Just like when we were kidsyour friend gets a new bike, and you wanna hear all about it (unless its a time-trial bike right?). This time, however, my friends new bike is something few people have, and its a pretty big deal: a custom titanium 32-inch wheel single-speed. My buddy Dicky took up the 32 wheel charge earlier than any of our crew. But rather than waiting for the frames and forks to come to him, he went out and had a custom frame built up, handpicked some cool available parts, and dove into the deep end of 32-inch-wheel madness.(Photo/Dicky)When talk of a 32-inch wheeled XC (and all MTB disciplines) mountain bike first started bubbling up, it was easy to write it off as internet noise or just bikes for really tall people. At best, we thought it might be a cool thought experiment destined to stay in prototype purgatory. But it seems that 32-inch wheels are rolling fast to the floor of your local shop(The Team Dicky Blog, you place for things likebike things. Photo/Team Dicky Blog)Who Is Rich Team Dicky Dillen?Dicky is one of those characters in the cycling world you instantly recognize. He embodies the joyful, sarcastic, obsessive heart of the sport. A long-time endurance racer and single-speed fanatic, Rich writes with equal parts humor and brutal honesty about gears, trails, and the absurdity of chasing the next big thing on two wheels. HisTeam Dickybloghas been a landing place for deep thoughts and industry rants. Whether hes debating wheel sizes, swapping gears, or simply trying to wrap his head around the latest cycling trend. Richs voice is unmistakably that of a rider who loves bikes, loves riding, and loves sharing the ride with anyone wholl listen.I sat down with Dicky and asked all the pertinent questions, like What the hell are you thinking?Bikerumor: What pushed you to start the journey to build a 32 bike?Dicky: When the 32 X 2.4 Maxxis Aspen showed up at the Taipei Bike Show in March 25, I could feel my inevitable future slapping me up the backside of my head (children of the 70s feel me).Not such a long time ago when 29 bikes started, many of the single speeders that I was racing against at endurance events had already jumped on board.I spent 2006 with my heels dug in with my forever bike, but when I witnessed the magic of big wheels as they would roll over everything while leaving me in the dust, I decided stubbornness was not always a good look. I converted in 2007, and although those early bikes were challenged from a geometry perspective to say the least, the benefits of a larger wheel could not be ignored. There were a lot of growing pains and reluctance in the industry, which hindered much-needed progression, but we learned a lot of lessons, and that learning puts us in a better place to give bigger wheels a go.(Photo/Dicky)BR: Was it tough to find the gear and kit? Run us through a Dicky Pro Bike Check of what you have here.Dicky: That was my biggest concern when Tom from Vassago asked me if I was serious about getting a 32 mountain bike after all my ranting and general bear-poking on social media.I told him that if he could sort out the wheels with deep hopes that Industry Nine would get in on this, source the not-yet-available Maxxis tires, and design a frame that would fit me (and most importantly, handle the way I wanted it to), I was ready to financially commit.A couple of weeks later, I opened my wallet, the frame was designed, and parts started getting ordered.Vassago titanium 32 frame, prototype32 Industry Nine Hydra 2 wheels on Nextie Unicorn carbon rimsMaxxis 32X2.4 Aspen tiresENVE carbon fork and 780mm M6 bar, 35mm alloy stemFox Transfer dropper post w/PNW Loam leverShimano XTR BL-M9220 BR-M9200 BrakesOld and no longer available Ergon SMR saddleRace Face ERA 175mm cranksCane Creek Hellbender headset and bottom bracketShimano XTR pedalsESI Racers Edge grips(Photo/Dicky)BR: Is the frame fully custom? What considerations did you and the builder take into account in creation? Did you tweak the geometry numbers much to accommodate the larger wheels?Dicky: This frame was essentially fully custom, but Tom is currently working on stock geometry for an early 26 release. It was meant to feel as much like my current Vassago 29er frame as possible, while accommodating the larger wheels.The design isnt suspension-corrected because the big fork manufacturers are being tight-lipped about anything they might have in the works, and I didnt want to wait for them to shit or get off the pot.Obviously, the chain stays are longer, but the wheelbase only grew 30mm compared to my 29er, and that includes going from a 