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comparing 29" and 32" wheels.

29" Versus 32" Wheels

The Benefits & Considerations of Each System Are Many

We offer our mountain bikes and gravel bikes with either wheel size.

The three primary differences between 32" and 29" wheels are that:

For more details, see the 29" vs. 32" Wheel Systems table below.

comparing 29" and 32" wheels.
Figure: 1  | The performance differences between 29" and 32" wheels are many. Your ride style, local terrain, height and weight, and more are likely to determine the best system for your riding. That's why we offer both wheel sizes. Figure footnotes. Wheel weight difference: "Modelling [...] suggests a 10-15% weight increase may be required for 32-inch wheels to meet current durability targets." Hunt, A., April 2026, The 32" revolution requires reinventing more than the wheel. Escape Collective Torque stress difference: "torque transmitted through the hub is around 10-15% higher for a 32-inch wheel than for a 29er." Hunt, A., April 2026, The 32" revolution requires reinventing more than the wheel. Escape Collective Lateral stiffness difference: " Hayes is seeing “anywhere from a 12-16% decrease in lateral stiffness” in 32" prototype wheels compared to comparable 29" models." Hunt, A., April 2026, The 32" revolution requires reinventing more than the wheel. Escape Collective

Wheel Systems: 700c & 32"

We offer both 700c and 32" wheel systems. However, it's not a good idea to design a bike for both sizes at once; there's no way to get the geometry to work well for both.

Either/or; not Both and

It is not a good idea to design a single bike to accept both wheel and tire sizes. The current difference in wheel radii is too much for any one bike to manage.

New Doesn't Automatically Mean Better

The 32" wheel size option is new. Therefore, industry standards aren't settled and component options are limited. Best hub widths are still debated. Tire size options are non-existent; 2.4" mountain bike sizes are about it.

If you like being the first rider with new technology, or are a tall rider, 32" might be for you. For everyone else, at this moment, and if you'd like a future-proofed lightweight bike that will serve you well for a couple of decades, we recommend going with the industry standard 700c wheel size.

Footnotes for the article and for Figure 1: 29" vs. 32" Wheel Systems