Are 32-inch wheels just a niche topic for tall riders, or do they mark the beginning of a new trend in mountain biking? Ride will explore this question in two ways at Cycle Week: first by riding the bikes, then by discussing it on the panel.

On Cycle Week Saturday (May 30), visitors will have the opportunity to test ride 32-inch bikes directly on the skills course at the test area. Those who bring their own 29-inch bikes can experience the comparison firsthand. How does the rollover behavior change? What happens in corners, over obstacles, and in terms of smoothness? What are the advantages of the larger wheels, and where do potential disadvantages lie? You can test these very questions for yourself on-site.

Joining us will be Thomas Stoll from Stoll Bikes and Ride editor Balz Weber, who has already delved deeply into the topic of 32-inch wheels. They will be available at the Ride pop-up booth on the Cycle Week grounds in Brunau for assessments, discussions, and expert exchange.

Hot topic, top-tier panel

Following the test sessions, the panel discussion “32-Inch Wheels: Niche or the Next Standard?” will take place at 6 p.m. in the Saalsporthalle. On the panel, Thomas Stoll (Stoll Bikes), Valentin Wendel (BMC, formerly DT Swiss), and Christian Bättig (Rocky Mountain, among others) will discuss the topic under the moderation of Ride editor Thomas Giger. Click here to register.

The panel discussion will address the big questions behind the big wheels: Will 32-inch wheels become the top choice in racing? Where do they actually make sense in recreational sports? What do larger wheels mean for smaller riders? What impact will the new standard have on manufacturers and specialty retailers? 

Cycle Week thus offers not only a debate on technology, trends, and standards, but also the opportunity to form your own opinion. Test first, then discuss: there’s hardly a better way to get to the heart of the 32-inch topic.

Heisses Thema, hochkarätige Gesprächsgruppe

Im Anschluss an die Testmöglichkeiten findet um 18 Uhr die Podiumsdiskussion «32-Zoll-Laufräder: Nische oder nächster Standard?» in der Saalsporthalle statt. Auf dem Podium diskutieren Thomas Stoll (Stoll Bikes), Valentin Wendel (BMC, zuvor DT Swiss) und Christian Bättig (Rocky Mountain u.a.) unter der Leitung von Ride-Herausgeber Thomas Giger. Hier gehts zur Anmeldung.

Beim Podiumsgespräch geht es um die grossen Fragen hinter den grossen Rädern: Werden 32 Zoll im Rennsport zur ersten Wahl? Wo machen sie im Breitensport tatsächlich Sinn? Was bedeuten grössere Laufräder für kleinere Fahrer? Welche Auswirkungen hat der weitere Standard für Hersteller und Fachhandel? 

Die Cycle Week bietet damit nicht nur eine Debatte über Technik, Trends und Standards, sondern auch die Gelegenheit, sich selbst ein Bild zu machen. Erst testen, dann diskutieren: näher kommt man dem Thema 32 Zoll kaum.