32-Inch Bikes: The Future and Past at MADE 2025

We weren’t surprised to see at least one 32-inch bicycle at MADE, especially considering Neuhaus recently teased their take on the wheel size, but we weren’t expecting several other bikes and a lot of chitchat about it in the booths. To say that 32-inch wheels are a “new” size isn’t entirely correct, however. In fact, these larger-than-life wheels have a perplexing decade-long history. Let’s start from the beginning.

From Walmart to Maxxis

With some insight from DirtySixer Founder David Folch, I learned that a lot has happened between the first 32-inch bikes and those on display today. In 2014, Walmart started selling 32-inch cruiser bikes kitted out with 48-spoke wheels, an aluminum frame, and a price tag of just $229. A year later, in the unicycle world, specifically at Unicycle.com, owners Josh and Roger released a 32-inch version of their rims and tires; Innova made the latter. In 2016, David at DirtySixer welded his first 32-inch frame at the UBI titanium frame class, using the unicycle wheels released a year earlier.

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In 2017, Giant pro-racer Carl Decker reached out to Curtis Inglis of Retrotec with a bold idea to make a 32-inch bike of his own. He had access to 32-inch rims, but he had to cut and sew a couple of 27.5-inch tires together to make 32-inch tires. They worked together on the geometry and designed something that Carl believed would be perfect for riding around Bend, Oregon. I asked Curtis what he thinks about 32-inch bikes as a new standard, and he told me he sees it existing as a fringe size, rather than a complete replacement for 29-inch tires. “I don’t see it taking over the world, but I also don’t think it has to. Bicycles should be fun, and trying new things is all part of it,” he said.

Four years ago, David commissioned VeeTire to make a 32-inch version of the 36-inch T-Monster by buying molds and tooling in 32 x 2.4”, which have only just become available to consumers at $200 a piece. At the Taipei Bike Show in 2024, Maxxis displayed prototype versions of the 32 x 2.4” Aspen tires, which were probably the turning point in the eyes of consumers. There were also aluminum 32-inch rims on display at the show, but we haven’t heard much about them since. According to David, Schwalbe is the next big brand to unveil a 32-inch tire, and more are on the way.

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Maxxis Brand Manager Aaron Chamberlain explained that the request for 32-inch tires initially came from some of their XC World Cup race teams. Apparently, the riders were convinced that a larger tire would be an advantage in a race setting. Racing is such a big part of Maxxis’ history, and they rely on their athletes for product development, Aaron explained, “When the best racers in the world are saying, ‘We need this to go faster,’ we listen.” Making prototype 32-inch tires wasn’t cheap, requiring new molds and curing machines to fit the larger molds.

Maxxis started with the Aspen because it’s their most popular XC race tread. The initial testing was highly positive, so they’ve gone ahead with mass production of a 32 x 2.4” Aspen in their XC casing and MaxxSpeed rubber compound. These tires are expected to be available for public purchase by the end of this year. They have plans to launch more 32-inch products in 2026.

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I figured WTB would have some thoughts on this new wheel size, especially considering their prototype 750d wheels/tires made a big splash at the inaugural MADE bike show in 2023, but their response felt far less committal. WTB’s stance is that they are interested in 32-inch wheels and will continue to follow what is happening and whether or not the UCI approves it, but they haven’t opened any specific tooling yet.

Velo Orange, on the other hand, which was showing off some upcoming bags and their new Neutrino color, let us know that they will be producing a 32-inch rim of their own. During our chat with Igor at Velo Orange, Andrew from Maxxis popped by to weigh in. Although Maxxis can’t say precisely when their 32-inch tire will be available to consumers, they are making them, and they are already looking into making other treads than the Aspen, the tire all the builders used at MADE. The only uncertain thing is who needs the tires, how many they need, and when.

32-Inch Bikes of MADE

The makers who brought 32-inch bikes to MADE had one thing in common: curiosity. Before the show, we knew Neuhaus would be showcasing the 32-inch Hummingbird they teased. Once we caught wind of a few other makers experimenting with the new platform, we decided to dedicate an entire feature to the topic.

Unlike DirtySixer, who has created a brand centered around bikes for big and heavy riders, most of the framebuilders we spoke to see massive potential but also understand the limitations of such a large diameter wheel. Let’s take a closer look at their industry-disrupting creations.

BTCHN’ Bikes link

Chico, California

Tyler of BTCHN’ Bikes brought a 32-inch gravel bike called The Lonesome Dove as his primary show bike. I asked Tyler what he thought of 32-inch wheels as a new standard. He said every time the industry introduces something new, most people throw their arms in the air and push against it. As Tyler summarized, “It’s easy to be conservative.” Because there’s not much real-world data out there on how 32-inch wheels actually perform, he thinks it’s a waiting game to see what they do better than 29-inch wheels. He imagines they could work well on a smaller frame as a mullet setup, paired with a 29-inch wheel, but they might not be feasible for the smallest riders out there.

