At the 2026 Sea Otter Classic, the cycling industry showcased a significant shift towards 32-inch mountain bikes, highlighting their growing popularity and potential advantages. Here are some notable 32-inch mountain bikes and developments from the event:
Salsa’s 32-inch Fargo Adventure Bike
Salsa introduced a new 32-inch version of their iconic Fargo adventure bike, designed to offer better rollover, superior traction, and the ability to run lower tire pressures. Available in both steel and titanium frames, it will be compatible with both flat and drop bars. (singletracks.com)
Neko Mulally’s 32-inch Mullet Bike
Professional downhill racer Neko Mulally competed on a custom 32-inch front and 29-inch rear wheel setup, known as a ‘mullet’ configuration. This setup contributed to his victory in the elite men’s downhill race, marking a significant achievement for 32-inch wheels in downhill racing. (pinkbike.com)
Revel’s 32-inch Ti Hardtail
Revel showcased a 32-inch titanium hardtail, featuring a sliding dropout system for adjustable chainstay lengths. This design allows riders to experiment with different wheel sizes and configurations, including a mixed-wheel setup. (bikerumor.com)
SR Suntour’s 32-inch Raidon 34 Fork
SR Suntour introduced the 32-inch Raidon 34 suspension fork, offering an affordable option for riders interested in building 32-inch mountain bikes. This fork is already in production and is expected to be available to consumers soon. (bikerumor.com)
Canyon’s Teaser of the Lux World Cup XC Race Bike
Canyon teased an unreleased World Cup XC race bike featuring a substantially slacker head tube angle and reduced weight. While details are limited, this bike is expected to be a significant advancement in cross-country racing technology. (singletracks.com)
The prevalence of 32-inch mountain bikes at the 2026 Sea Otter Classic indicates a growing trend towards larger wheel sizes in the cycling industry, offering riders enhanced performance across various terrains.