After years of quiet whispers, experimental prototypes and one-off custom builds, 32-inch wheels are beginning to break into mainstream cycling conversation.
Frame builders, tyre companies and component manufacturers alike have begun jumping onto the scene with early prototypes and product plans around 32-inch wheels, as well as exploring how a larger wheel size performs across different riding disciplines.
Whether they become the new norm or remain a specialised option for certain riders, bikes and terrain is yet to be seen. However, the growing investment from major industry players suggests they’re being taken seriously. What an exciting new development to keep tabs on!
With the above in mind, we’ve put together this article to demonstrate how our bike rack and carrier system is compatible with all wheel sizes – including the new 32-inch – along with key considerations to help you future-proof your setup.
aeroe; adaptable by design. How does the aeroe system fit all wheel sizes?
The good news is that the aeroe bike rack and carrier system has been designed with adaptability at its core, making it an excellent choice for riders embracing larger wheel sizes.
Unlike traditional racks that rely on frame-specific mounting points, axle mounts, or complex fit kits, the aeroe Spider Rear Rack mounts along the bike's seat stays. Because the rack mounts to the frame rather than relying on traditional axle-based rack geometry, wheel size changes have far less impact on compatibility than many conventional rack systems. This design not only allows it to fit a wide range of bikes – from mountain bikes to gravel and road bikes – but gives you flexibility in where the rack is positioned along the seat stays, to accommodate different tyre sizes, suspension and dropper post use, as well as smaller frame sizes.
In contrast, many conventional racks are limited to a single mounting configuration and have been designed around specific frame and wheel clearances, which can restrict compatibility with different sized frames with different sized wheels, not to mention the impact this can have on use of suspension and dropper post.
A closer look at compatibility across different wheel sizes.
The Spider Rear Rack mounts to the bike's seat stays rather than relying on wheel-specific rack geometry, helping it maintain compatibility across a wide range of bikes, frame sizes and of course wheel sizes. As seen below!
20-inch wheel
27.5-inch wheel
29-inch wheel
32-inch wheel
Additional considerations for 32-inch wheels
Bigger wheel sizes propose a new set of challenges for bikepacking equipment around load positioning and overall bike handling.
The good news is that the aeroe bike rack and carrier system gives you flexibility in how you position your gear. The cradles and dry bags (used to carry your gear) can be mounted anywhere down the sides of the rack, allowing you to keep weight lower on the bike and maintain a balanced centre of gravity – which is particularly important when riding technical or rough terrain.
Future-proofing your setup
One of the biggest challenges in cycling is investing in equipment that remains useful as technology changes.
Over the past decade alone, mountain biking has seen the introduction of:
- 27.5" wheels
- 29" wheels
- Long-travel trail bikes
- Modern eMTBs
- Dropper posts
- Full-suspension bikepacking platforms
Now 32-inch wheels are beginning to enter the chat.
Whether 32-inch wheels become the next big thing or simply another interesting chapter in the cycling industry’s ongoing evolution, riders benefit from equipment that is compatible with emerging technology.
The aeroe bike rack and carrier system was created with compatibility in mind – making it a smart choice for riders who want one solution that works across different bikes, different wheel sizes, and different adventures.