Is it time to try out a 32er? I want this for my commuter as its light and big wheels for better roll over. My concern is of course safety, but all carbon fibre XC bikes are made in china so maybe they have experienced quality control. The novelty factor is also a big part of it, I wanted a 36er, but this is much cheaper. The quote from the manufacturer is below, but $1100 usd for the frame fork and wheels.

"32er hardtail frame FM132 UDH hanger can do $369/set (black matte)
include frame+headset+Rear axle
FM132 front fork price: 105USD

·32" MTB 28mm XC rims Light weight version UD matte 2135=270usd
·NOVATEC BOOST D791SB-B15/D462SB-B12, front 15110mm, rear 148*12mm, 28-28H=119usd
·Pilla 1423 Spokes, Black (28+28+spare 2)*0.6=34.8usd
·SAPIM Nipples (28+28+spare 2)*0.4=23.2usd
·Wheel assembly cost 20usd/pair
Total: 467usd/pair

The shipping fee to Canada for a frame + a set of wheels is 150USD, and you need to clear customs yourself."

History repeats itself…

BermPeaks series on Pennyfarthings taught how insane those bikes are. I was even more surprised that they still make modern ones!

Not for me. I'm quite fatigued about the constant churn of obsolescent shit in the bike industry. Its just become gross

Have you gotten a chance to test ride one?

I’m interested in 32”, but absolutely not throwing down the cash until I can at least demo one.

But I think I’m more interested in 32 for full rigid bikes. Maybe a very short travel XC? Like 60mm travel like you see on some gravel bikes. But that seems very niche.

My impression from Berm Peak and, more specifically the "thirty-sixer" and "Grim Donut" is that bigger wheels are better at rolling over things but also significantly worse at cornering.

So what are you using the bike for?

I’ll have to check it out. I love bermpeaks but I haven’t seen this one.

And who even carries 32" tubes and tires for the odd emergency? The shop I work in doesn't.

And, even online, they'll probably be more expensive and have far fewer options than more common sizes.

It's time!

These have been a bit of an oddity, but some major brands will be bringing these to market in the coming years. Tires and components from major brands will be much more available in the coming years.

Another standard to be supported by bike shops. Bike manufacturers just can't sit still, must always be creating new things. Which I can understand... but it also smacks of marketing-fueled profit chasing. For example, bicycle touring -> bike packing. Same shit, but now it's frame bags instead of panniers. Everyone just wants your $$.

I haven't ridden one yet. I know someone that has a 36er they custom built, and they said you quickly forget its anything special and it acts just like a regular bike. Except theirs is 18kg!

As a commuter I noticed a significant comfort boost going from 26 to 29 so naturally bigger would be better right? As long as its also light, those hills have gravity. This frame is supposed to be 1.2kg so maybe the whole build could come in at 10kg.

Being a commuter $2000 is absolute luxury territory and necessitates deep contemplation, in comparison I saw some triathlon wheels alone were $2000. For now I'll just keep dreaming of ever increasing wheel sizes.

Tubeless with sealant?

That stuff will all come soon - it's the new technology becoming common

I've ridden bikes like these at a local museum a couple of times. They are great fun to ride!
They are a bit tricky to get on an off and they are fixed gear as well.
I an not sure they would fair well on a daily commute, but for cruise around the city or a an excursion to the beach with the kids, these bikes would be good fun.

Eh you can still have a situation where you damage the tire beyond repair. I've seen it a few times on road bike tires. Sealant isn't some kind of armor against a piece of metal.

I definitely see some of this happening, but as a tall rider, going from 26" to 29" tires was fantastic. It felt like I was finally riding a mountain bike meant for someone my size. I didn't buy it for the 32" hype though. It just happened to be what felt right after test riding a bunch of bikes I didn't like. I also test rode a "mulleto" (at least I think that's what it's called when a bike has mismatched wheel sizes) and it came a close second but it was from the same manufacturer as another bike of mine and I try to spread myself around.

Brb, growing a handlemar mustasch 🥸🎩

Deep contemplation and good insurance! If my commuter cost that much I'd be worried watching it from the window all day.

Yeah I mean if you just want something different and the money isn’t a big deal, then sure, why not? It’d be kind of cool.

But unless your commute is miles of washboard roads, I’d be very surprised if it made a difference in comfort compared to 29