Is Your Bike Rack Ready for 32″ Wheels? Here’s All the Compatible Hitch Racks We Found at Sea Otter

The rise of 32-inch wheels has been a major talking point at this year’s Sea Otter event, prompting questions about how these larger wheels might affect bike transportation. Concerns centred on whether existing bike racks would need to be replaced or adapted to accommodate the increased size. After discussions with several prominent rack manufacturers, it became evident that many current hitch racks are already capable of carrying bikes with 32-inch wheels, particularly those with tyres up to 32 x 2.4 inches, meaning significant changes may not be necessary for most riders. Among the brands present, 1UP USA stood out as the only company offering a dedicated adapter to retrofit their existing racks for 32-inch wheels. This adapter fits over the wheel hoops and secures with quick-release pins, providing an easy upgrade option. Other manufacturers such as Hollywood Racks, Kuat, RockyMounts, Saris, Thule, and Yakima reported that many of their platform or frame-clamping racks are inherently compatible with 32-inch wheels, often without requiring any modifications. For example, Kuat’s entire Piston series and Thule’s Vero, Epos, and Outpace models are designed to handle the larger wheels seamlessly. Several brands emphasised that racks which secure the bike by the frame or fork, rather than the wheels, are naturally suited to accommodate 32-inch wheels. This includes a variety of hitch-mounted and roof racks that rely on frame clamps or fork mounts. While some manufacturers are still assessing compatibility and expanding their offerings, it is clear that the industry is adapting quickly to the trend, with many racks already supporting the larger wheel size or being easily modified to do so. The broader implication is that cyclists upgrading to 32-inch wheels need not worry about immediate, widespread changes to their bike transportation solutions. Most existing racks will continue to function effectively, and where necessary, simple adapters are becoming available. As 32-inch wheels gain further popularity, it is likely that more manufacturers will confirm compatibility and introduce new products tailored to this growing segment of the market.