Rob English on Building a Stunning 32-Inch Mountain Bike

Rob English, the acclaimed custom frame builder from English Cycles in Oregon, has unveiled a remarkable 32-inch wheeled mountain bike. Described as both a prototype and a work of art, this rigid MTB features a custom truss fork, all designed and fabricated by English himself. The project stems from his personal curiosity to experience this novel wheel size, pushing the boundaries of conventional mountain bike geometry and component integration.

This venture into the 32-inch wheel size is significant in a market largely settled on 29-inch and 27.5-inch standards, with 26-inch now a niche. English Cycles is renowned for its innovative, often minimalist, and highly integrated designs, frequently challenging industry norms. Rob English's builds are typically bespoke, performance-oriented machines, making his exploration of this extreme wheel diameter a statement piece that could either inspire niche development or remain a singular, fascinating experiment in cycling engineering.

While unlikely to spark a new industry standard, English's latest creation serves as a compelling reminder that innovation, however unconventional, still finds a home in custom fabrication, often where the big brands fear to tread.