Mountain bikers spent years arguing about 26-inch versus 29-inch wheels. Now that debate is coming to gravel—and the wheels are getting even bigger.
32-inch gravel bikes are no longer a fantasy. Multiple manufacturers showed prototypes in 2025. Production models start shipping in early 2026. And if the rumors are right, a major brand is about to go mainstream with monster wheels.
Here’s why this matters—and why it might not matter for you at all.
Wait, 32-Inch Wheels Exist?
Yes. And they’re roughly 10% larger in diameter than standard 700c wheels.
That doesn’t sound like much until you consider what changes: fork length, headtube geometry, trail, reach, frame clearance—basically everything. A 32-inch wheel isn’t a drop-in upgrade. It requires a completely redesigned bike.
The concept emerged from cross-country mountain biking, where World Cup racers started testing 32-inch setups in 2025. The logic? Bigger wheels roll over obstacles more easily, maintain momentum better, and provide more stability at speed.
Gravel racing—with its rough terrain, long distances, and premium on efficiency—seemed like an obvious next application.
Who’s Actually Building These?
The first wave comes from boutique builders:
- Neuhaus Metalworks — Production-ready, shipping early 2026
- Alutech — Production version targeted for summer 2026
- BTCHN Bikes — Prototype shown at MADE 2025
- Falconer Cycles — Custom builds available
- Baum Cycles — Prototype for riders 6’0″ and taller
These aren’t mass-market bikes yet. But the fact that multiple serious builders are investing in 32-inch gravel frames suggests the big brands are watching closely.
Industry insiders expect the first mainstream 32-inch gravel bike announcement to be “the biggest gravel tech story of 2026.” Whether that comes from Trek, Specialized, Canyon, or someone else remains unclear—but the race is on.
The Case for Going Bigger
Proponents argue 32-inch wheels make the most sense for ultra-distance and adventure gravel riding. Here’s their logic:
Better rollover. Larger wheels don’t drop as deeply into ruts, holes, and rough patches. They maintain speed over terrain that would slow smaller wheels.
More momentum. Once spinning, bigger wheels carry more inertia. On long, steady efforts—the kind that define events like Unbound Gravel—that momentum compounds into real time savings.
Stability at speed. Descending rough gravel roads at 40+ mph feels sketchy on a twitchy bike. Larger wheels provide a more planted, confidence-inspiring ride.
Tire versatility. 32-inch hoops paired with 50mm+ tires create a setup that blurs the line between gravel bike and hardtail mountain bike—exactly what many riders want for increasingly technical courses.
The Case Against
Not everyone is convinced. The skeptics have points too.
Added weight. Bigger wheels mean more rotating mass. Acceleration suffers. Climbing feels sluggish. For punchy, technical courses with constant speed changes, that’s a real disadvantage.
Handling compromises. Some testers describe 32-inch gravel bikes as “cumbersome” compared to nimble 700c setups. Quick direction changes require more effort. Tight switchbacks become awkward.
Height limitations. Baum Cycles notes that 6’0″ is likely the minimum height for a properly proportioned 32-inch gravel bike. Shorter riders face serious fit and geometry compromises—or simply can’t ride them at all.
Zero benefit on pavement. For riders who mix gravel with road sections, 32-inch wheels offer “zero benefit—only extra weight, complexity, and cost.” If your gravel rides include significant tarmac, standard 700c remains the smarter choice.
The 650b Question
Remember when 650b was going to revolutionize gravel?
The smaller wheel size promised plusher rides, more tire volume, and better off-road capability. Some riders loved it. But the industry has largely moved back toward 700c as the default standard.
Why? Fewer tire and wheel options. Slower rolling on mixed terrain. And frames kept getting better at accommodating big tires on standard 700c wheels anyway.
32-inch advocates argue their wheels won’t suffer the same fate because they solve different problems—rollover and momentum rather than just comfort. Skeptics counter that the same niche appeal will limit adoption.
The Tire Evolution
Here’s an interesting wrinkle: gravel tires are getting so good that wheel size might matter less than it used to.
At Unbound Gravel and Big Sugar in 2025, many pro racers mounted 2.2-inch mountain bike tires on their gravel setups. The logic was simple—more grip, more puncture protection, more confidence on technical terrain.
But tire technology keeps advancing. Industry observers expect 45-50mm gravel-specific tires to match or exceed MTB tire performance within a year or two. If that happens, the case for going to 32-inch wheels weakens. Standard 700c with excellent tires might deliver 90% of the benefit with none of the downsides.
Who Should Care?
Be honest about how you actually ride.
Ultra-distance racers and bikepackers: 32-inch wheels probably make sense. The efficiency gains over hundreds of miles add up. The stability helps when you’re fatigued. The rollover advantage matters on truly rough terrain.
Technical terrain junkies: If your gravel rides look more like mountain biking, bigger wheels could transform your experience. The line between gravel and MTB keeps blurring anyway.
Everyone else: Wait. Standard 700c handles the vast majority of gravel riding beautifully. The ecosystem of tires, wheels, and frames is mature and affordable. A 32-inch bike is an expensive solution to a problem most riders don’t have.
What Happens Next
The MTB industry will serve as the testing ground. Cross-country racers will push 32-inch setups to their limits, exposing weaknesses and refining the technology. Gravel brands will learn from those mistakes before committing to production.
That’s probably smart. The transition from 26-inch to 29-inch mountain bike wheels took years and involved plenty of poorly designed early bikes. Rushing 32-inch gravel bikes to market risks repeating those growing pains.
For now, watch the World Cup results. Watch which brands announce production models. And watch whether the boutique builders actually sell their limited runs.
The wheels are getting bigger. Whether that matters to your riding is a different question entirely.
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