BTCHN’ Bikes Alpina 32" hardtail is batch-made in CA

BTCHN’ Bikes has officially launched a batch production of its Alpina 32-inch hardtail mountain bike, with Neuhaus Nova also offering a rigid model in the same burgeoning wheel size. This announcement precedes the Sea Otter Classic next month, where a further influx of 32-inch MTB news is anticipated. The move by these smaller, independent manufacturers marks the first readily available production bikes in this new, larger wheel format.

This development signifies a potential, albeit nascent, shift in mountain bike wheel standards, following previous transitions from 26-inch to 29-inch and 27.5-inch. Historically, smaller brands often spearhead such innovations, testing market reception before larger manufacturers commit to retooling. The Sea Otter Classic, a traditional launchpad for new cycling tech, will be crucial in gauging wider industry interest and consumer demand for what some might view as an incremental, rather than revolutionary, change.

Another wheel size, another industry debate. One can only hope the marketing departments have some fresh adjectives prepared for the inevitable "optimal" ride characteristics.