Prototype 32″ mountain bike

Prototype 32″ mountain bike
It’s alive! Prototype 32” build ready for testing (once the trails dry out a bit). I maintained the geometry as close as possible to my current bike so I can see how the wheels change the ride.
The CaneCreek EE Wing cranks are running a Garbaruk 3mm offset ring for a 52mm chainline. 55mm isn’t a nice chain angle for the low gears. But that made things a little challenging to clear the 2.4” tire, but I was able to make it work without resorting to a yoke.
Excited to get some miles on the (orange!) Madrone Jab rear derailleur – designed and assembled down the road in Ashland. It was simple to setup and shifts great on the initial test ride, paired with a SRAM shifter (yes, I am the last guy who likes gripshift….. I modified an old left one to operate the Oneup Components dropper).
The wheels are kept relatively light with Berd spokes laced to Onyx hubs (ah, the silence!) and Nextie carbon rims.
I chose a truss fork as it keeps the crown low, and the triangulation is a more efficient structure, transferring the loading more evenly into the headtube. The built-in stem means the bars are always straight :-
Despite the dropped toptube it will fit two bottles plus the awesome Kaibab Customs framebag for trail supplies.
Weight as shown ready to ride is 22.9lbs. On the first short ride it feels just like normal, but the visual of SO MUCH wheel sticking out in front is very bizarre!

6 Comments

  1. Rik Allen / March 20, 2026

    I really Love this.This is the nicest looking 32″ bike I’ve seen to date! As very tall cyclist, I’ve been excited about the 32″ movement that’s unfolding. Congratulations on your beautiful build!

    Reply
    • Rob / March 28, 2026

      Thanks! Agreed, this wheel size is going to be great for taller riders.

      Reply
  2. Jeff / March 20, 2026

    I’ve followed your builds for years and dream of having one of my own at some point. This one just takes that lust up a notch.

    I’ve owned a Surly Krampus since its launch in 2014 and although the bike doesn’t get ridden as much anymore – heck it’s been converted to a cargo bike with what I believe is the worlds first and only 29+ suspension corrected cargo fork – it still brings a giant smile to my face everytime I have the 29×3 tires up to speed.

    This bike takes that to a whole new level and I cannot wait to see how your tests go.

    Reply
    • Rob / March 28, 2026

      Thanks Jeff – be great to build a bike for you when you are ready!

      Reply
  3. Aldrich / March 29, 2026

    Beautiful build! I want a frameset Rob! But both for straight and drop bars

    Reply
    • Rob / April 12, 2026

      Thanks Aldrich! Send me an email and we can discuss :-)

      Reply

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