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Faction Bike Studio has unveiled the Atlas, a gravel bike prototype designed around 32-inch wheels, further advancing the trend of oversized wheels in cycling. Following their earlier Project Big Ben, which introduced 32-inch wheels to a full suspension mountain bike, the Atlas serves as a testbed to explore the practical implications of such large wheels on gravel bike performance and design. This concept aims to tackle the engineering challenges posed by integrating 32-inch wheels into drop-bar bikes, focusing on real-world usability and geometry optimisation. One of the key technical innovations in the Atlas is the use of a -35 degree stem to offset the increased axle-to-crown height caused by the larger wheels. This adjustment helps maintain a low front stack height, preserving rider aerodynamics and handling characteristics. The frame itself accommodates 2.1-inch wide tyres and features relatively short 435mm chainstays, demonstrating that larger wheels can be paired with nimble geometry to retain responsive handling. Unlike the all-aluminium construction of Big Ben, the Atlas frame uses a bonded construction method combining carbon tubes with aluminium lugs, reflecting Faction Bike Studio’s in-house expertise. The prototype is equipped with a TRP/Classified Vistar Powershift drivetrain and a 46-tooth Classified chainring, alongside Easton’s newly introduced 32-inch carbon rims, marking the brand’s entry into the oversized wheel market. Schwalbe’s 32-inch G-One RX PRO tyres provide the rolling surface, while other components include an EC70 Aero handlebar, Wolftooth headset, T47 bottom bracket, and a Fizik Vento Antares R1 Adaptive saddle. The bike will be showcased at the Sea Otter Classic event at the Tektro/TRP booth, offering enthusiasts a first look at this innovative approach to gravel biking. Faction Bike Studio remains focused on product development rather than mass production, positioning the Atlas as a research and development platform rather than a commercial offering. Their work highlights the growing interest in larger wheel sizes across different cycling disciplines and the technical considerations that must be addressed to integrate these wheels effectively. The Atlas project underscores the potential for 32-inch wheels to influence future gravel bike designs, though it remains to be seen how quickly such concepts will transition into production models.