The Singular Albatross swoops in with a 32er mountain bike

Singular Cycles has unveiled its latest creation, the Albatross, a rigid titanium mountain bike designed specifically around the niche 32-inch wheel standard. This bikepacking-oriented machine features Super Boost spacing and "right-sized" chainstays, aiming to combine the perceived benefits of larger wheels with a responsive ride. The announcement, featured on Singletracks, marks a bold move into a wheel size that has seen limited commercial adoption.

This development is significant as the cycling industry has largely settled on 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheels for mountain biking, with 32-inch remaining a fringe pursuit, often associated with custom builds or experimental designs. Singular's commitment to a rigid titanium platform further underscores its target demographic: riders prioritizing durability, comfort, and a purist approach to off-road touring, who are willing to embrace non-standard componentry for perceived performance gains in rollover and stability.

Ultimately, Singular is gambling that a segment of the bikepacking market is ready to embrace a wheel size that most manufacturers have long dismissed. It's a niche play, but then again, Singular rarely follows the herd.