Even gravel bikes cannot escape the 32-inch trend. The carbon experts at Bike Ahead Composites presented a rideable mountain bike prototype with 32-inch wheels back in autumn 2025. The test rides with the extra-large six-spoke wheels and Maxxis Aspen 32 x 2.4 tyres led to the "Size Matters" project. The gravel bike was created as a dream build for the Cycling World trade fair in Düsseldorf in cooperation with Bikeshop Räderei Bautzen. The aim was to experiment with the new standard and at the same time to showcase craftsmanship and a passion for technology in a one-off gravel bike. We have all the information on the new Gravel 32.
Bike Ahead project Size Matters in detail
- Application: Gravel bike
- Wheel size: 32"
- Frame material: steel / carbon
- Fork material: Carbon
- Special features: made in Germany, hand-built custom frame made of steel sleeves and carbon tubes, Shimano XTR MTB shifting group, 32" XC MTB tyres, lightweight components, special look
Steel-carbon frame from Leipzig
The Leipzig custom forge Rotor produced the frame of the Bike Ahead Project Size Matters gravel bike. Owner Johannes Hundhammer first welded a complete frame from Columbus Zona tubes. The main tubes were then cut out and replaced with carbon segments. Chemnitz-based carbon specialist Ingo Barthel produced the segments with a special forged carbon look and marble effect. The design pays homage to the 1990s, when companies such as Specialized built frames from steel sleeves and carbon tubes. The milled UDH dropout is a custom design.
The frame of the 32-inch gravel bike Bike Ahead Project Size Matters has internal cable routing. The fork is a familiar feature, as the Columbus Futura Adventure fork was actually designed for 29-inch bikes. However, it also offers the right installation height and enough space for 32-inch tyres. Artist Johnny Steinert from XS Design Chemnitz painted the frame, wheels, seat post and saddle with a transparent surface. Colour particles in the paint create a depth effect. The surface shimmers differently depending on the incidence of light.
32 inch is exciting. The idea for the gravel project came to me as soon as I saw the Maxxis tyre for the first time. It reminds me a little of the early days of mountain biking, when a boundless desire to experiment and try things out formed the basis for the evolution of the bike. - Max Noak, project manager at Räderei Bautzen
32 inch gravel bike with special equipment
The Bike Ahead Biturbo X 32" are manufactured in one piece in the Würzburg factory. The monocoque construction offers advantages for large wheels. Unlike classic wheels, the spokes do not exert any tension on the rims. This should enable a 20 per cent lighter rim construction. According to the manufacturer, the wheels weigh 1495 grams and should not compromise on lateral stiffness and stability. The Maxxis Aspen 32 x 2.4" WT MaxxSpeed TR Exo tyre is almost identical to the 29-inch version. The smaller version has been used in World Cups for years. The tyre has been optimised for wide rims, comes in the fast MaxxSpeed compound and offers EXO Protection against cuts and punctures. Project partner Maxxis assumes that the 32-inch tyre will be used more often in the 2026 World Cup season.
Customers can order the gravel cockpit from Bike Ahead with the geometry of their choice, completely independently of the 32-inch Size Matters project. A moulding tool allows Bike Ahead to freely combine stem lengths and handlebar widths. There are two different drop variants to choose from. The Bike Ahead The Cockpit weighs just 299 grams, is also manufactured in monocoque construction and has fully integrated cable routing. It is approved for a system weight of up to 110 kilograms. According to the manufacturer, the Bike Ahead The Hypersaddle weighs just 75 grams. According to Bike Ahead, the extra flexible seat surface combines functional lightweight construction and comfort. The seat post also comes from Würzburg. The Bike Ahead The Straight was customised by Ingo Barthel, who also manufactured the carbon segments of the frame.
The crank, cassette and rear derailleur are from the Shimano XTR 920 series. The integration of the Japanese high-end mountain bike components into the 32-inch gravel bike is intended to provide a wide range of gear ratios for varied gravel tours without increasing the weight too much. An aero chainring from Alugear blends in cleanly with the custom build. The GRX brake shifting unit comes from the Shimano gravel range.
20 to 22 March in Düsseldorf
The Bike Ahead project Size Matters 32 inch gravel bike will be exhibited at the Maxxis stand at the Cycling World trade fair. Cycling World takes place from 20 to 22 March in Düsseldorf. Maxxis presented the 32-inch version of the Aspen race model for the first time at Eurobike 2025, and the new wheel size has been the subject of debate ever since. The debate is reminiscent of the transition from 26 to 29 inches. Large wheels promise better rollover behaviour, more grip thanks to a larger contact area and greater comfort. This is offset by the higher wheel weight. Integration into the gravel bike sector is probably only a matter of time.
Conclusion
Even if many cyclists are still sceptical: I am sure that 32 inch wheels will sooner or later reach the broad market - even in the gravel bike segment. The Bike Ahead Size Matters project is a unique piece of Cutom jewellery that proves that 32-inch wheels can be aesthetically integrated into a gravel bike. Perhaps it's also a glimpse into the not-too-distant future. I'll definitely be checking it out live in Düsseldorf. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Jan Timmermann
Editor
