Industry Insights from MADE 2025 and behind-the-scenes rim development.
At this year’s MADE Bike Show, several eye-catching builds from Neuhaus, BTCHN’ Bikes, and White Industries were rolling on a wheel size that had people stopping in their tracks: 32-inch. So, is this just a novelty—or the beginning of a new performance trend in XC and gravel?
Let’s take a look at what industry insiders are saying—and what we’re doing behind the scenes to support this bold new direction.
32er: Industry Insiders’ Say
In his in-depth coverage of MADE, Neil from Bikepacking.com spoke with several key players leading the 32er charge. Here are some highlights:
Maxxis is placing a confident bet on the new size. At the request of World Cup XC teams, they developed the 32 × 2.4” Aspen, a race-proven tire praised for its low rolling resistance, comfort, and speed. The tire is expected to hit the consumer market in 2026.
Brands embracing 32-inch wheels point to clear performance benefits—especially when designed with the right frame geometry:
- Better fit and handling for taller riders, offering more proportional sizing.
- Smoother rollover and enhanced comfort on rugged terrain thanks to the larger diameter.
However, there are trade-offs:
Toe overlap and twitchier handling on bikes with shorter chainstays remain common issues with upsized wheels.
Still, as with any innovation, adoption takes time. The 32er might not replace the 29er anytime soon, but it’s gaining traction as a niche option for specific riders and applications. And that’s what makes cycling exciting—room to experiment and push boundaries!
Check out the full article from Bikepacking.com:
32-Inch Bikes: The Future and Past at MADE 2025
Our 32er Rim Development
With Maxxis paving the way in tires, interest in matching carbon rims is growing fast. One of our forward-thinking clients has already commissioned a private 32er rim mold, now under development at our factory.
Thanks to our upgraded hot-press curing machine—built with a larger plate size—we can now manufacture carbon rims up to 36 inches. The transition from 29er to 32er was seamless for our team, using the same high-performance layup methods trusted by pro riders.
Performance Highlights:✅ Passed 120J impact resistance test
✅ Strong and lightweight for aggressive trail use
✅ Custom layup options available for OEM clients
Let’s Talk 32er Projects
Thinking about launching a 32er bike or wheelset? We’d love to help you bring it to life. Contact us via email or live chat. Our OEM & ODM specialist will get back to you within one business day with an integrated carbon rim/wheel solution specially designed for your brand. Push the Limits. Go Bigger. Build Smarter.
