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

Neko Mullaly, known for his innovative approaches, has been spotted at the Sea Otter Classic downhill event piloting a Frameworks bike featuring a rather unconventional 32-inch mullet setup – a larger front wheel paired with a standard rear. This experimental configuration, pushing the boundaries of wheel size, was seen alongside Revel's mixed-wheel titanium hardtail, indicating a growing trend of manufacturers and riders exploring non-traditional wheel combinations.

This development isn't entirely out of left field; Mullaly has a history of tinkering with bike geometry and components, often sharing his findings with the wider industry. The "mullet" concept (larger front, smaller rear wheel) has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly in enduro and downhill, for its blend of rollover capability and agility. However, a 32-inch front wheel moves beyond the established 29/27.5-inch standard, suggesting a quest for even greater speed and stability on technical terrain, potentially influencing future production designs.

While the industry largely settled on 29ers and 27.5s, Mullaly's 32-inch experiment at Sea Otter serves as a potent reminder that in mountain biking, "standards" are often just suggestions awaiting the next disruptive idea.