44m offset to 52mm using the flip chip on the ENVE fork.BR: What was your first impression?Dicky: I took it to a very familiar trail where Ill be racing at our local winter series for five weeks.I hit the first turn, and I honestly started to grin in the hardest no fucking way manner. I took the first lap cautiously, waiting for something hinky to happen, but the second lap? I just went for it. The stability, traction, predictability the way that I could get away with whatever I was willing to in the corners just gobsmacked me.Go high on a berm in the chatter or take an inside line over a loose-as-marbles surface.It was, for lack of a better word, nuts.At the A-Line (very technical)/B-Line (longer and not technical) climb options, I managed to get up the A-Line, not with enough consistency to use it in a race lap after lap, but it was the first time Id made it up on a single speed since 2020. On the third ride, I took it to the twistiest, rockiest, rootiest, obviously built back in the day trails in the area. Nothing about the wheels held it back, although riding rigid is always going to be an acquired taste.(Photo/Dicky)BR: Looking at your bikes, you have a very similar-looking 29 bike in the stable. How does this compare to your 29 race bike? Are there give-and-takes for each?Dicky: Before I got the 32 bike, I had three way too similar titanium single speeds, rigid, 130mm, and 140mm.The redundancy became apparent when I only rode the more aggressively oriented 140mm bike seven times in 2025.It had to go, but that made room for me to make this wonderfully rash decision. I do find that I need my rigid bike a few times a year, because rigid single-speeding is always going to be part of what I do. Its less of a give-and-take and more horses for courses, so they are all race bikes as much as they are pleasure boats.BR: How tall are you? We see that 32 is getting a bill as a tall persons option, but thats not exactly what youre saying. Do you feel that a 32 bike can service the entire bike population (within reason) and not just the tall folks?Dicky: Im only 5 6.5 (my physician doesnt want to give me the extra .5, but Im taking it). I honestly do not think a 32 wheel will work for everyone.I have a longer inseam than most people my height, but this bike is intended to be my go-fast/stay-low machine.As most of the online critics are eager to point out, I can buzz my butt with the rear tire easily when things get extra XC rowdy.This is not only due to the larger wheel size. Im also 35mm lower in the frame than my 29er due to the increased bottom bracket drop.I will eventually take this bike to Pisgah for shits and giggles, but I can already picture which trails are going to be a challenge as far as clearance goes when things get steep.Ive reduced the dropper from 180mm to 160mm, but I can still put my rear end in all the bad places.(Photo/Pisgah Paparazzi)BR: You recently raced some STXC on the new 32 big boy bike. What are your impressions after having some more time on the bike? How did it handle at race speed compared to the 29?Dicky: Being that its a single speed on a course I know well, I thought I had the gearing all figured out. That said, my exit speed out of the corners is faster, the bike doesnt get hung up when things get lumpy, and the momentum rolling into the climbs is greater, so I geared it higher (in terms of roll out) than I would on a 29 wheel.That aspect really surprised me.I guess you can also throw out any preconceived notions about slow acceleration as well, because somehow this 130lb old man got it up to speed off the start line and into the woods with only one rider ahead of me.We had a rainy go at the course the first week, and the Aspens wouldnt be my first choice in the baby diarrhea mud we have in Charlotte. That said, all of the other advantages still had me grabbing the 32 bike as opposed to one of my other two single speeds that could have sported a more aggressive tread pattern.