Large wheels have been a standard sight at Eurobike this yr, together with Faction Bike Studio’s 32-inch full suspension prototype on show — and getting a variety of consideration — within the Maxxis sales space. Whereas “Undertaking Large Ben” broke cowl and obtained 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 doable and increase the best way we take into consideration efficiency and luxury in off-road biking.”
Since then, the parents at Faction Bike Studio have accomplished their very first rounds of check rides, gathering real-world impressions on the efficiency, advantages, and disadvantages of 32-inch wheels and tires on the paths. Thankfully, we’ve labored with the Faction staff on earlier initiatives, they usually have been sort sufficient to share their intial experience impressions and a few photographs with us.
Undertaking Large Ben
In case you haven’t been following alongside, this idea bike, named Undertaking Large Ben, was conceived and prototyped earlier this yr within the few brief 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.
After all, it isn’t the one 32-inch bike round, with Soiled Sixer’s manufacturing 32er hardtail on observe to launch quickly, and types like BMC are brazenly experimenting with larger wheels, too. We’re fairly assured that loads of manufacturers have been testing 32-inch wheels, bikes, and associated parts behind the scenes as properly, however most have accomplished properly to maintain it below wraps.
None of us at Bikerumor has ridden a 32-inch-wheeled bike but. In actual fact, only a few individuals have. Positive, we now have assumptions about how they may carry out, however with out making an attempt these larger wheels and tires for ourselves, they’re simply that: assumptions. Which is why we’re excited that Faction is giving us a glance backstage and sharing its experience impressions with us. Right here’s what they needed to say after testing Large Ben.
From the Faction Press Launch:
Preliminary Journey Impressions: Large Tires, Large Potentialities
Journey High quality & Consolation
Riders shortly seen a smoother, extra planted experience 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, notably in quick, tough terrain.
Climbing & Acceleration
Maybe most stunning was how properly the Large 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 difficult options. Acceleration felt unexpectedly mild for a wheel this massive, although testers beneficial gearing changes, akin to smaller chainrings, for optimum efficiency.
Descending & Dealing with
Descending showcased each strengths and limitations. The large wheels smoothed out small bumps and chatter impressively, however the present brief 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 unfastened surfaces. Nonetheless, efficiency dropped noticeably in wetter sections, highlighting the significance of tire selection and tread design for future iterations.
Match, Geometry & Agility
Match was stable throughout the board. Geometry felt properly balanced total, although suggestions prompt a barely shorter rear heart and revised entrance finish setup may improve descending confidence.
Leaping & Technical Driving
Leaping was steady and confidence inspiring. That mentioned, 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 At the moment, Platform Tomorrow?
Whereas Large Ben stays in its early idea stage, Faction’s inner discussions have already turned towards potential purposes. Take a look at riders noticed critical promise for XC, path, and gravel use. One notably 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, Large Ben is proof of chance, an idea that went from sketch to check experience in below three months, difficult assumptions about what a mountain bike might be.
Our Takeaway
With out driving Large Ben for ourselves, it’s clearly laborious to know precisely what it’s like, however for probably the most half, Faction’s experience impressions align with what we predict driving 32-inch wheels can be like. A clean, planted, and steady experience, simpler rollover, enlarged contact patch, and enhanced traction (with the best tires for the situations) are a few of the predominant benefits that we’d count on from bigger wheels and that Faction famous of their experience impressions.
After all, these perceived advantages go hand in hand with some seemingly minor downsides famous by the check 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. After all, dealing with variations are one thing most riders will adapt to over time, and issues like selecting the best 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 can 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 possible potential utility.
Within the meantime, I’m wanting ahead to seeing some extra experience impressions from Faction, hopefully together with some back-to-back timed testing towards 29-inch wheels for comparability. Who is aware of, possibly we’ll even get to check out Large Ben for ourselves. Fingers crossed…
factionbikestudio.com
