32-inch wheels are showing up in force at this weekend’s Soldier Hollow World Cup, with both Trek and Scott showing up with prototype 32-inchers. But it’s not just those two brands showing interest in the big wheel, as both of these bikes are equipped with new kit from RockShox and Pirelli.

As the cross-country season is wrapping up, with Soldier Hollow’s race being the penultimate event, it seems that brands are going all experimental on us as things close down for the year. Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen 32-inch wheels being raced, as they saw great success during this year’s Cape Epic. Cube and Thomas have also been playing with the larger wheels at points this year. Martin Maes also raced a prototype mega mullet downhill bike at the DH World Championship, so it’s obvious that brands aren’t shying away.

 

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A post shared by Fabio Püntener (@fabiopuentener)

The incredibly successful Scott/SRAM team looks poised to roll up to the start line on a 32-inch-wheeled Spark RC. But what’s interesting here is that there’s a RockShox SID with Flight Attendant tech bolted to the front of it. At first glance, it doesn’t look like a bodge job, either. So, along with Scott, RockShox looks to be jumping on the big-wheel bandwagon.

Back to that Spark RC, it doesn’t look like it’s been modified from its original form. That said, I expect that there’s a longer chainstay on show to make space for that rear wheel, and it looks like the 6’4″ Fabio Püntener is running a very negative rise on his one-piece bar and stem combo.

 

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As for Trek, it may well have taken a slightly different approach, building a whole bike around 32-inch wheels. I say that because its frame departs from the designs displayed in the brand’s current lineup. While there is a flex stay, there’s no IsoStrut suspension, making its prototype XC ripper look a lot more normal. But like the Scott, there’s a super negative rise stem to keep weight low and front wheel traction high on the climbs.

Trek’s prototype also dons that prototype RockShox SID fork, so it’s clear that the suspension giant is answering calls for longer legs. But what makes the Trek stand out a little more is its Pirelli rubber. Until now, Pirelli’s been quiet on its approach to 32-inch tyres, but clearly, the brand’s been working on something, and big tyres for big wheels are in its future.