Faction Bike Studio has made headlines across the biking world with the unveiling and initial testing of its 32-inch “Big Ben” prototype, a full-suspension mountain bike that dares to question long-standing design norms in off-road cycling. Revealed at Eurobike 2025 in the Maxxis booth, the Big Ben is not just a showpiece—it’s a concept that’s now hitting the trails for real-world testing, aiming to redefine how riders experience performance, comfort, and control.
Breaking New Ground with the Big Ben
Unlike any conventional bike on the market, the Big Ben features massive 32-inch wheels, paired with a bonded, lugged aluminum frame. This high-concept design is matched with a custom 32-inch Intend inverted fork and prototype Maxxis Aspen tires, built for agility despite their size. The platform offers 120mm of travel on both ends and appears tailored for cross-country riders who demand both speed and stability.
At the heart of this innovation is Faction’s willingness to disrupt: “The idea wasn’t to launch a polished product,” said Adam Robbins, Faction’s Product Manager. “It was to challenge what’s possible.”
Big Wheels, Bigger Questions
The Big Ben prototype may not be alone—brands like DirtySixer and BMC have also begun tinkering with oversized wheels—but Faction is leading the charge by making their data public. After months of behind-the-scenes development, the prototype has now undergone its first rounds of trail testing, and the results are promising.
Early reports suggest the Big Ben climbs remarkably well for a bike of its stature. Faction’s engineers reported improvements in ride quality, traction, and descending control. Despite its size, the bike remains agile in technical terrain, and even shows surprising jumping capability, thanks in part to its optimized geometry.
What Riders Can Expect
According to Faction’s test riders, the key benefits of the Big Ben include:
- Enhanced traction on loose or rugged terrain
- Smoother ride quality on long-distance trails
- Efficient climbing, despite the larger wheel size
- Surprisingly nimble handling for tight switchbacks and rock gardens
However, the Big Ben is not without its trade-offs. Its larger wheels mean increased weight and a learning curve in terms of bike control. Still, many testers believe that with the right adjustments, 32-inch mountain bikes could become a serious category in performance cycling.
Big Ben: From Concept to Platform?
While still in its concept phase, the Big Ben has sparked a new conversation around mountain bike wheel sizing. The success of this prototype could encourage other manufacturers to bring their own 32-inch concepts out of hiding and onto the trail.
“We believe this could be more than just a one-off,” Robbins hinted. “It’s a platform that could shape the future of cross-country and even enduro bikes.”
As Faction continues refining the Big Ben, the cycling community will be watching closely to see whether these big wheels can truly turn the tide of bike design.
Final Thoughts
The Big Ben represents more than just another prototype—it’s a statement of intent. Faction Bike Studio is boldly inviting the industry and riders alike to rethink what’s possible on two wheels. As testing progresses, expect more insights into whether the Big Ben will become a market-ready trailblazer or remain a fascinating experiment in design evolution.
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