(Photo/Dicky)BR: Do you see 32 as a progression of 29? Will 29 go the way of 26?Dicky: It obviously has sizing limitations, and some are still just going to stick with 29 regardless of any benefits of going bigger.There will always be those who want to go anaerobically fast and others who want to huck their meat through the air, so choose the right wheel size for the riding you prioritize.Granted, people were saying 29ers werent flickable, that is, until they were. My bike is just a hard tail, but designing suspension into the mix is going to limit just how tall you must be to get on this ride.BR: The industry seems to be getting behind the 32 craze quicker than the 29 one. Do you feel that the industry is pushing 32 because some dont want to come late to the game? Or is there a measurable advantage to this wheel size that World Cup XC riders will need?Dicky: Its both.The move to 29ers proved that you dont want to be late to the game.I remember when Specialized said they would never make a 29er. How did that work out?Oh, theyre still in business? Color me surprised.Pardon me while I put on my flameproof suitAs far as UCI XC racers oof. Those who can manage to ride a 32 wheel on the super gnarly courses are going to get an advantage. The least that the UCI could do is get rid of their pointless rule against mixed wheel sizes in XC, because whats the point?Im not saying a mullet is going to get you 50% of the advantage thats available, but I think it will make a difference. Im heavily considering a mullet for my personal Pisgah bike once forks are available, although it would be nice to keep a bike that fits in a travel case without removing the tires. I know there are inverted Euro options, but Im not going down that road.Schwalbe is working on some new 32 gravel tires. (All photos/Schwalbe)BR: What are your predictions on 32 gravel bikes? (kinda joking here, butyou never know with this industry right now).Dicky: It will happen, but I have no idea how small the frame can get before you have toe overlap.Im nowhere close to it on my 32 mountain bike, but my 700c gravel bike is already pretty tight, and I have friends that I ride with who just deal with it.Maybe gravel bikes will go down the longer front end/short stem road, but I know enough about gravel bike geometry to fill my navel and leave enough room for an elephant to run around.BR: Whats next for you? Are you eyeing up any more 32 builds, maybe a full suspension bike?Dicky: Just a possible mulleted single speed for aggressive riding. Ill regretfully buy another full suspension bike when I feel as old as I really am, but I cant imagine my taint can handle the 32 in the rear as its closing in on my backside.(Q: Will it fit on the car, or will we need 32 bike racks? A: Photo/Dicky)BR: Give us 32 parting words about the future of 32 bikes.Dicky: If you asked me to tell you my name in thirty-two words or less, you would find my name at the bottom of the page.Ive been riding mountain bikes since the late 80s, and when I started living the family life a few years later, I reduced my number of hobbies to one. Ive been geeking out on the minutia of the sport ever since.Now that Im fifty-seven, I realize that if I wait for the industry to give me the chance to try big wheels out myself (and have an informed opinion), its going to be a long while.I see 32 bikes being an option in the near future, but thats all it is, an option.There seem to be two groups that are most vocally opposed to 32 wheels, and the Venn diagram of them has more overlap than an extra small 32 wheel gravel bike.You have those that say were making mountain biking too easy, neutralizing the challenge they so desire.Unless theyre riding a 26 rigid single speed with V-brakes, I think theres a lot of challenges theyre missing out on.Then there are those who are complaining that the industry is just trying to create a new standard to make money. Im guessing theyre all still enjoying their Bridgestone MB-1s if they are really that entrenched in the desperate marketing disguised as technological improvements camp.Ive been around long enough to hear all the arguments. We dont need clipless pedals, front suspension, rear suspension, threadless headsets, disc brakes, tubeless tires, 29 wheels, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 speeds.. Well, I dont need a microwave, a cordless drill, or indoor plumbing but I do quite enjoy them in my world.I do my best to live my life without yucking anyones yum while also tuning out any yucks that are bleated in my general direction. Options are nice. Ride a 32 or dont. Select from the menu and enjoy...Was that 32 words? Big wheels have apparently warped all my senses.You can follow Dickys 32-inch journey on his site and on his socials. The post Interview: Dicky Dives into the Deep End of 32 Bikes with Custom Titanium Vassago SS appeared first on Bikerumor.

Won the lottery? Fancy blinging up your cockpit?

The idea of Mikel Landa riding all three of cycling's Grand Tours in a single season has always felt more like romantic speculation than a realistic plan. Yet heading into 2026, the conversation has shifted from fantasy to conditional possibility. Not because of public ambition, but because the req...

