Huge wheels have been a typical sight at Eurobike this yr, together with Faction Bike Studio’s 32-inch full suspension prototype on show — and getting numerous consideration — within the Maxxis sales space. Whereas “Challenge Huge Ben” broke cowl and acquired a lot fanfare on the present, it had by no means been ridden and was a totally untested idea bike.
“The concept wasn’t to launch a sophisticated product,” says Faction Product Supervisor, Adam Robbins, “however to problem what’s potential and increase the way in which we take into consideration efficiency and luxury in off-road biking.”
Since then, the oldsters at Faction Bike Studio have accomplished their very first rounds of take a look at rides, gathering real-world impressions on the efficiency, advantages, and disadvantages of 32-inch wheels and tires on the paths. Luckily, we’ve labored with the Faction crew on earlier initiatives, and so they have been sort sufficient to share their intial journey impressions and a few images with us.
Challenge Huge Ben
When you haven’t been following alongside, this idea bike, named Challenge Huge Ben, was conceived and prototyped earlier this yr within the few quick months between Sea Otter and Eurobike. Utilizing Faction’s fast prototyping functionality, the bonded aluminum body was paired with a customized Intend inverted 32-inch fork and Maxxis’ 32-inch Aspen prototype tires. It has 120 mm of journey entrance and rear, and seems to be XC-oriented.
In fact, it isn’t the one 32-inch bike round, with Soiled Sixer’s manufacturing 32er hardtail on monitor to launch quickly, and types like BMC are overtly experimenting with greater wheels, too. We’re fairly assured that loads of manufacturers have been testing 32-inch wheels, bikes, and associated elements behind the scenes as nicely, however most have completed nicely to maintain it beneath wraps.
None of us at Bikerumor has ridden a 32-inch-wheeled bike but. In truth, only a few individuals have. Certain, we’ve assumptions about how they could carry out, however with out attempting these greater wheels and tires for ourselves, they’re simply that: assumptions. Which is why we’re excited that Faction is giving us a glance behind the scenes and sharing its journey impressions with us. Right here’s what they needed to say after testing Huge Ben.
From the Faction Press Launch:
Preliminary Trip Impressions: Huge Tires, Huge Prospects
Trip High quality & Consolation
Riders shortly seen a smoother, extra planted journey in comparison with conventional 29” setups. The bigger wheels rolled effortlessly over roots and rocks, considerably damping path chatter. Rider place felt extra centered throughout the bike, enhancing management and confidence, significantly in quick, tough terrain.
Climbing & Acceleration
Maybe most shocking was how nicely the Huge Ben climbed. Traction and momentum on technical ascents improved, with testers noting a extra assured pedal really feel and fewer tendency to stall out on tough options. Acceleration felt unexpectedly mild for a wheel this huge, although testers beneficial gearing changes, similar to smaller chainrings, for optimum efficiency.
Descending & Dealing with
Descending showcased each strengths and limitations. The massive wheels smoothed out small bumps and chatter impressively, however the present quick journey XC setup often felt undergunned on steep drops, with some front-end dive. Steering was responsive, although barely extra deliberate than a 29”, requiring a bit extra dedication in tight terrain.
Traction & Tires
Dry situations introduced out the perfect within the outsized contact patches, traction was glorious, even on free surfaces. Nevertheless, efficiency dropped noticeably in wetter sections, highlighting the significance of tire alternative and tread design for future iterations.
Match, Geometry & Agility
Match was strong throughout the board. Geometry felt nicely balanced general, although suggestions recommended a barely shorter rear heart and revised entrance finish setup may improve descending confidence.
Leaping & Technical Driving
Leaping was secure and confidence inspiring. That stated, manuals and bunny hops have been trickier to provoke, as shifting weight rearward required extra effort than on smaller wheels. Tight, technical line adjustments demanded precision, however felt manageable with correct approach.
Wanting Forward: Idea Right this moment, Platform Tomorrow?
Whereas Huge Ben stays in its early idea stage, Faction’s inner discussions have already turned towards potential functions. Check riders noticed severe promise for XC, path, and gravel use. One significantly intriguing takeaway? The concept of a blended wheel setup, with a 32” entrance and 29” rear, as a possible sport changer for aggressive path and enduro classes.
For now, Huge Ben is proof of risk, an idea that went from sketch to check journey in beneath three months, difficult assumptions about what a mountain bike may be.
Our Takeaway
With out driving Huge Ben for ourselves, it’s clearly exhausting to know precisely what it’s like, however for probably the most half, Faction’s journey impressions align with what we assume driving 32-inch wheels could be like. A easy, planted, and secure journey, simpler rollover, enlarged contact patch, and enhanced traction (with the precise tires for the situations) are among the foremost benefits that we’d anticipate from bigger wheels and that Faction famous of their journey impressions.
In fact, these perceived advantages go hand in hand with some seemingly minor downsides famous by the take a look at riders. These embrace the potential must make gearing changes, steer extra intentionally (I bear in mind the primary time I rode a 29er), and extra effort required to get on the rear wheel. In fact, dealing with variations are one thing most riders will adapt to over time, and issues like choosing the proper gearing, body geometry, and suspension journey will shake out with future testing and designs.
For now, we’ll have to attend and see what the way forward for 32-inch wheels and tires is, however I’m anticipating to see extra 32-inch wheels, tires, and forks that may contribute to the proliferation of extra prototype (and manufacturing) XC, gravel, and path bikes within the coming months and years. I’d additionally agree with Faction’s evaluation that blended wheel setups with 32-inch entrance wheels look like a probable potential software.
Within the meantime, I’m wanting ahead to seeing some extra journey impressions from Faction, hopefully together with some back-to-back timed testing towards 29-inch wheels for comparability. Who is aware of, perhaps we’ll even get to check out Huge Ben for ourselves. Fingers crossed…
