32-inch wheels enter the mainstream — but can brands avoid the missteps of 29ers?
32-inch mountain bikes are finally entering the conversation, but they aren’t yet a mass-market proposition. Zinn Cycles’ B.I.G. 32er is among the first production full-suspension MTB frames designed around a 32-inch wheel diameter. The idea is exciting: bigger wheels promise improved rollover, better traction, and a new ride feel. Yet at the same time, the bike’s design decisions underscore that this niche remains highly specialized. The B.I.G. 32er is targeted at riders 193 cm tall and above, rather than a universal platform for every rider seeking the largest wheel. That choice highlights a broader tension in the industry: how to scale a bold idea without repeating the missteps of early 29ers.
Why 32 inches matters — and for whom
Riders chasing the 32er concept cite smoother roll-over on obstacles, more stable high-speed travel, and potential improvements in traction on rough terrain. But the practical realities are different. A frame built to accommodate 32-inch wheels must reconcile altered geometry, wheelbase, and fork travel with rider size, seat height, and pedaling efficiency. Zinn’s approach with the B.I.G. 32er begins with a tall-rider niche: a group that often struggles to find bikes with sufficient standover and reach, and who may benefit most from the extra leverage of larger wheels.
What changes when you scale up the wheel diameter?
From the 29er era to today, major brands learned that simply extending wheel size without rethinking geometry can lead to awkward handling. The B.I.G. 32er mirrors a deliberate progression: chainstays lengthened from 460 mm (29er) to 473 mm (32er) to clear the rear hoop, and stack height increased by 12 mm for the largest sizes, reaching 682 mm. In addition, reach spans from 475 mm (2XL/3XL) to 500 mm (4XL/5XL). These figures reflect a philosophy: longer frames with taller stacks can preserve stability at speed, but they risk aggressive top-tube reach and potentially uncomfortable riding positions for riders outside the tallest end of the spectrum.
Are we seeing the same growing pains as the 29ers?
There are unmistakable parallels with the early 29er wave. Back then, many 29ers launched with aggressive, even perilous, geometry that required riders to acclimate to new handling quirks. The industry gradually corrected those missteps, and today’s high-end XC and trail bikes comfortably demonstrate how to balance wheel size with rider ergonomics. The question for 32ers is whether brands can apply those lessons quickly and comprehensively. Pro runs in 2025 hint at a future where 32-inch wheels could be more widely accepted, not just as a novelty for giants, but as a viable option for a broader spectrum of riders.
What other brands are doing
Industry momentum is building. BMC athletes have been spotted riding a proto-32er in XC World Cup rounds in 2025, signaling at least a testing phase among elite racers. KTM is reportedly exploring a hardtail 32er designed for World Cup racing and promoting the message that 32-inch wheels could be “for every rider, no matter their size.” Zinn, for its part, notes that 32ers can be offered in smaller sizes by request, if not as standard stock across all sizes. This kind of adaptability matters if 32ers are to escape being seen as “giant rider only.”
Engineering choices that matter for ride quality
The B.I.G. 32er uses an inverted fork from Wren Sports, designed to fit a 32-inch front wheel and offer up to 120 mm of travel. Wren claims the upside-down architecture improves bump absorption and stability, potentially offsetting the ride-shortening effects of moving to larger wheels. The frame uses a 12×157 mm Super Boost rear axle to boost stiffness, a common thread with other high-end frames. Custom components — such as specially lengthened spokes and Nextie Unicorn carbon rims for the 32-inch hoops — show how much bespoke engineering is involved in making 32ers viable. Cranks are also lengthened, with options from 180 mm to 210 mm to align with tall riders’ inseams and pedal efficiency, emphasizing that rider fit remains crucial just as much as wheel size.
Pricing and what to expect on the showroom floor
Zinn offers four B.I.G. 32er models, with prices starting at $7,250 and climbing to $8,350 for the top-tier XT Di2-equipped variant. This pricing reflects the bespoke nature of 32-inch bikes: dedicated geometry, unique wheels, and high-end components come at a premium. For buyers, the key decision isn’t merely about the wheels but about whether the frame, fork, and cockpit dimensions align with their stature and riding goals. The lesson from 29ers is clear: if a 32er is to move from curiosity to commonplace, it must deliver tangible ride improvements without forcing riders to compromise on comfort or handling.
Looking ahead
Will the 32er trend replicate the 29er arc — from curiosity to commonplace to something approaching mainstream? If brands keep listening to tall riders’ needs, keep refining geometry, and ensure interoperability with widely available components (tires, forks, rims, spokes), the answer could be yes. For now, Zinn’s B.I.G. 32er stands as a measured, purpose-built option for a niche segment. It’s a sign that the next phase of mountain biking may include genuinely large platforms that work for a broader range of riders, provided the industry learns from past missteps and prioritizes rider fit above all else.
