The BTCHN’ Bikes Alpina is a 32er with a Super Boost Rear Hub

BTCHN' Bikes, a California-based manufacturer, has unveiled its new Alpina model, joining the niche market of 32-inch mountain bikes. Designed with a philosophy that prioritises composure for speed, the Alpina features a 120mm travel fork, those distinctive 32-inch wheels, and notably, a Super Boost rear hub. This release marks another entry into the experimental frontier of off-road cycling geometry and wheel sizing.

This development is significant as it indicates a continued, albeit slow, exploration of larger wheel diameters beyond the established 29-inch standard. While 29ers are now ubiquitous, the 32-inch concept remains on the fringes, championed by a handful of boutique builders like BTCHN' seeking marginal gains in rollover ability and stability, particularly for bikepacking or technical trail riding. The Super Boost hub, wider than standard, suggests a focus on rear-end stiffness and accommodating the unique demands of such large wheels.

Ultimately, the Alpina is a niche product for a niche within a niche. While it won't be gracing World Cup start lines, it's a testament to the industry's enduring fascination with incremental innovation, however impractical for the masses.