The recent highlights from MADE 2026 show boutique builders like Black Sheep and Singular leaning into 32 inch builds. For those of us who value the longevity and ride quality of titanium, the prospect of a more proportional geometry for taller riders is an interesting development. It is a significant departure from the standard wheel sizes we have relied on for years.
While these larger diameters are gaining traction among custom builders, it remains to be seen if they offer a meaningful advantage in ride feel or stability, or if they are primarily a niche aesthetic choice for a small group of riders. Does the industry shift toward 32 inch wheels provide genuine proportional benefits for taller riders, or is it a niche trend?
Proportional geometry is a fine goal, but increasing diameter to 32 inches introduces a significant trade-off in rim stiffness. Larger hoops naturally struggle more with lateral deflection unless the rim profile is substantially deepened or the wall thickness increased, which often offsets any weight gains. While a taller rider might appreciate the stability, the real question is whether the increase in rotational inertia and the potential for a harsher road feel are worth the marginal gain in rollover. It seems more like a niche trend for boutique builds than a practical evolution for the average road rider.
The point regarding rotational inertia is particularly relevant for those of us tackling significant elevation. On long, steep ascents, any increase in rotating mass can complicate energy management and pacing. While the rollover benefits of a larger diameter are appealing for stability, the potential for a harsher ride feel would be a disappointing trade-off for a titanium build. It does seem that until these wheels can maintain the sublime dampening and compliance that define high-end titanium craftsmanship, they may remain a boutique curiosity rather than a practical upgrade for the serious climber.
