10 July 2026
32-inch tires begin to catch up as big-wheel bikes gain race credibility

32-inch tires are moving from curiosity to real product category as larger wheels gain attention in gravel and mountain biking. Robin Gemperle’s Unbound XL win on a prototype Scott helped push the format into a brighter spotlight.

32-inch tires - Lead image supplied by the source page
Lead image supplied by the source page — velo.outsideonline.com

The appeal is rooted in simple riding dynamics. A larger wheel meets rocks, roots, and holes at a shallower angle. That can help the bike carry momentum across rough ground.

Once a big wheel reaches speed, it also resists slowing with each impact. Greater rotational inertia can make chunky terrain feel smoother and less abrupt.

Those gains come with important limits. Bigger wheels usually mean a bigger bike, extra weight, and slower acceleration. They also cannot simply fit into most existing frames.

That creates a clear fit challenge for shorter riders. Brands have to manage clearance, handling, and geometry at the same time. The new Salsa Fargo shows one effort to bring 32-inch wheels to a wider audience.

32-inch tires available now

32-inch tires - Image from source article

The bike frames have started to appear, but the tire market still looks young. Several major brands continue to keep future plans quiet. At Sea Otter Classic, many tire questions drew only a polite refusal to comment.

Teravail has moved quickly with the Camrock. The tire appeared on several 32-inch bikes at Sea Otter. It comes in light trail and durable casings, giving riders a choice between lower weight and extra puncture protection.

The Camrock also stands out for its tan sidewall option. Few 32-inch tires currently offer that look.

Another current XC-oriented option uses a low-profile tread to limit rolling resistance. Side knobs add cornering grip, and the tire is tubeless-ready. It is optimized around a 30mm internal rim width.

Vee was active before the latest wave of interest. Its T-Monster was among the first commercially available 32-inch tires. At 1,605 grams, it prioritizes durability rather than low race weight.

There is also a 32-inch unicycle tire in the mix. It is not the obvious choice for most bike builds. Still, it shows that some niche suppliers supported the rim size long before current gravel and MTB interest.

Prototypes point to a broader 32-inch tire market

Maxxis lists the Aspen ST in 32 inches, but retail availability remains unclear. The dry-conditions race tire rolls faster than the larger 2.4-inch Aspen, according to the supplied details.

Vittoria showed concept versions of the Mezcal and Peyote at Sea Otter. Launch timing remains to be determined. The brand also displayed a sustainable MTB tire made from recycled commercial fishing nets.

There is also speculation around a 32-inch Vittoria Terreno T50 gravel tire. That claim remains unconfirmed.

Schwalbe already has race proof in the format. The company confirmed Gemperle used a prototype 32-inch G-One RX Pro for his Unbound XL victory. However, Schwalbe also confirmed none of its 32-inch tires will be available this year.

That points attention toward 2027 for any public Schwalbe launch. Other unnamed 32-inch prototypes were also seen mounted on bikes at Sea Otter, though details remain scarce.

More Maxxis, Kenda, and Teravail options are waiting

32-inch tires - Image from source article

Maxxis has more 32-inch options appearing in its size information. A beefier Aspen variant is listed for riders wanting more traction in rough terrain. It does not yet appear ready to buy.

The Forekaster also appears in a 32-inch size chart. That tire targets loose and wet trails, including mud, roots, and unpredictable conditions. It is not yet available for purchase.

The 32-inch Dissector follows the same pattern. It appears in the lineup but has not reached stores. Its trail focus suggests the wheel size could move beyond pure race bikes.

Kenda also has a 32-inch Dagger XC planned. The tire blends gravel and XC ideas, much like drop-bar mountain bike builds. Availability could come as soon as fall 2026.

Teravail has a head start on dedicated gravel use with the Cannonball. It was unveiled at Sea Otter alongside the new 32-inch Salsa Fargo. For riders waiting on gravel-specific 32-inch tires, it is a key upcoming model.

Several major manufacturers have not publicly revealed 32-inch plans. Michelin, Continental, Pirelli, Specialized, Bontrager, and WTB had not shared intentions at publication time. Each was contacted, but the answer remained no comment.

The category still feels early, but momentum is building. If bigger wheels keep winning races and gaining rider interest, more tire brands will likely follow.

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