Thinking big—literally. A recent social post from Darimo (yes, the same precision-obsessed brand known for their super lightweight custom alloy stems and beautiful carbon cockpit components) has riders raising eyebrows — and questions.
That’s not a cautious teaser — that’s a signal flare. Darimo is clearly hinting that they’ve already engineered (or are in the process of machining) stems specifically designed to correct the geometry offset that comes with 32″ wheels. Considering the IX2 and IX4 platforms are already modular and CNC’d in-house, the step toward a “32-ready” version seems not only likely but inevitable.
So far this year, we’ve seen major tire manufacturers show off 32″ XC race and trail designs. Additionally, BMC augmented its World Cup-winning Four-Stroke design for a test on the Andorra World Cup track, a test dubbed “Project Fahrenheit.” It’s clear that companies that may have been late to adopt the 26″-29er transition don’t want to be left in the wake of the 32″ wheel.
Why 32″ Wheels May Need a Different Stem?
When you scale up to a 32″ wheel, your cockpit doesn’t just look taller — it is. The front axle line rises, and the front center stretches slightly. This means that your handlebar position changes relative to both reach and stack. The result? A bike that feels taller, slower to steer, and potentially disconnected from its intended fit.
A custom stem can bring that geometry back into alignment. You need a shorter effective reach or a steeper angle to restore your ideal bar height and handling feel. Think of it as recalibrating your cockpit after adding lift — without changing the fork or frame angles.
In short, larger wheels move your center of gravity and change steering leverage. The right stem restores that balance.
So… Are 32″ Specific Components Coming?
Thirty-two inch wheeled bikes are being tested at the highest level (check out our World Cup 32″ coverage here), and with that, fit options are needed. Reading between the lines — and knowing how Darimo operates — it sure looks that way. The company is teasing its ability to “manufacture any size, angle, or length,” which sounds a lot like they’ve already been cutting prototypes for custom 32″ builds.
Is this just Darimo having fun with internet memes?
This photo has been circulating on Facebook and various forums. This is a big no-no, but you can still see some similarities in the design. Darimo points out that their design is actually engineered to have a relief, and it is much safer than just taking a hack saw to your current stem.
It’s entirely possible that this is just an internet gag to cash in on a popular meme. It’s also entirely possible that Darimo is tooling up for the likely possibility that someone will want this stem, and then they’ll be ready.
If they are real, expect these to come first as custom-order stems, possibly in extreme lengths or negative-rise options that compensate for the new wheel geometry. With the IX2 and IX4 already featuring internal cable routing, innovative stack management, and a broad clamp face, the platform is ready for it.
Why It Matters
32″ bikes aren’t mainstream (yet), but they’re gaining momentum in the fringe corners of mountain biking and adventure design. Bigger wheels smooth out trail chatter, roll faster, and offer more traction — but they also throw fit and feel way out of whack on existing frame geometry.
A stem that’s purpose-built for that scale isn’t just a curiosity — it’s a sign that component makers are watching this space seriously. And if Darimo is thinking about it, you can bet others will follow.
For now, the brand’s message is simple: “Whatever the wheel size, we can get you back to your correct cockpit geometry.” That’s not just a tagline, it’s the first practical step toward making 32 “bikes ride right.
So buckle up: I’m sure 2026 will bring some wild designs, especially if 32″ wheels are gonna leap to the mainstream.
