Singular Cycles, a renowned English bicycle brand, has recently unveiled its pioneering 32er mountain bike, named the Singular Albatross. This innovative model boasts a titanium frame, meticulously engineered for a rigid fork, and is specifically marketed towards the cross-country and bikepacking segments. The introduction of the 32er wheel size marks a significant development, as Sam Alison, the founder of Singular, expressed his long-standing vision for larger wheels, drawing parallels to the transformative impact of 29-inch wheels he championed years ago. Alison emphasizes that the appeal of these larger wheels extends beyond mere rollability and traction, fundamentally improving rider fit and overall comfort, especially for taller individuals. The Albatross will be available in large and double extra large sizes, catering to riders generally over 5'10", with optimal performance noted for those exceeding 6'2".
Addressing the engineering challenges associated with larger wheel diameters, the Albatross incorporates a Super Boost (157mm) rear spacing to enhance lateral stiffness, a crucial design choice echoed by other 32er manufacturers to ensure stability. Singular Cycles has also focused on optimizing chainstay length, balancing the need for agility with sufficient clearance to prevent tire rub during descents, resulting in a 447mm length. Furthermore, the bike features an impressively low 303mm bottom bracket height, achieved through a substantial 105mm bottom bracket drop, which was refined through extensive experimentation. The Albatross will initially be offered as a rolling chassis, including the titanium frame, a carbon fork, and an aluminum wheelset fitted with Maxxis Aspen 32x2.4-inch tires, priced at $3,900. Riders considering this upgrade should also account for potential adjustments to their gearing, as the larger wheel diameter effectively alters gear ratios, often necessitating a smaller front chainring for optimal performance.
The Singular Albatross joins a burgeoning market of over a dozen brands and custom builders embracing 32-inch wheels, highlighting a growing trend in the mountain biking industry. This includes established names and innovative smaller companies exploring various configurations, even mixed-wheel setups, to push the boundaries of bike design. While major manufacturers have yet to fully commit to this new wheel size, the increasing availability of compatible tires from brands like Maxxis, Vee, and Schwalbe, along with specialized suspension forks from Wren and Intend, indicates a maturing ecosystem for 32er bikes. This pattern of adoption, where smaller, agile brands lead innovation before larger industry players follow, mirrors the historical evolution of 29er wheels, suggesting that the 32er could soon become a more mainstream option, proving its demand and facilitating broader component availability.
This pioneering spirit in bicycle design, exemplified by the Singular Albatross, encourages us to embrace innovation and challenges the conventional. It reminds us that progress often stems from daring to reimagine what is possible, pushing boundaries, and catering to diverse needs within communities. Such advancements not only enhance performance and comfort for enthusiasts but also inspire a forward-looking perspective, proving that with ingenuity and dedication, the future of cycling, and indeed any endeavor, can always be brighter and more inclusive.