Schwalbe bets on 32" wheels and presents a gravel bike of this size

The 32-inch wheels are an authentic emerging trend in MTB, and we have been discovering presentations in this regard for several months. Now, Schwalbe has confirmed that it is fully convinced of the potential of this diameter for gravel as well. A modality in which many believe that this tire size could perform better than in MTB.

Schwalbe will have a range of 32" tires

The confirmation came during the Velofollies fair, where Jakob Maßen, product manager at Schwalbe, explained that the brand has been working with this size in its internal laboratory for some time. A space, according to the company itself, designed to experiment without commercial pressure and validate concepts that, if they work, eventually reach the market.

The brand claims that, according to their field and laboratory tests, the 32” tires offer greater grip, more stability and speed in curves, better comfort, especially on uneven terrain, and lower rolling resistance, something the brand asserts has been scientifically demonstrated, especially off the asphalt.

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Although MTB has been the first testing ground, Schwalbe has made it clear that its plan is to introduce 32-inch tires in "almost all cycling categories." We assume that it will also depend on UCI regulations, which, although has already approved this size for MTB, has not yet approved its use on the road, for example.

A good example of Schwalbe's strategy was the gravel bike displayed at their stand. A handcrafted titanium model from Unpaved Cycles, equipped with 32” wheels and a Schwalbe G-One RX Pro prototype tire specifically developed for this diameter.

Without a doubt, this is one of the first gravel bikes with this wheel diameter, and its presentation only reaffirms the certainty that this year and the next we will see many more innovations with this size.