At Eurobike last summer, Faction Bike Studio was one of the brands that really helped kick the 32″ revolution into high gear with Project Big Ben. The full suspension bike was built around 32″ wheels front and rear, and while only a prototype, the design was impressively polished. Now, Faction Bike Studio is back with the Atlas, a gravel bike built around 32-inch wheels. The concept bike serves as a testing platform to evaluate how oversized wheels affect real-world performance, geometry requirements, and integration challenges in drop-bar bicycle applications.
The project addresses several technical hurdles that the industry will face with larger wheel sizes. To counteract the increased axle-to-crown height that comes with 32-inch wheels, engineers created a -35 degree stem to maintain low front stack measurements and preserve rider aerodynamics. The frame accommodates 2.1-inch tires while achieving 435mm chainstays, demonstrating that larger wheels can work with relatively short rear-end geometry to maintain handling responsiveness.
Like Big Ben, Atlas features bonded frame construction developed in-house (only this time using carbon tubes and aluminum lugs instead of all aluminum). This particular frame is a 55cm, putting it in the middle of the size range. The build includes a TRP/Classified Vistar Powershift drivetrain with 46T Classified chainring, Easton 32-inch carbon rims (huh? Looks like Easton is now in the 32″ game with Haven carbon?), and Schwalbe 32-inch x 50mm G-One RX PRO tires. Additional components include an EC70 Aero handlebar, Wolftooth headset and T47 bottom bracket, Fizik Vento Antares R1 Adaptive saddle, and titanium bottle cages.
The bike will be displayed at Sea Otter Classic at the Tektro/TRP booth. Don’t expect production bikes from Faction Bike Studio, though. They are primarily an independent product development studio that specializes in helping cycling brands develop products from concept through production-ready solutions.
factionbikestudio.com