CyclistIn the Drops: Maap/Kask logo helmet, BBBs Presta-killers, Maap comfy clothing and the star-studded War Child albumBlue Monday is in the rear view, soaking wet January is almost old news and its time for another thrilling edition of In the Drops.Before we get into the meat and potatoes, lets dig into some of the highlights you may have missed on cyclist.co.uk this week.The big news is that the latest issue of Cyclist magazine is out now, featuring a brilliantly written Big Ride in the south of Spain, a whopper of a Classic Climb to sink your teeth into, the best UK climb since sliced bread and an absolutely rockin gravel ride at Mont Cenis.Elsewhere weve had reviews of the Argon 18 Dark Matter, Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 3 and Wahoo Kickr Core 2; pro content including an investigation into why male pros are retiring younger, why 2026 could be huge for EF Education-Oatly, a guide to the WorldTour sponsors and all the team bikes and kit; plus a podcast with the creator of a new Eddy Merckx documentary.Now youve read all of those, we can begin.Maap x Kask Elemento CE helmetLogos are high fashion now. Will StricksonIn case you hadnt heard, logos are very much in fashion at the moment, to the point where this helmet landed in my inbox in November and I glossed over it, thinking it was a bit much. Fast forward a couple of months and Im all over it.Its the latest in trendy Australian clothing brand Maaps collaborations with companies that make the kit it doesnt such as its shoes made with Quoc that I very much enjoyed in 2025 this time focussing on the helmet market, working with Italys Kask and its highest-end Elemento helmet.Fluid Carbon 12 is a panel of carbon composite within the helmet shell, which Kask says improves impact energy distribution. Will StricksonWhen our erstwhile colleague Emma Cole reviewed the Kask Elemento in 2023, she found very little to fault outside of its pricetag, with its innovative safety tech sitting alongside high levels of aerodynamics, comfort and ventilation. And this Maap version adds aesthetic merit as well as an eco-leather strap.If this design isnt for you, there are a trio of quieter Maap designs of Kask Protone Icon CE helmets too.Buy it now from Maap (370)BBB valvesThis is the CoreCap upgrade set and my valve cores are about to be swiftly cast off. Will StricksonHow often does genuine innovation come about in cycling? Quite often to be fair, and the latest example comes courtesy of BBB Cycling, which may have just drawn the curtains on Presta valves.Is this little thing the future? That little button on the top presses down to allow the air through.Will StricksonThe CoreCap replaces the fragile Presta valve core with its simple screw-on design that BBB says provides 300% more airflow, meaning faster inflation, easier sealant top-up, less chance of clogging, more precise pressure adjustment and no bent valve cores.Its pumped up with standard Schrader heads for universal compatibility, can be used with tubes and tubeless, comes in six colours and can be bought as either a full tubeless valve set or valve cap upgrade set (pictured above) for any threaded Presta valve with a removable core.Buy it now from Windwave (from 14.99) Related Posts Cyclist Magazine Podcast: The legend of Eddy Merckx, with Lee Donaldson Pinky promise: Why this could be the season of EF Education-Oatly Flemish steel: Behind the scenes at Jaegher Cyclist magazine issue 171: on sale now Maap Essentials CC clothingAlexa, play Blue Monday. Will StricksonCycling kit brands venturing into off-bike clothing is nothing new, and this isnt Maaps first time either, but its Essentials CC products are new. Its a collection of basic, comfortable clothes to change into post-ride, or just wear at any time you like.Theres a hoodie, jumper, long-sleeve and short-sleeve T-shirts, cap and large tote bag though the tote bag appears to be sold out at present, which may have something to do with Harry Styles comeback.Not sure Im Australian enough to pull this off as trendy, but Ill give it my best shot. Will StricksonOn display here are the sweat shorts and short-sleeve T-shirt. The shorts are made from 420gsm organic cotton and feature an elastic waistband, side pockets with ripstop lining and a rear zip pocket, while the T-shirt is 260gsm organic cotton with a ribbed collar.And yes, Im already dreaming of warmer weather. Sue me.Buy now from Maap (T shirt: 55; shorts 85)What were into this week: Help(2) As the music industry starts to wake up again post-Christmas, with new releases from the likes of Harry Styles, Zach Bryan, Snail Mail, Mitski, James Blake, Courtney Barnett and more, one of the biggest stories of the year so far is the new compilation album put together by charity War Child.As the name suggests, War Child aims to help children and communities in areas of conflict around the world, providing emergency support, psychological support, educational support and long-term support to help families rebuild their lives.War Child has used musical endeavours to raise awareness and money for a while now, and its most recent project is the Help(2) album, which features new songs and covers from an impressive array of artists (see picture for the full list). The album along with associated merch is available to pre-order before its release on 6th March, but a first taste is already available on streaming platforms in the form of a brand new song by Arctic Monkeys. Its pretty good.Pre-order Help(2)Find out more about War Child or donate at warchild.org.ukThe post In the Drops: Maap/Kask logo helmet, BBBs Presta-killers, Maap comfy clothing and the star-studded War Child album appeared first on Cyclist.

