Do you remember the skepticism when the first 29-inch wheels appeared on the starting line? Many laughed, calling them “clumsy” or “wagon wheels.” Today, you won’t find a single professional XC racer on anything else. At 9th Wave, we believe we are standing on the precipice of the next great evolution: the 32-inch mountain bike wheel.
Beyond the 29er Plateau
Innovation in the cycling industry often happens in small, incremental steps. But sometimes, a leap is required to solve a problem that has become a plateau. For larger riders or those tackling extremely rough, fast marathon courses, even 29ers can struggle. They can sink into deep holes or lose momentum against large roots. Inspired by pioneering projects and real-world testing (like the recent Vojo design study), we decided it was time to officially bring the 32-inch format into the 9th Wave assortment.
The “Steamroller” Physics
The primary advantage of the Yarrow 32 is pure physics. A larger wheel has a shallower “angle of attack.” When you hit a 10 cm rock, a 32-inch wheel hits it at a lower point on the arc compared to a 29er. This creates what riders call the “steamroller effect.” Instead of the bike jerking upward, it flows forward.
Because the wheel preserves momentum so efficiently, you spend less energy re-accelerating after every obstacle. On a long marathon course, these saved watts add up to minutes shaved off your finishing time.
The Secret Benefit: Passive Suspension
One of the most surprising findings from our testing is the sheer comfort. The combination of the massive rollover radius and the increased air volume in the tire creates a form of passive suspension. It filters out high-frequency trail chatter before your suspension fork even needs to move. This level chassis means your body takes less of a beating, allowing you to maintain focus and power during the final hour of a race.
Furthermore, the contact patch of a 32-inch tire is significantly larger. This translates to “infinite traction.” Whether you are grinding up a loose, technical climb or leaning into an off-camber turn, the Yarrow 32 bites into the terrain with a level of confidence a smaller wheel simply cannot match.
Engineering the Giant: Hand-built in the Netherlands
Building a wheel this large presents a challenge: how do you maintain stiffness and keep weight low? This is where 9th Wave’s DNA shines. Every Yarrow 32 set is hand-built in the Netherlands using our Asymmetrical Rim Technology (ART). By offsetting the spoke holes, we equalize spoke tension, ensuring that despite the larger diameter, the wheel remains laterally stiff and responsive.
By utilizing high-modulus UD carbon and premium components like DT Swiss 240 EXP hubs, we’ve kept the total wheelset weight at an incredible 1475 g with Steel spokes. A Version with RC1 Fiber Spokes is next, so weight will go down even more. This proves that you can have the benefits of a giant wheel without the traditional weight penalty.
A New Era of Flow
Riding the Yarrow 32 requires a slight shift in mindset. You stop looking for the “cleanest” line and start looking for the fastest one. The stability provided by the 32-inch format allows you to stay off the brakes where you used to hesitate. It’s about finding a “flow state” that was previously unreachable on rough terrain.
We understand that 32-inch bikes are currently a niche, but at 9th Wave, we’ve always been about supporting the pioneers. Whether you’re a taller rider looking for a bike that finally fits your proportions, or a marathon racer hunting for the ultimate momentum, the Yarrow 32 is ready.
As with every rim we make, the Yarrow 32 comes with our Lifetime Warranty. We don’t just build wheels; we build trust.
Ready to lead the evolution? Explore the Yarrow 32 Specifications and Pricing here