The 32-inch hardtail he brought shares several details that will be included in his production 29-inch drop-bar mountain bike, which is in the works. He used a 3D-printed chainstay yoke and had to scrape and claw to create enough tire clearance. Tyler said it was a good opportunity to test his design and manufacturing abilities, especially because he designed it for himself at 5’9” tall. The rigid fork is a collaboration between BTCHN’ and Peter Verdone, who does contract design work for the bicycle, motorcycle, and skateboard industries. It features a 3D-printed stainless steel crown and dropouts that are bonded to titanium fork legs. Tyler said this provides all the compliance of titanium without the high cost of 3D-printed titanium components. Surprisingly, the bike went together easier than any other frame he’s built.

Despite its massive wheels, the bike has a surprisingly short 423mm rear center with ample clearance for the 2.4″ Aspens. The rear dropouts are an extended version of BTCHN’s standard part, designed to accommodate 180mm flat-mount brakes without any adapters. To keep the fit nearly identical to Tyler’s other bike, the steerer tube binder is mitered directly into the handlebar, giving it an effective stem length of just 16mm. Other parts include polished Paul cranks, a titanium White Industries square taper bottom bracket, Paul Klampers, and some stainless steel Bivo bottles. Tyler is running the same 148mm boost hub spacing front and back, hence the cog on the front wheel, which is laced to carbon unicycle rims.

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When I asked Tyler what it would take for him to take the 32-inch size seriously as an option for his customers, he used boost hub spacing as an example—at first, folks weren’t sure if it was going to stick. Once component manufacturers get on board and there’s a way to support customers with repairs and replacements, he’ll feel good about offering it. Until then, everything built around 32-inch wheels feels more exploratory.

Falconer Cycles link

Quincy, California

The Falconer Cycles 32-inch hardtail on display at the White Industries booth was not planned. Alec White, CEO and designer/engineer at White Industries, had put feelers out to several builders, but every idea fell through, so he talked himself into getting a new bike built for the show. Alec has a long history of purchasing bikes designed to test specific standards or components before offering them to customers, so it was worked out last-minute that Cameron Falconer of Falconer Cycles would build Alec a 32-inch hardtail.

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Unlike the other 32-inch bikes at the show, the Falconer is designed around a suspension fork. Cameron said this is one of the limitations of 32-inch wheels, because the front end of the bike is raised so high to accommodate the larger wheels and fork, if running suspension. Other challenges Cameron shared include weaker wheels, the difficulty of using short chainstays, and the possibility of toe overlap for more cross-country or gravel-oriented bikes. Cameron believes 32-inch wheel bikes will likely be an option at some point, but he can’t imagine them surpassing the popularity of 29ers for general use.

The Falconer has a 66.5° head tube angle, a 74° effective seat tube angle, a 650mm effective top tube, 465mm chainstays, a 95mm bottom bracket, and a 312mm bottom bracket height. It’s built up with an Intend inverted fork, because there is no fork arch to get in the way of the tire. Alec had a special non-boost freewheel hub made for the bike, branded as an Astral hub so as not to take away from White Industries’ freewheels.

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When I questioned Alec about what it would take for White Industries to start offering 32-inch components to their customers, he replied, “We have no say in it.” It’s really up to larger companies to push this along, since, to Alec, he sees 32-inchers as less of a necessity compared to other cycling innovations. The 32-inch platform requires a broad acceptance from other components, like forks, hubs, and tires, so it’s not quite as simple as just offering some new wheels and tires.

Neuhaus Metalworks link

Novato, California

Of all the 32-inch bikes on display at MADE, Neuhaus Metalworks’ was the least surprising to see. A few weeks ago, Neuhaus published a video that walked viewers through the design challenges and the realities of 32-inch bicycles. The bicycle in question is a 32-inch version of their production hardtail, the Hummingbird. Nick Neuhaus and Daniel Yang of Neuhaus both spent some time with us to show off the bike and answer our questions.

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Daniel thinks the 32-inch wheel size will catch on. He explained, “There is enough technical benefit to warrant it. The grip and rollover are really noticeable. If you run it fully rigid, you get a really light, efficient bike that rolls over stuff like a 29+ bike.” Daniel commented on how the mainstream gravity-oriented MTB world has moved to the far right of the spectrum with e-bikes, which opens up space in the middle that is currently occupied by gravel and cross-country. He sees this as the type of riding most people want to do, and 32-inch bikes fit right in. The struggle is that all of this is contingent on the bikes fitting their riders properly, which is where big bicycle brands often fall short.

The Neuhaus Nova 32 Custom is currently available for pre-order. It features 3D-printed yokes, Velospec American steel tubing, and is designed with a rigid fork in mind. It’s offered in 10 frame sizes, from medium to XXL+, and additional braze-ons and bosses can be added upon request. Each frame is handmade at their California workshop and costs $2,900 USD. Delivery is scheduled for November of this year.

Are 32-inch Bikes the Future? (Video)

Extending our coverage, Neil was on the scene to capture all the 32-inch bikes and their builders on video. Find a deeper dive into the topic and meet the folks supporting the 32-wave at BTCHN’ Bikes, Falconer Cycles, Neuhaus Metalworks, Velo Orange, Maxxis, Astral, and more in the detailed 25-minute below.

Let us know what you think about this re-emerging standard in the discussion below, and stay tuned for more MADE bike show coverage!

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