Feedback on 32 inch wheels bikes?

[davidfrench]

Hi all, maybe you've seen my previous post, I'm David 6'6" (198cm) founder of DirtySixer bikes. And maybe you have seen the recent media coverage of the new 32 inch wheel, a wheel size I've been working on for more than 8 years (after starting with 36" wheels bikes), that is finally getting some traction (pun intended). It might be because last year I've made my own tires with VeeTire and now the big news that bike content media love is the fact that Maxxis is coming up with their own 32" tire too. I've posted my Gravel bike here before and now the MTB Hardtail is also available to preorder (there's also an ebike with Bosch motor available too). I'm curious to learn from the group, as it's been utterly quiet on 32er, what you guys think of it. I know this group is mostly for selling vintage and/or 700c/29er. The 32er is for me a tall riders' solution, hence my post here. I believe big brands are planing to bring smaller frame sizes (maybe M or L)... Here to reply to your questions, more info on the DirtySixer website, even more on the social media, insta and facebook with galore of short (sighted) commenters that are all enraged by this additional wheel size (some who didn't even know aout 36" wheels, the size started it all for DirtySixer!) :-P 

Your feedback is appreciated. Thanks, Merci! David

[Evan Brinkman]

It could be fun to ride, but I don't see the appeal of owning something like it other than as a curiosity (like I'd like to try a pennyfarthing sometime).

Just as 27 inch rims/tires are no longer the norm, there's benefit in sticking to sizes that have numerous tube/tire/rim options.

Plus, I don't know about others, but I'm trying to save rotational weight these days, not add more. Maybe if I were slower, older, wealthier. I'm 48 88kg 200cm.

[art]

Hi David! I think we've probably exchanged comments on other forums before. First: I think it's great that you've been trying to introduce these two new sizes. Without having something to try, it's hard to know what its faults or benefits are. Second: for me, I'm not sure it makes sense. I'm a fairly lightish 6'6", 200 lbs, and over 60. Still ride a fair amount, but am not as strong as I was, so standard gauge 9/6/9 frames work best for my purposes...and I'm actually riding *smaller* frames than I once did: old 25.5" frames with long top tubes work for me, in either 650b or 700c configurations, for road riding and commuting. So a 32er isn't in my future, I don't think. I don't like the way even 700c bikes handle with tires larger than 42mm or so, so I think I wouldn't like a 32er. But we're all different. I do hope you find riders!

best

Arthur