32" wheels, handcrafted precision, and 9.6 kg: that's the new Bike Ahead Project 32

The German manufacturer Bike Ahead Composites, known for its high-end components, has taken another step in innovation with the launch of Project 32, a prototype hardtail with 32-inch wheels that is already fully functional and ready to ride. To date, it is the best bike we have seen with this wheel size.

Bike Ahead presents Project 32: the first MTB with fully functional 32-inch wheels

Project 32 is, for now, an experiment. But one that points to the near future of MTB. If we first saw a BMC full suspension and then a KTM, now the German brand is also joining the 32" trend.

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Bike Ahead is looking to explore the advantages of larger diameter wheels, which promise better rolling capacity and greater traction, especially on technical or uneven terrain. On the other hand, their larger size implies more weight and less acceleration, recalling the debate from years ago between 26" and 29" wheels, which clearly leaned towards the latter.

According to Bike Ahead engineers, the initial tests have been promising, and the on-road behavior confirms that there is room to continue researching this new format.

Project 32 will be officially presented at BESPOKED, the largest international exhibition dedicated to handmade bicycles, which will take place in Dresden from October 10 to 12. This event will serve as an ideal showcase for a piece that reflects Bike Ahead's artisanal and technological philosophy: precision, lightness, and extreme design.

Setup of Bike Ahead Project 32

The prototype combines some of the most exclusive and lightweight components on the market:

• Frame: Bike Ahead THE FRAME HT, with carbon laminated dropouts.
• Fork: Intend BC Samurai XC (100 mm).
• Wheels: Bike Ahead BITURBO RSX 32”.
• Tires: Maxxis Aspen 32x2.4.
• Brakes: Intend BC Trinity TR.
• Crankset: SRAM XX SL with Wolf Tooth chainring (made in Minneapolis, USA).
• Pedals: Wolf Tooth CTRL Trail (328 g).
• Rear derailleur: SRAM XX SL with Hopp Carbon cage.
• Shift lever: Zirbel Twister AXS.
• Stem: RadoxX Components, custom 50 mm and -40°.
• Headset, grips, seatpost, and small parts: Wolf Tooth, including the Resolve Dropper Post rev2 telescopic seatpost (125 mm).
• Saddle: Bike Ahead THE HYPERSADDLE.
• Total weight: 9.6 kg.

With Project 32, Bike Ahead once again positions itself at the forefront of innovation in MTB. It remains to be seen if the future will be with 32-inch wheels, but this prototype demonstrates that the limit of what is possible continues to expand.