The 32 inches land on the gravel: this is the new Chiru Veldt

As MTB begins to validate 32-inch wheels in competition, the next move is already underway. It hasn't come from a big brand, but from a small manufacturer specialized in titanium that has decided to get ahead of the gravel market. Chiru has presented in Düsseldorf the Veldt, a bicycle that does not aim to improve current gravel, but to directly change its rules.

Chiru Veldt 32": not a "more capable" gravel bike, it's a different concept

In this modality, the arrival of the 32" is understood as the opportunity to create a platform that maintains more speed in any situation. And for that, the wheel size is the central element.

The idea is that if a larger wheel better overcomes obstacles and loses less inertia, why not apply that logic to gravel, which seems to have more capacity to take advantage of its benefits?

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The problem was not the idea, but making it work, as making the jump to 32” is not just about mounting larger wheels, but it requires redesigning the entire bicycle. The height of the front end changes, the weight distribution becomes complicated, and the frame lengths stop functioning as a reference.

That’s why the Chiru Veldt does not start from any previous model. It is designed from scratch in titanium, with a frame that seeks to balance stiffness and absorption, and a oversized 3D-printed T47x92 bottom bracket to maintain efficiency.

The fork, also specifically built in titanium, is almost the most critical element. It allows control of the front end height and prevents the bike from becoming clumsy, something that is easy when working with such large diameters.

Geometry

When gravel dangerously approaches XC

If there is one thing that defines this bike, it is its ambiguity. It does not fit well into any current category. On one hand, it uses large-volume tires typical of MTB, bets on very stiff and performance-oriented wheels, and its aesthetics clearly resemble a cross-country hardtail. But on the other hand, it maintains a road handlebar, seeks aerodynamic efficiency, and is designed to roll fast for hours.

The result is not an extreme gravel bike, but a bike designed to maximize performance on mixed terrain without sacrificing pure speed.

So it seems that the real limit will not be the bike, but the market. The development of the Veldt makes it clear that technology already allows for this type of proposal. The problem right now is discovering if there is demand.

The 32” standard still has a very limited ecosystem with few tire options, limited compatibility, and development still in its early stages.

Even so, signs of movement are starting to appear. And as already happened in MTB, everything points to small brands leading the way before the big manufacturers react.

Price and first units

Chiru will bring the Veldt to market in frame kit format starting at 3,910 euros, with initial availability in two sizes. The first deliveries are expected by mid-2026.

Key data of the Chiru Veldt

• Titanium frame (grade 9) with triple thickness
• T47 bottom bracket manufactured using 3D printing
• Specific rigid fork for 32” wheels
• Wheels: Bike Ahead BITURBO RSX 32” (6 spokes)
• Frame weight: 1.75 kg
• Displayed build weight: 9 kg
• Tire clearance: up to 2.4”
• Multiple mounts for bikepacking
• Completely integrated cabling

More information on the official Chiru website.