Is the 32-Inch Mountain Bike Really Faster?
In early 2026, we unveiled our in-house 32-inch mountain bike designed to test this new wheel size. After two months of racing, the pressing question remains: does this bike truly offer enhanced speed? Here’s our comprehensive analysis based on performance data and firsthand experiences.
The Genesis of the 32-Inch Mountain Bike
Collaborating closely with Rémi Groslambert and Clément Auvin from Evoride Wheels, we crafted a custom 32-inch mountain bike prototype. Rémi, a seasoned XC and XCM competitor and regular contributor to Vojo, provided invaluable insights throughout the design and testing phases. The result is a unique bike featuring carbon filament-wound tubes and aluminum links, tipping the scales at 9.9 kg. Its geometry rivals that of high-end hardtails from leading cycling brands. (vojomag.com)
Two Months of Rigorous Testing
Over the past two months, Rémi has subjected this prototype to various terrains and competitive events. Notably, he participated in the Calpe Marathon World Cup in Spain, the UCI XCO race in Gueret, and clinched victory at the Offroad de Pichauris. These experiences have provided a wealth of data on the bike’s performance.
Testing Protocol and Results
To quantify the bike’s performance, we partnered with M-Chrono to establish a comprehensive testing protocol. This involved comparing our 32-inch prototype against a Trek Procaliber 29-inch hardtail, ensuring identical wheelsets, gear ratios, sensors, and tire pressures. The tests encompassed:
- Uphill road segment
- Uphill trail segment
- Mixed flat/rolling trail segment
- Downhill trail segment
- Deceleration test
Each segment was repeated three times with both bikes. During the uphill road test, efforts were maintained at 300 W and 250 W of constant power.
Findings
The larger 32-inch wheels consistently demonstrated superior performance:
- Downhill: Over 4% faster
- Uphill Road: 1.62% faster
- Mixed Terrain Uphill: 2.43% faster
- Deceleration Test: The 32-inch bike stopped more quickly
These results indicate that the 32-inch wheel size offers tangible speed advantages across various terrains.
Conclusion
Our extensive testing and data analysis confirm that the 32-inch mountain bike is indeed faster than its 29-inch counterpart. This wheel size enhances performance, particularly in downhill and mixed terrain scenarios. As the cycling industry continues to evolve, the 32-inch wheel may become a significant factor in competitive mountain biking.
For a detailed overview of the project and additional insights, you can refer to our original article. (vojomag.com)