Cycling is a sport for dreamers. Its for people who dream of one perfect victory.Of the flawless climb.Of the road that disappears into the distance and delivers the most beautiful view theyve ever seen.Of the coolest bike, the cleanest line, the day when everything finally clicks. The list is endless and thats exactly why

The modifications to the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order mean that disabled people will be able to cycle on the town centre street during market hours

CyclistAlUla Tour 2026 preview: Route, favourites and how to watchAfter Australias season-opening Tour Down Under, the early-season racing action moved to the Middle East with the 2.Pro AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, which runs from 27th-31st January and is set to bring more early-season sprint opportunities after the fast-finishing Aussie opener.The AlUla Tour was first launched in 1999, but this year is only the tenth running of the race after several lengthy breaks over the two and a half decades since its first running, though it has been a (near) constant fixture on the calendar since 2020.While much of the race takes place on flat terrain, there are a few notable bumps in the road that should provide opportunities for late breakaway opportunists to shine. Tom Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling) claimed his first elite stage race general classification victory here last season by over a minute over a trio of Uno-X Mobility riders, with Fredrik Dversnes and Johannes Kulset completing the podium either side of Pidcock.Start lists are still being filled out, but unsurprisingly Jonathan Milan will try and open win account for the season here as the sprinter to beat for Lidl-Trek. We were expecting Milans chief opposition to come from Soudal-Quicksteps Tim Merlier, but the European Champion has picked up a knee injury. UAE Team Emirates XRG have confirmed Jan Christen will be riding, while Paul Double and Pascal Ackermann will be at the start for Jayco-AlUla. 19-year-old Giro Next Gen winner and WorldTour debutant Jakob Omrzel lines up for Bahrain Victorious, coming off an impressive 2025 season that saw him top the youth classifications at the Tour of Slovenia and CRO Race, with Fabio Jakobsen looking for a potential win for Picnic PostNL.AlUla Tour 2026: Key informationAlUla Tour/Pauline BalletDate: 27th-31st January 2026Start: AlUla Camel Cup TrackFinish: Harrat UwayridStages: FiveDistance: 800km2025 winner: Tom Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling)Most wins: Ghader Mizbani (2)UK television coverage: Discovery+, TNT Sports 4, TNT Sports 1AlUla Tour 2026: The route and stage-by-stage previewThe race sticks to familiar locations of the AlUla Camel Cup Track, Al Manshiyah Train Station, Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah, AlUla Old Town and Harrat Uwayrid. Theres three sprint stages with the two hilly days ultimately deciding the general classification on Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah (4.9km, 5.8%) and the races finish at Harrat Uwayrid(2.9km, 12%).Stage 1, Tuesday 27th January: AlUla Camel Cup Track AlUla Camel Cup Track, 158kmThe AlUla Tour kicks off where the 2025 edition finished, with a sprint stage around the AlUla Camel Cup Track. Last year cultimated in a sprint finish where Pidcocks teammate Matteo Moschetti prevailed against Dylan Groenewegen, Sebastin Molano and Alexander Kristoff. Expect Milan to be at the fore of proceedings.Stage 2, Wednesday 28th January: AlManshiyah Train Station AlManshiyah Train Station, 152km2025s Stage 1 is 2026s Stage 2. What should be a second consecutive sprint finish comes after a 152km stage spent riding around AlManshiyah Train Station.Stage 3, Thursday 29th January: Winter