Schwalbe has confirmed plans to bring two 32-inch gravel tyres to market, with the G-One RS Pro and G-One RX-Pro scheduled for an April 2027 release. The German tyre manufacturer credits the rapidly expanding interest in 32-inch gravel bikes as the driving force behind this decision.
According to Schwalbe, the conversation around 32-inch wheels has been building for quite some time, gaining significant traction thanks to early racing victories achieved on the larger wheel format.
The performance benefits that 32-inch wheels bring to riders have become increasingly difficult to ignore. Schwalbe points to Robin Gemperle’s triumph at Unbound XL, widely regarded as one of the most gruelling gravel events on the planet, as a standout example. Gemperle rode to victory on a 32-inch Scott gravel bike fitted with prototype versions of the G-One RX Pro tyres. These tyres have also been spotted on various 32-inch builds, including the Singular Pterodactyl.
Felix Schäfermeier, who leads product management at Schwalbe, admitted the company initially had reservations about the concept. “We were sceptical at first about whether 32 inches would be a meaningful addition,” he explained. “But the more we tested, the clearer the conclusion became: riders on 32-inch wheels definitely notice a difference.”
This shift in perspective was already evident at the Velofollies trade show in January, where Schwalbe publicly declared itself “fully convinced” by the oversized wheel format. At that time, the company revealed it had been conducting laboratory testing on 32-inch tyres. Schäfermeier now reiterates the same advantages the brand highlighted earlier in the year.
“From a tyre setup perspective, the new wheel size provides more stable handling, improved traction, and greater comfort, especially for gravel riding,” Schäfermeier stated. “It also creates opportunities in other categories, without reducing the importance of existing sizes.”
The arrival of 32-inch gravel bikes in the consumer market appears imminent. Schwalbe indicates these bikes are “set to hit the market” this autumn. Custom frame builders have already begun embracing the new wheel size, with some having already launched 32-inch models. BikeRadar has previously reported that mainstream brands are expected to follow suit with their own 32-inch offerings next spring.
While Scott produced a 32-inch gravel bike for Unbound and Canyon recently built a one-off 32-inch gravel machine for LeBron James, no major brand has yet brought a 32-inch wheel bike to the mass market.
Beyond gravel tyres, Schwalbe has also announced plans to introduce 32-inch inner tubes and 32-inch mountain bike tyres in April of next year, signalling a broader commitment to the emerging wheel standard across multiple cycling disciplines.
