32” Wheels in the Real World: HAYES Goes Behind the Scenes with GMBN

32” Wheels in the Real World: Hayes Helps Drive the Next Industry Conversation with GMBN

The discussion around 32 inch wheels is accelerating. This week, GMBN takes that conversation beyond speculation and into the real world with a two part feature exploring the potential impact of this emerging wheel dimension on the cycling industry. At the center of the project is a collaborative 32 inch test platform developed by Sour Bikes together with the brands of Hayes Bicycle Group: Manitou, Reynolds, and Hayes.

32” Wheels in the Real World: HAYES Goes Behind the Scenes with GMBN

Engineering Beyond the Silo

A bicycle is not a collection of independent components. It is a complete system. Increase wheel diameter and everything changes. Suspension leverage. Wheel loads. Braking forces. Frame geometry. Rider perception. That is why Hayes Bicycle Group approached this project collaboratively from the outset. To move from theory to meaningful development, a physical baseline had to be built. Sour Bikes provided the platform, hand building a 32 inch hardtail in Dresden that allows for real world iteration and testing. Unlike large scale carbon production, Sour’s manufacturing approach enables rapid refinement without the constraints of costly tooling. With a rideable platform in place, the work could begin.

The GMBN Technical Deep Dive

The first GMBN episode features in depth interviews with Manitou Product Manager Phil Ott, Reynolds Head of Wheel Development Todd Tanner, and Hayes Director of Engineering John Thomas. The discussion centers around the real engineering questions: How do larger wheels influence braking leverage and heat management? What happens to structural loads throughout the system? How does suspension geometry evolve? What standards must be reconsidered? Rather than presenting conclusions, the video explores the framework required to answer them.

From Theory to Trail

The second GMBN episode moves from workshop to Finale Ligure, where editors test the 32 inch platform in one of the first recorded ride sessions on this wheel size. It is an opportunity to place rider feedback next to engineering theory. Rollover feel. Stability. Tracking. Control under load. Real data begins on real trails.

A History of Helping Shape Standards

For Hayes, this exploration is part of a larger legacy. Hayes played a central role in bringing hydraulic disc brakes to mountain biking, helping establish braking systems and mounting standards that defined the sport for decades. Many of those foundational decisions continue to influence the industry today. Exploring 32 inch development is not about chasing novelty. It is about evaluating whether this new dimension represents meaningful performance progress. The brands of Hayes Bicycle Group have helped pilot multiple technological shifts over the years. This project represents another thoughtful step in that tradition. Watch both GMBN videos now and follow along as the next chapter in performance engineering unfolds.