and prototype construction are the Swiss label's speciality. The 32-inch test sample is based on an aluminium frame with 100 millimetres of suspension travel. After testing, it is planned to sell it in small series. The frame kit is expected to cost around 2600 euros. A super-compact steering stop limiter has been specially developed to protect it from damage caused by the extra-flat cockpit. The paintwork of the futuristic technology carrier deliberately provokes a retro look.
P32 from Stoll
Stoll calls the P32 "the biggest performance step on two wheels". It is probably the first 32-inch production bike with a carbon frame and is said to weigh just 10.9 kilos in its lightest trim. The fork and shock offer 100 to 120 millimetres of suspension travel. The frame, which weighs around 1.75 kilos, is manufactured in Germany. Complete bikes cost between 9,000 and 13,000 Swiss francs. The first bikes are due to be delivered from April 2026.
I-Train 32 from Actofive
With between 120 and 140 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear, the Actofive I-Train 32 is the first production-ready 32-inch trail bike on the market. The frame structure and geometry are completely new developments, for which the Dresden-based boutique label had to purchase new CNC hardware and software. It takes 24 machine hours and eight labour hours to produce a frame. It is therefore not surprising that it costs 6900 euros. At its thinnest point, the wall thickness of the 7075 t6 aluminium is just one millimetre. This means that the 32-inch chassis weighs just 250 grams more than the 29er.
I am convinced that 32 inches will offer real added value from XC to downcountry to gravel. For Enduro and Downhill, there will be some contraindications. I think Mullet 32-29 is a compromise here. - Simon Metzner, Actofive
El Grandito from Leovelo
With a unique hardtail made from filigree Columbus steel tubes, frame construction artist Leo proves that 32 inches does not necessarily mean huge dimensions. Thanks to the curved seat tube, the chainstays remain comparatively short at 445 millimetres and the stack value is also close to known standards thanks to an extremely compact head tube. Bike Ahead supplies the first close-to-production wheels in oversize and with a rigid fork there are no compatibility problems. Leovelo has specialised in individual frame building courses. 32-inch bikes are now part of the portfolio. In the five-day course, enthusiasts can weld a perfectly fitting customised frame with the new wheel size themselves.
The Frame Project 32 inch from Bike Ahead
In order to test all the parameters of the new wheel size in the laboratory and in practice and to analyse the advantages and disadvantages, Bike Ahead put a prototype of the race hardtail The Frame on 32-inch wheels. As the availability of parts for this wheel standard is still limited, the German manufacturer produced its own carbon wheelset without further ado. The increased stack is compensated for by a specially milled stem with an extreme angle of -40 degrees. Despite the numerous technical modifications and the larger wheels, the total weight of the bike was limited to an impressive 9.6 kilograms in size L.
Rutina from Zoceli
The new steel Fully still rolls on 29 inches, but Zoceli mastermind Martin Saida has already announced a 32-inch version and revealed the first geometry details, such as a 465 millimetre chainstay length. So the 32" has already been developed, it just needs to be welded. Until then, the conventional Rutina is also pleasing to the eye. As a downcountry bike, it has a choice of 115 or 100 millimetres of rear suspension travel and accepts forks with up to 130 millimetres of travel. Although it doesn't look like it at first glance, the rear suspension system is a single-pivot with flex pivot. The lower rocker arm is permanently connected to the chainstays by a form-fit, CNC-machined structure. The frame, which is handmade in the Czech Republic, is said to weigh 3.1 kilos and cost 2500 euros.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
