Always this tiresome issue of size. Not just with wheels, but in general. It's mainly the wheels that cause the problems. All cyclists beyond the norm know them. Small frames for small people: Frame too long, handlebars not low enough, steering angle too slack with sluggish steering behaviour, foot hits the front wheel. Large frames for large people: too little reach, unsteady handling, unfavourable centre of gravity, rollover feeling. Frame builders regularly come up against the limits of fixed tyre dimensions when it comes to frame sizes.
It would only be logical and sensible for not only the handlebar widths and crank lengths to grow with the frame height, but also the wheel diameters. It would be even more important. A popular excuse used by manufacturers is the lack of availability of components. Older people will remember 26-inch racing bikes, which made small people extremely happy. Until the size became extinct due to UCI bans and then a lack of components.
So now 32 inches. Will definitely come, they say. Certainly in racing first, the most prestigious gravel race in the world has just been won on a 32-inch prototype. But instead of seizing the opportunity and planning sports equipment of equal value for everyone, the industry is lumping everyone together and arguing with Rollover behaviour, comfort and smooth running for everyone. It will only be a few years before the first flagship bikes, then mid-range and finally entry-level models pick up on the trend. You know the drill.
However, only tall people over 180 centimetres will really benefit from this. All shorter cyclists will be left out in the cold or will be sold bikes that require new compromises. But the step would be so easy now, because the situation in the gravel bike segment is more comfortable than ever. Soon there will be wheels and tyres in different sizes and quality levels, which is a novelty. All that's missing now is someone to build the right frames:
- Sizes XS and S: 27.5 inches
- Sizes M and L: 28 and 29 inches respectively
- XL and above: 32 inch
This would really help everyone. The opportunity may be unique, but the industry should seize it.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
