Meet the first 32-inch MTB to become World Champion: a closer look at Andreas Seewald’s KTM Scarp Evo 4 32 Prototype

The 32-inch wheels have just made history in mountain biking. Andreas Seewald has been crowned the world champion of XCM 2026 on a KTM Scarp Evo 4 32 Prototype, achieving the first world title for a bike with this wheel diameter.

The German chose one of the most special bikes on the grid for the race in Fiera di Primiero. A carbon dual suspension still in prototype phase, with 32" DUKE Lucky Jack SLS5 wheels, specific Schwalbe tires, and a FOX RAD fork also in testing for this diameter.

The 32" KTM goes from prototype to world champion

The bike is not completely new. KTM has been working with 32 inches for some time, and last August we were able to see this 32" prototype competing with the KTM Spada powered by Brenta Brakes in the Swiss Epic. A carbon bike clearly developed around the 29" Scarp platform and adapted to the measurements and geometry that a larger wheel diameter presents. 

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The unit now used by Seewald is identified on the bike itself as KTM Scarp Evo 4 32 Prototype and retains the same frame, although the setup is different from what we saw in the Swiss Epic.

And although Seewald raced the World Championship in the colors of the German national team, he competes for Singer KTM Racing. His status as a rider for one of KTM's official teams gave him access to this prototype, and he ultimately decided to bet on it for the most important race of the year.

The choice could not have ended better. After attacking on the way to Forcella Calaita, Seewald completed a good part of the World Championship solo and crossed the finish line after 95 kilometers and 4,000 meters of elevation to claim his second rainbow jersey in XCM. And, in the process, give 32 inches their first World Championship.

DUKE Lucky Jack SLS5 32" wheels 

One of the fundamental elements of the setup is the wheels. Seewald has used the recently presented DUKE Lucky Jack SLS5 32", developed specifically for XC.

In fact, when DUKE officially presented its new range of 32-inch wheels, we already hinted that Singer KTM Racing planned to use them on their KTM Scarp Evo 4 32” Prototype. 

Although we do not know the exact wheel setup of Seewald, DUKE offers different configurations for these wheels. The Lucky Jack SLS5 32" uses 28 spokes, and the brand has developed specific rims for each axle, with front options of 31 mm internal width and a rear of 29 mm. Their declared lightest setup can weigh just 1,233 grams per set. 

On the world champion bike, they are accompanied by Schwalbe Race Pro 32" tires, completing a set fully developed around the new diameter.

FOX prototype fork for 32"

Regarding suspensions, at the front is a FOX RAD prototype specific for 32" wheels, while at the back, we find a FOX Float Factory.

This is a significant difference from the setup we saw earlier on the KTM Spada powered by Brenta Brakes. That bike used an Intend Samurai XC 32, another fork specifically developed for this diameter. 

SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission and Shimano XTR brakes

For the transmission, Seewald has opted for the SRAM XX SL Eagle electronic Transmission, while braking is handled by the new Shimano XTR M9200.

An atypical combination that highlights the braking quality of the new Shimano XTR M9200. 

Integrated storage

There are other less obvious details that are particularly interesting in this prototype. The frame features a storage compartment in the down tube for carrying tools and spares. This allows for keeping the exterior of the bike practically clear during long-distance tests. On Seewald's unit, only a CO₂ cartridge is seen secured with tape to the seat tube.

Andreas Seewald's KTM Scarp Evo 4 32 Prototype setup

• Frame: KTM Scarp Evo 4 32 Prototype, carbon and dual suspension
• Fork: FOX RAD Prototype 32"
• Shock: FOX Float Factory
• Wheels: DUKE Lucky Jack SLS5 32"
• Tires: Schwalbe Race Pro 32"
• Transmission: SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission
• Brakes: Shimano XTR M9200

Seewald's victory represents a significant leap for the 32". This diameter had already achieved relevant results in the World Cup and stage wins in the Cape Epic, but winning a World Championship in XCM is a very important leap for this wheel size and places the 32 inches under a rainbow jersey for the first time.