'I'm genuinely scared how fast I'll be able to corner' – Scott creates 32" prototype bike for defending champion at Unbound Gravel

Scott has developed a pair of prototype gravel bikes featuring 32-inch wheels, designed specifically for the Unbound Gravel 200 race, the world’s premier gravel event. These bikes will be ridden by defending champion Cameron Jones and fellow racer Robin Gemperle, both of whom have been testing 32-inch wheeled bikes since last year. Despite their debut on such a high-profile stage, Scott has confirmed these models, categorised under their Racing Concept (RC) line, will remain prototypes and are not intended for commercial release. The introduction of 32-inch wheels represents a significant evolution in gravel bike technology, with this larger size offering potential advantages in speed and obstacle rollover compared to the standard 700c wheels. While 32-inch wheels have existed as a niche option for some time, their adoption by a major manufacturer like Scott marks a milestone in the gravel racing world. The bigger wheels require custom frames, generally suiting taller riders, and could redefine performance benchmarks on fast, rough courses such as Unbound Gravel. Cameron Jones expressed enthusiasm about the bike’s handling, describing the sensation as akin to “levitating over the surface” and anticipating unprecedented cornering speeds on descents. Both Jones and Gemperle will use different component builds on their bikes, with Jones opting for a mixed Shimano drivetrain and prototype Industry Nine wheels, while Gemperle’s setup includes a SRAM Red AXS/XPLR drivetrain and bespoke 32-inch wheels. Their feedback during testing has been overwhelmingly positive, suggesting the prototypes deliver a revolutionary combination of traction and grip. The deployment of these prototypes at Unbound Gravel will serve as a rigorous real-world test, potentially influencing the future direction of gravel bike design. While new wheel sizes often face scepticism within the cycling community, a strong performance from Scott’s 32-inch bikes could encourage wider acceptance and inspire other brands to explore larger wheel options. As gravel racing equipment continues to evolve rapidly, this experiment may signal the beginning of a new era focused on maximising speed and control over diverse terrain.