Park Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah, 142.1kmThe GC battle should wake up after a flat 80km spent heading south towards the summit finish on Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah. The finish marks the first real climb of the race, coming in at just under 5km at an average gradient of 5.8%. Pidcock won here on his way to the overall in 2025, the day having been cut by almost 30km due to poor road conditions.Stage 4, Friday 30th January: Winter Park Shalal Sijlyat Rocks, 184kmFor the second straight stage the racing begins at Winter Park, but this time heads out east towards Aradah before turning west to Shalal Sijlyat Rocks in what should be another fast finish.Stage 5, Saturday 31st January: AlUla Old Tour Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid, 163.9kmThe AlUla Tour ends with a short but sharp climb towards Harrat Uwayrid (2.9km, 12%) followed by an ever-so-slightly-downhill 8km dash to the finish line. Much like Stage 3, this day is one for the GC guys.AlUla Tour 2026: The favouritesAlUla Tour/Pauline BalletThe start list is still far from confirmed, so its not possible yet to pick out the GC riders to beat, but keep an eye on UAE Team Emirates XRG. Theyre coming off a commanding performance at the mens Tour Down Under and will want to keep the ball rolling.CyclistsGC ratings: TBD: TBD: TBDAlUla Tour 2026: How to watchAlUla Tour/Pauline BalletThe UAE Tour 2026 will be available to watch in the UK onTNT Sports/Discovery+. On TV, the first four stages can be seen on TNT Sports 4 with Stage 5 on TNT Sports 1. Viewers elsewhere in Europe can catch the action on Eurosport, with SBS showing the race in Australia, FloBikes providing coverage in the USA, Sky NZ in New Zealand and J Sports in Japan. Its Supersport in Pan Sub Saharan Africa and Claro Sport in Pan South America.If its not being shown in your country, you may be able to watch coverage using a VPN Virtual Private Network which allows users to mask their IP address and watch geo-blocked content, provided they dont need to pay for a subscription. This is also helpful for watching paid-for coverage while travelling abroad in countries without access. One such example isExpressVPN, which iswell reviewed, helps users to find free to watch cycling, and costs start from around 5 per month.Stage 1, Tuesday 27th JanuaryDiscovery+: 11:30-13:30TNT Sports 4: 11:30-13:30Stage 2, Wednesday 28th JanuaryDiscovery+: 11:30-13:30TNT Sports 4: 11:30-13:30Stage 3, Thursday 29th JanuaryDiscovery+: 11:30-13:30TNT Sports 4: 11:30-13:30Stage 4, Friday 30th JanuaryDiscovery+: 11:30-13:30TNT Sports 4: 11:30-13:30Stage 5, Saturday 31st JanuaryDiscovery+: 11:45-13:45TNT Sports 1: 11:45-13:35AlUla Tour 2026: Start listData powered by FirstCycling.comThe post AlUla Tour 2026 preview: Route, favourites and how to watch appeared first on Cyclist.

Reassurance has now turned into something far more tangible. The latest images shared by Wout van Aert on Instagram from Vismas training camp in Spain show a rider already deep into proper workload again, not cautiously testing an ankle but training as if spring objectives remain fully intact. The...

Katie Strempke was the first woman and 10th overall rider to finish the 2026 Fat Pursuit 200-kilometer race earlier this month. Learn more about her Chumba Darksky fat bike, find a video she put together outlining her setup, and dig into her gear list here...The post Katie Strempkes 2026 Fat Pursuit Rig (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

When seasoned Tour de France commentators talk about legacy, they are rarely referring to a UCI 2.2 race. Yet that was the lens through which Ned Boulting viewed the inaugural Pune Grand Tour, as European observers digested what they had witnessed on Indian roads during the five-day stage race. I...