The cycling industry seems to be grappling with new standards all the time, and the latest to cause a stir is 32in wheels.
Now tyre manufacturer Schwalbe has revealed it is “fully convinced” by the extra-large size and BikeRadar can reveal it will be releasing 32in tyres in 2027.
The tyre size has mostly been discussed in the world of mountain biking. Last year, Maxxis revealed 32in tyres at Eurobike and BMC athletes were spotted riding prototype 32in wheels. Then, in November, the UCI said the new size would be permitted in XC racing from 2026.
During a presentation at the Velofollies tradeshow last week, Schwalbe’s product manager Jakob Maßen said the company would be introducing 32in tyres “for nearly all cycling categories”.
Schwalbe has been experimenting with 32in tyres in its lab. “The Schwalbe lab gives us the freedom to experiment and to test new ideas and innovate things without any pressure,” Maßen said.
Testing ideas in the lab is a way for Schwalbe to see if they could become products. One example Maßen cites that started in the lab is Schwalbe’s Radial mountain bike tyres, which have carcass threads at a more obtuse angle to increase the tyre’s contact area.
Schwalbe began testing 32in tyres in the lab with the same mindset, to see if the size would make a viable product.
“We went into this with an open mind. Some of us were sceptical but with field and lab testing, we saw that there are advantages and these will also be a benefit for the consumer,” Maßen said.
Schwalbe found 32in tyres provide more grip due to a larger contact patch with the ground, increase stability, allow for higher cornering speeds and improve comfort.
“We could also prove, scientifically, an improved lower rolling resistance, especially on uneven surfaces,” added Maßen.
This led Schwalbe to commit to the new size. “We are fully convinced of this new technology, and we will be introducing new products in this size in 2027,” said Maßen.
One question that remains is whether Schwalbe will produce 32in road bike tyres.
“Road cycling is heavily restricted by the UCI and there is a rule that the diameter of the overall wheel and tyre is not supposed to exceed 700mm,” Maßen said, adding that a 700c wheel – the wheel size found on the majority of road bikes – is already at this limit when fitted with a 35mm tyre.
Maßen said Schwalbe doesn’t know whether this UCI restriction will be lifted. He added that: “We don’t know what the future holds, but we're exploring all options.”
Alongside discussing its plans for 32in tyres, Schwalbe revealed its new Pro One Allroad road bike tyre at Velofollies. The tyre is said to ‘close the gap’ between road and gravel bike tyres for the extreme conditions of races such as Paris–Roubaix. The tyre is available in sizes up to 40mm wide.
Addressing the trend for wider road bike tyres, Maßen said: “I think this year we will see more really big options, but it really depends on the frame manufacturers – if they can offer a bike that is fast and account for these figures.”
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