I rode 32" gravel and - sorry, haters - quite liked it

Gravel bikes have used 700c wheels since, oh, forever. But as bike brands starting playing with 32" wheels for XC racing applications, the idea was born to put the larger diameter wheels on gravel bikes, too. This prompts many questions: -Just because you can, should you? -Is this really what the bike industry needs now, another wheel size? -How will this affect existing inventory, future development of 700c, pricing, etc, etc? -What are the tangible and intangible pros and cons? Yet having never thrown a leg over one, I just had a single, primary question: -What does it feel like to ride a 32" gravel bike? Thanks to Billy Sinkford for coordinating my quick test ride of the Refugio Stinner 32", and acting as on-bike camera guy. (Check's in the mail, Billy.) More in-depth coverage of the 32" gravel bikes to come. -- Want to see what I'm testing and where? Follow me on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/ben-delaney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_delaney -- The Ride is supported in 2026 by: BikeTiresDirect: https://tinyurl.com/yc7vxujh (save 10% with code 'RIDEWITHBEN') Castelli clothing: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/US/en/ Perc coffee: https://tinyurl.com/fjr7nurr (save 15% with code 'ride15') Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://bit.ly/3S9Dq8r Saris racks: https://saris.com/collections/racks# (save 15% with code 'ben15') Silca maintenance: https://silca.cc/ (save 10% with code 'theridewithbenjune2025') Lezyne radar & lights: https://tinyurl.com/4z5e3e9u The Cyclist Lawyer: https://www.thecyclist-lawyer.com/ Shimano shoes: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep -- 0:00 maiden voyage 2:12 first impressions 3:54 feel on a climb, and descending 5:53 my initial takeaway