Are you interested in mountain bikes with 32" wheels?

Are you interested in mountain bikes with 32″ wheels?

Whether or not 32ers become the next big thing is up to us riders, not the bike industry.

By Jeff Barber
July 13, 2025

13 comments

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There’s been a lot of buzz around 32-inch-diameter mountain bike wheels and tires this year. A handful of brands are offering bikes that run the oversized standard, though no major brands have officially committed to the size… yet. With a Maxxis Aspen 32×2.4″ tire now available, buyers have a great tire choice at the very least.

Still, we couldn’t help but wonder how many riders want a bike with 32-inch wheels right now.

Share your 32″ thoughts in the comments below 👇

Two mountain bikers stand side by side on a gravel path surrounded by greenery. The first rider, on the left, wears a black t-shirt and a white helmet, holding a light-colored bike. The second rider, on the right, is wearing a patterned long-sleeve shirt and a blue helmet, standing next to a dark bike with bright red accents. Lush trees and hills are visible in the background, creating a scenic outdoor setting.

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Lennard Zinn wearing a colorful jersey and helmet rides an orange mountain bike on a narrow, winding trail surrounded by tall grass and sparse shrubs, with trees and rocky terrain in the background.

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A bike workshop with two technicians working on bicycle assembly and maintenance. One technician is assembling a bike frame using tools and equipment, while the other is standing near a large cardboard box labeled "FOX" and working with parts. The environment features workbenches, tools hanging on the walls, and a cart with bicycle wheels.

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How soon until you buy your next mountain bike?

13 Comments

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landrew04 Utah // 2018
Jul 13, 2025

Àt 5' 3" I don't want or need wheels more than han half my size. Is the rotational weight worth the rollover advantage? I doubt it will be for munchkins like me. I ride 29 most often, but I still think my 27.5 is a little more fun. Monster truck couch vs small sports car. How much longer will a bike have to be with bigger wheels to keep the rider centered and pocketed? We will need special armor to protect from butt buzz. Plus, who wants another standard? Spacing will want to get wider for wider hubs, etc, etc. When I buy a $7K Bike I want to be able to get parts for a long time. Twenty year old cars, you can get parts and suspension, 10 or 15 year old bikes, good luck on some things. 32 in tires? No thanks.

4 reply

Grandeooof California // 2024
Jul 15, 2025

I for one appreciate at least some people in the bike industry showing big people some attention. And personally even at 6’ I would love to ride a 32” MTB, my first 29” was a 2008 Redline Monocog single speed rigid and I rode that thing every where, most of the time among all full squish bikes and it was great. I don’t think smaller individuals understand that most bikes and components aren’t made to put up with really anyone over 6’ or 200 lbs. every one saying” heck no” while being 5’6” are exactly right because everything about bikes is already made for them. But even so it’s funny to hear the same things said when 29” wheels came out.

2 reply

Exodux California // 2017
Jul 13, 2025

I think 29ers are the maximum that I'll ever use. I'm 6' tall and while I could possibly fit a 32er, I just don't see the reason.
It took me a while to go to 29ers from 27.5, which I still think is probably the best and fastest size.

Hoef89 Pennsylvania // 2024
Jul 14, 2025

I think we'll see 32 trickle in as a sizing spec more than anything unless some significant advantage can be shown, you might see models that range from 27.5 on their xs sizes to 32 on their xl or xxl sizes, possibly with mullet options as well, if we get something like that to drive access for larger and smaller riders I could get behind it, but another change for the sake of change and we're back to the 2010's all over again.

The problem, as it is with everything bike related, is volume, no one is developing a mass market fork and frame line for something that will only be a niche product, so unless the big boys turn on the marketing machine, or there is in fact a major mechanical advantage, I just don't see it moving in enough volume for a major suspension brand to support it long term.

moctav Texas // 2014
Jul 13, 2025

I would ride a 32in wheeled bike if there was one at a demo, but I doubt I'd ever buy such a bike.

If 32in wheeled bikes did become a thing that every mtb maker added to their lineup, I'd probably give them a decade to figure out what the geometry/design should be before I give it any serious thought.

Maybe 32in wheeled bikes will only ever be niche market like fat tire bikes.

Littlebag Virginia // 2025
Jul 14, 2025

I'd consider a 32 for a gravel bike, give them clearance to run 32 skinny or 29 MTB tires for different courses.

Greg Heil Colorado // 2008
Jul 13, 2025

I’ll ride anything once, but at 5’ 7” I can’t imagine that a 32” wheel will actually be beneficial for my mountain biking 😆

toshka California // 2025
Jul 14, 2025

I love my 32er gravel bike! I'm 6'11 so it's the right match for me. Can't wait to have 32er MTB build soon.

1 reply

Robert Dobbs New York // 2016
Jul 15, 2025

I mentioned 32in wheels to some guys I ride with - they had not heard of them and thought I was joking. We all started wondering if Penny Farthings were going to be the next big thing in mountain biking.😁 That said, 32in wheels may make MTB accessible to the Nikola Jokić's and LeBron James of the world, which is a good thing.

Beckler New Brunswick // 2020
Jul 15, 2025

I won't ride anything under 36" myself.

JeffCarter01 North Island // 2025
Jul 13, 2025

Maybe a 32/29 mullet would work, and improve roll over

26ers4life California // 2025
Jul 14, 2025

Not interested in the least bit! I’m actually opposed to riding anything over 27.5.

scnelson1 Washington // 2025
2 weeks ago

I'm 6'5" and I am interested in a 32" full suspension mtb. I realize for regular sized people that 32" wheels are not enticing, but for us taller peeps it could be nice. I suspect they provide smoother rollover of bumps and roots. I doubt the advantage is very significant. But I suppose of racers at the pro level can gain a few seconds per lap by using larger wheels, then they could catch on. Or maybe the few seconds gained via smoother running is offset by slower spin-up due to higher rotating mass. I am still interested, due simply to the aesthetics of the larger wheels being more proportional to a taller rider. But I agree that unless there is a big enough mechanical advantage, then 32" wheels will not become the norm. The market size of tall riders is not big enough to justify the manufacturing costs for bike and parts makers.

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