Neko Mulally won Sea Otter Classic DH using a 32in mullet bike – is any part of MTB safe from the controversial wheel size?

Neko Mulally, the American downhill specialist, recently secured victory at the Sea Otter Classic Downhill event aboard a uniquely configured mountain bike. His winning machine notably featured a 32-inch front wheel paired with a 29-inch rear wheel – a 'mullet' setup that pushes the boundaries of conventional wheel sizing. This triumph marks a significant competitive validation for a wheel combination previously considered experimental, especially given the established dominance of 29-inch and 27.5-inch standards.

This victory is more than just a single race result; it's a potent signal in the ongoing wheel size debate within mountain biking. Mulally, known for his innovative approach and willingness to experiment, has now delivered a high-profile win for a 32-inch front wheel, a size rarely seen outside of prototype testing. It challenges the industry's settled norms and could prompt manufacturers and riders alike to re-evaluate what constitutes optimal geometry and handling, potentially opening a new frontier for bike design and performance.

Mulally's win confirms that in the relentless pursuit of speed, no wheel size, however unconventional, is truly off the table. The industry, it seems, can always find another inch.