DUKE unveils its 32-inch wheel range for XC and gravel from 1,233 g

The 32-inch wheels are starting to move beyond being just an experiment reserved for prototypes. DUKE Racing Wheels has just introduced specific versions of its Lucky Jack SLS5 for XC and Sierra 42 for gravel, developed from the ground up around this larger diameter. And it does so with particularly striking figures: its XC wheelset can weigh as little as 1,233 grams.

DUKE presents its range of 32" wheels for XC and gravel

Something very interesting is that DUKE explains its position on this new trend and makes it clear that 32" will not replace the current 29", or 700C in road and gravel, just by existing. The French brand acknowledges that it will be the market, manufacturers, and especially cyclists who determine whether this format ultimately finds its place. But in light of the growing interest from racers, teams, and brands, it has decided to offer wheels specifically designed for this diameter.

DUKE Lucky Jack SLS5 32": XC wheels from 1,233 grams

The Lucky Jack has been part of DUKE's catalog since 2011 and has become its reference family for Cross Country. For its arrival at 32 inches, the brand has tried to maintain the principles of its conventional versions: low weight, precision in handling, and reliability.

And these wheels have already competed at the highest level. We now know that when Felix Stehli won a stage of the Cape Epic with his Stoll P32, the wheels he mounted were the new 32-inch DUKE Lucky Jack.

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A result that, as DUKE itself acknowledges, does not prove that 32" wheels are superior to 29", but does serve to show that the new set can meet the demands of top-level competition.

The next testing ground will be the UCI Cross Country Marathon World Cup. The Singer KTM Racing plans to use these wheels on its new KTM Scarp Evo4 32” Prototype, another project exploring the possibilities of this diameter.

Two specific front rims and one rear

DUKE manufactures the Lucky Jack 32" using its SLS5 process and offers different configurations depending on the use.

Features of DUKE Lucky Jack SLS5 32":

• Diameter: 32"
• Manufacturing: SLS5
• 28 spokes
• Offset: 4 mm
• Internal width: 31 or 29 mm
• Weight of the set: from 1,233 g

For the front wheel, there are two versions with 31 mm internal width:

• i31 of 360 g: XC
• i31 of 400 g: XC for more demanding use

For the rear, DUKE recommends a i29 of 410 grams, with 29 mm internal width.

This last one incorporates wider rim flanks through the AntiPinch solution, developed to reduce the risk of pinch flats from impacts.

The combination of 31 mm in front and 29 mm in the back also responds to DUKE's 6TERS concept, based on using different rim widths on each axle.

A 32" wheelset weighing only 1,233 grams

Probably the most striking figure of the new Lucky Jack is the weight that DUKE has managed to achieve despite the increase in diameter.

The Lucky Jack SLS5 32” RC-1 Edition configuration combines the front rim i31 of 360 grams with the rear i29 of 410 grams.

Mounted with DUKE MadMax3 hubs and PBO Sapim RC-1 spokes, the set claims only 1,233 grams, with a tolerance of ±30 grams.

A figure with which DUKE aims to demonstrate that the jump to 32 inches does not necessarily mean heavier wheels.

DUKE Sierra 42 32": large wheels also arrive in the brand's gravel catalog

The second launch from DUKE brings 32 inches to gravel. The new Sierra 42 32” brings the philosophy of its Sierra 42 to this diameter, with a design aimed at combining versatility, stability, and performance.

In this case, DUKE highlights as the main potential advantages of the larger diameter a greater ability to overcome obstacles and better speed retention.

The Sierra 42 32" uses the SLR5 manufacturing process, has a profile of 42 mm, and an internal width of 28 mm.

Specifications DUKE Sierra 42 32":

• Diameter: 32"
• Profile: 42 mm
• Manufacturing: SLR5
• Internal width: 28 mm
• 24 spokes
• Offset: 2 mm
• Weight of the set: from 1,270 g

As with the Lucky Jack, DUKE will offer both complete wheels and rims separately.

DUKE is preparing more 32-inch gravel wheels

The Sierra 42 will not be the only 32" gravel proposal from the brand. DUKE confirms that it is already finalizing the development of other references from the Sierra family in this diameter, although it has not yet revealed what they will be or their specifications.

The company assures that it will present them once they have completed their development and validation processes.

Additionally, all these sets will continue with DUKE's usual mounting system. The wheels are hand-assembled in their facilities in France and can be configured with different hubs and spokes depending on the type of bike, use, and demands of the cyclist.

You can check out all their options for mounts and prices on their official website.