The 32" Watch: Forks Are Coming!

Image forwarded to me. Originally from Rich Dillen

 Back when 29"ers were being developed one of the big stumbling blocks to their acceptance was the availability of suspension forks. "Real" suspension from one of the big brands like Fox or Rock Shox were seemingly vaporware. 

Yes, there were efforts by Marzocchi, White Brothers, and there were modified Manitou forks, but no "real" high performance choice existed until 2005 when Rock Shox released the Reba 29. Fox followed two years later, and then 29"ers were basically on the map to stay.  

Keep in mind 29"ers first hit bike shops in 2001/2002. The wait took a few years, but the forks eventually did come. This will seemingly not be the case for the 32" wheel. 

A reader of this blog, who himself is possibly acquiring a 32"er, sent me the image shown here of what looks like a modified Manitou fork said to fit a 32" wheel application. Ironically it was a modified Manitou fork which Gary Fisher used on an early 29"er which became famous as one of the first suspended 29'ers. 

Rich Dillen's 32"er. (Image from Dillen's social media)

 My source also told me there is a 32" Fox fork in the works as well. This means a couple of things. (1) 32"ers are a legitimate choice, at least in the short term, for an off-road bicycle. (2) It means OE brands are ordering this product to put on future 32"ers from well a well known brand or perhaps several brands. It probably also points to development of a 32"er fork from SRAM, especially if the Fox rumor is true. 

Whatever happens, it does appear there will be an accelerated timeline for 32"ers versus the 29"er and its early development. My guess? You'll see mainstream branded 32"ers by late Summer. I would bet Sea Otter will be rife with these things in April. 

Stay tuned.....