One of a few new bikes with 32″ tires on display at MADE, the Nova from Neuhaus Metalworks has a unique distinction – you can actually buy it, and deliveries start later this year.
Building off the success of their Hummingbird Custom, Neuhuas set out to create a 32″ hardtail and see what the big idea was for themselves. To make it all work, Neuhaus modified the geometry to fit the big wheels and utilized a 3D printed yoke to offer the right tire clearance. The frame is built around standard Boost 148mm spacing and includes sliding dropouts to allow for single-speed use.
The geometry is built around a 490mm axle to crown measurement, which in this case is a standard ENVE 29″ rigid fork. Apparently, the 32″ wheel in a rigid 29″ fork is roughly equivalent to a 29″ wheel in a 120mm suspension fork at sag, which makes this a viable option as long as you account for it in the geometry of the build.
Other frame details include clearance for up to 2.4″ tires, a 73mm T47 bottom bracket, and a 31.6mm seat tube with internal dropper routing.
Geometry
Neuhaus expects the Nova to fit riders from 5’8″ to 6’5″, and will offer sizing from M to XXL+. Each frame will be made to order in Novato, CA, from Velospec American steel and will offer custom options for color and braze-ons/bosses. Pricing is set at $2,900, with the first batch of frames expected to be delivered by November 2025.
Industry Nine 32″ Wheels?
The catch here is that Neuhaus is offering this only as a frameset with the ENVE rigid fork. Those 32″ Industry Nine wheels shown on the build (with Nextie carbon rims) aren’t available just yet – though they could be soon.
Industry Nine has the distinct advantage of being able to make their own spokes for their System wheels. So, for 32″ wheels that require longer spokes than currently available steel options, I9 just has to machine longer aluminum ones for themselves. The company hasn’t confirmed that they will be manufacturing 32″ wheels for consumers any time soon, but they confirmed that if there is demand, they have the ability.
There are other 32″ wheels currently available (Wren just announced that they are building carbon 32″ wheels with Nextie), but the other challenge will be finding tires. Those lightweight 32″ Maxxis Aspen tires that everyone has been using for prototypes aren’t actually available yet. You can find the Vee Tire T-Monster 32″ tire online, but at $200 and 4lbs a piece, you might be better off waiting. Technically, you could build a 32″ complete bike by the time the frame is delivered, but who knows, maybe there will be more options available by then.
