Spotted at Sea Otter: 32″ Mullets are Already a Thing

At the recent Sea Otter event, the emergence of 32-inch front wheels paired with 29-inch rear wheels—commonly referred to as "32-inch mullets"—has begun to attract attention in the mountain biking community. Neko Mullaly showcased this trend by racing a custom Frameworks downhill bike equipped with a 32-inch front wheel and a 29-inch rear. To accommodate the larger front wheel, the Fox Podium fork travel was reduced to 140mm, a setup tailored to the relatively smooth and pedal-friendly Sea Otter downhill course. Mullaly’s choice of a Maxxis Aspen front tyre, unusual for downhill racing, highlights the experimental nature of this configuration. The concept of mixed wheel sizes is gaining traction beyond just Mullaly’s bike, with Revel Experimental Labs also unveiling a 32-inch titanium hardtail that can be configured as a mullet. The Revel bike was on display alongside a full 32-inch version, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to exploring the potential of this wheel size. The mullet setup, though less prominent than the full 32-inch model, indicates a flexible approach to wheel sizing that could appeal to riders seeking a blend of stability and agility. A key innovation supporting this trend is Revel’s sliding dropout system, which allows for extensive chainstay length adjustments while maintaining compatibility with the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) standard. This design enables riders to easily switch between wheel sizes or fine-tune their bike’s geometry without compromising drivetrain options, including the possibility of converting to a singlespeed. Such adaptability could make 32-inch mullet setups more accessible and appealing to a wider range of riders. As the Sea Otter downhill race progresses, the performance of these 32-inch mullet bikes will be closely watched. If successful, they may signal a shift in downhill and trail bike design, offering a new balance between the rolling efficiency of larger wheels and the manoeuvrability of smaller rear wheels. The early experiments by riders like Mullaly and manufacturers like Revel suggest that the 32-inch mullet could become a notable trend in the coming season.