THE FRAME 32

Stock: 10

SKU: THE FRAME 32

THE FRAME 32 – First series 1/10 - Uncompromisingly light. Purposefully elegant. Built to explore what’s next.

order via distributor

Description

THE FRAME 32 is our answer to a question the industry has only just begun to ask.

Bigger wheels have always driven performance forward. From 26 to 27.5. From 27.5 to 29. And now, the next step is taking shape.

In the summer of 2025, Maxxis introduced a 32-inch version of its iconic Aspen race tire. The response was immediate—and polarizing. Is 32 inches the future of mountain biking?

Only time will give the final verdict. What we already know: 32 inches is fast. It’s confidence-inspiring. And above all, it’s incredibly fun to ride.

To truly understand the potential of 32-inch wheels, we moved quickly. Just weeks after the Maxxis tire launch, we built an experimental prototype—purely to learn.

The foundation was our proven THE FRAME HT 29 hardtail. To accommodate the larger wheels, we extended the rear triangle and developed custom dropouts, hand-laminated and firmly bonded to the seat and chainstays. It wasn’t built to be sold. It was built to explore. Yet the reaction it sparked exceeded everything we expected.

More importantly, the results spoke clearly. On trail. On the test bench. And under real-world conditions - measured with stopwatch, power meter, and acceleration sensors - THE FRAME 32 delivered performance that spoke for themselves.

This insight led us to release the frame in a carefully controlled first edition of just ten pieces.

Each frame is built to the uncompromising quality standard that defines Bike Ahead. The platform is our THE FRAME 29—one of the lightest mountain bike frames in the world—re-engineered for 32-inch wheels. A revised carbon layup increases stiffness in the head tube area to manage the higher loads generated by the longer fork. The main frame is manufactured as a single-piece monocoque. The rear triangle is then extended using specially developed dropouts. The bonding process has been extensively validated on test benches at the renowned EFBE testing institute. The brake mount is bolted on.

As with all our frames, THE FRAME 32 comes with a full warranty.

This is your opportunity to ride one of the very first 32-inch mountain bike frames in history. The first series is limited to ten units and can be ordered as a frame only or as a complete set with our new BITURBO X 32 SAFEWING wheelset.

technical details

One-Piece-Monocoque-Construction

rider weight limit 105 kg (rider+baggage)

Terrain (ASTM 3): Cross Country, Down Country

Finish: matt unidirektionales Carbon

Sizes: M, L, XL

Wheel size: 32"

Made in Portugal, Finished by BIKE AHEAD COMPOSITES in Germany

incl. derailleur hanger, thru axle, Bike Yoke seatpost clamp, 4x hollow titanium bottle cage screws, plugs for cable routing

Delivery time from order: two months

Including Acros Headset

DATA SHEET	THE FRAME M	THE FRAME L	THE FRAME XL
WEIGHT (incl. functional parts)	965 g	995 g	1040 g
HEADSET S.H.I.S.	IS42 / IS52 (Bike Ahead recommends Acros bearing IS42 top (26.02.605R2LS) and IS52 bottom (48.02.601R2S-1.5))
SEAT POST diameter	30.9 mm
SEAT POST min. insert depth	100 mm
SEAT POST max. insert depth	200 mm	240 mm	280 mm
SEAT POST CLAMP diameter	34.9 mm
SEAT POST CLAMP manufacturer	Bike Yoke
SEAT POST CLAMP orientation	cut out to the front
SEAT POST CLAMP height	13 mm
SEAT POST CLAMP max. torque	4 Nm
DROP OUTS rear hub dimension	12 x 148 mm
DERAILLEUR HANGER type	SRAM UDH
DERAILLEUR HANGER thread	M12 x 1 mm
THRU AXLE type	CarbonTeam X-12 Aluminium
THRU AXLE needed tool	6 mm hexagon
THRU AXLE dimension	12 x 176.5 mm
THRU AXLE thread	13 mm x M12 x 1 mm
THRU AXLE max. torque	15 Nm
BRAKE CALIPER MOUNT type	Postmount 160 mm
BRAKE CALIPER MOUNT max. disc size	180 mm
BRAKE CALIPER MOUNT max. torque	7 Nm
TIRE CLEARANCE max. tire width	2.4" (60 mm)
BOTTOM BRACKET Standard	BB92
BOTTOM BRACKET diameter	41 mm
BOTTOM BRACKET width	92 mm (91.5 mm)
CHAIN RING max. teeth	36 teeth
BIDON HOLDER fixing points	1x down tube und 1x seat tube
BIDON HOLDER bolt material	Aluminium (milled head)
BIDON HOLDER needed tool	4 mm hexagon
BIDON HOLDER bolt dimension	M5 x 12 mm
BIDON HOLDER max. bolt torque	4 Nm
CABLE ROUTING opening	head tube disc side
CABLE ROUTING exit	1x each chainstay
CABLE ROUTING dropper post	possible by using electronic shifting (loss of shift cable)
CABLE ROUTING type	guided opening, inside unguided

Photo gallery

Rollover angle

FAQs

Does THE FRAME 32 have a special geometry?

THE FRAME 32 retains the proven geometry of THE FRAME 29. Only the rear triangle is longer. Seat angle, head angle, top tube, and reach remain unchanged. Please note: the bottom bracket height increases by 3.81 cm (1.5 inches), which also affects standover height.

How durable is the rear triangle?

The bonded joints are fully approved. THE FRAME 32 meets the same certification standards as THE FRAME 29 with its one-piece monocoque construction.

Are the adhesive joints visible?

Yes. The joints are visible and reinforced with additional carbon layers. Like THE FRAME 29, THE FRAME 32 features an unpainted carbon surface—nothing is hidden beneath paint.

Why does THE FRAME 32 cost more than THE FRAME 29?

The manufacturing process is significantly more complex. The custom dropouts are laminated, finished, and bonded by hand, requiring considerably more production steps than a one-piece frame.

How do I choose the correct frame size?

Use THE FRAME 29 as a general reference. The key difference is the increased standover height of 3.81 cm. Reach and stack are unchanged, allowing the use of a standard cockpit without extreme stem angles.

How much heavier is THE FRAME 32?

Approximately 100 grams. The additional weight comes from the bonded dropouts and revised layup. THE FRAME 32 in size M weighs 899 grams.

Which frame sizes are available?

THE FRAME 32 is available in sizes M, L, and XL. Size S is not offered due to geometric constraints.

What is the delivery time?

Frames are built to order. Production begins after purchase, with an estimated delivery time of approximately six weeks.

Are 32-inch wheels UCI-legal?

Yes. The UCI has approved 32-inch wheels for all mountain bike disciplines and gravel racing.

Which fork is compatible with THE FRAME 32?

Beyond axle-to-crown height, tire clearance is critical. Currently, the Intend Samurai XC is approved for 32-inch wheels. Several rigid forks, including the Columbus Futura Adventure, are also suitable.

What are the performance benefits of 32-inch wheels?

Compared to 29-inch wheels, 32-inch wheels deliver increased traction, superior rollover behavior, and more efficient line choices. Rolling resistance on gravel is exceptionally low. Our lab and field measurements show efficiency gains of up to three percent under real riding conditions.