Overview: The 32in wheel movement and the Zinn B.I.G. 32er
32in wheels are beginning to move from curiosity to a marketplace reality. Zinn Cycles has pushed the dial with the B.I.G. 32er, a full-suspension mountain bike built around a 32-inch rear wheel and a front 32-inch wheel option. Unlike most giants marketing a broad size run, the B.I.G. 32er is explicitly engineered for riders 193 cm tall and above, turning a niche into a deliberate product strategy. The broader industry is watching closely to see if 32in wheels can deliver the same all-terrain versatility that 29ers eventually proved, or if they remain a specialty segment.
Design and geometry: squeezing big wheels into practical frames
The B.I.G. 32er starts from a familiar platform—the 29in-wheel Zinn model—but modifies tubes to clear a much larger rear hoop. Key changes include a longer chainstay (473 mm vs. 460 mm on the 29er) and a taller stack height, with the largest sizes reaching 682 mm. Reach values run from 475 mm in smaller sizes to 500 mm in the largest, while the effective top tube stretches to 680–704 mm. These figures reflect a deliberate stance adjustment: tall riders require more length and height, but the challenge is keeping the bike lively and confident on rough terrain.
In pursuit of proportionality, Zinn equips the 32er with a Wren inverted fork that accepts a 32in front wheel and offers up to 120 mm of travel. The design aims to balance bump absorption with pedal efficiency, a critical trade-off when the wheels themselves are doing more of the rolling. The rear uses a 12×157 mm Super Boost axle, a stiffness-positive choice that helps handle the inertia of oversized wheels at speed.
What riders should expect: ride feel and potential
Early 29ers taught the industry that big wheels can alter geometry dramatically, sometimes to the detriment of short-agnostic riders. The B.I.G. 32er keeps XC intent in sight but raises questions about ride feel on aggressive trails. With longer chainstays and higher stack, the bike aims for stability while preserving pedaling efficiency through custom-length cranks—ranging from 180 mm to 210 mm—to suit taller riders. Availability of large-sized riders’ stems, bars, and cockpit components will be crucial to delivering a balanced, confident ride.
Specialized tires, rims, and spokes are now more accessible at 32 inches, including Maxxis Aspen tires and Nextie 32in carbon rims. Zinn has paired these parts with bespoke spokes and larger crank lengths to ensure the wheelset remains robust under load. The result is a bike that promises a stable, confident feel at speed, with the potential to roll over obstacles that would slow a traditional 29er.
Lessons from 29ers: what brands should consider
The 29er revolution taught the industry about geometry risks and rider fit. Early big-wheel bikes often rode long, tall, and twitchy, with inconsistent handling. The lesson is clear: ensure reach, stack, and top-tube lengths align with rider height distribution and the intended discipline. For 32ers to mainstream, brands must offer sizes that cover a broad height spectrum (not just XXL frames), comfortable cockpit options, and reliable components with real-world serviceability. Zinn’s approach—custom crank lengths, oversized wheel compatibility, and vendor-supported wheelsets—provides a potential blueprint for future big-wheel models.
Pricing and market position
The B.I.G. 32er is positioned at the premium end of the spectrum, with four models priced from $7,250 to $8,350. Configurations range from Shimano SLX to XT Di2 wireless gearing and SRAM GX Eagle AXS. The price reflects not only advanced wheel geometry but also bespoke components designed to support 32in wheels in a practical, rideable package for tall riders.
Future outlook: where 32in wheels could go next
Watching BMC prototypes and KTM teasing 32in options suggests a broader industry exploration beyond niche tall riders. If 32ers prove their worth in XC and trail disciplines, expect more mainstream sizes and a wider size range. The critical test will be whether 32in bikes can deliver consistent handling, warranty-friendly maintenance, and accessible consumables at scale, without sacrificing the ride feel that drew riders to 29ers in the first place.
Conclusion: a test for the industry
As brands learn from the 29er era, the 32in movement will hinge on thoughtful geometry, accessible sizing, and robust components. Zinn’s B.I.G. 32er offers a case study in how to build around a new wheel diameter while keeping rider fit and ride quality at the forefront. If the industry adapts with more scalable options and rider-focused geometry, 32in wheels could define the next chapter in mountain biking’s ongoing evolution.
