WHY 32 INCHES?
The 32-inch wheel is everywhere right now, so I thought... why not build my own?
I have always been interested in trying new ideas, but I have to admit I was sceptical about the move to even larger wheels. I previously experimented with 36-inch wheels, but for me they felt like a step too far—more like riding a five-bar gate than a mountain bike.
So when 32-inch wheels started gaining attention, I was curious, but not convinced.
That changed.
After spending the last 12 years riding fatbikes, my approach to mountain bikes has evolved. Fatbikes completely changed my perception of what is possible off-road. They showed me that bigger tyres and larger overall wheel diameters can transform the way a bike rides.
A fatbike, depending on the tyre setup, can already have a larger overall wheel diameter than many 29-inch mountain bikes. Without really realising it, I had already been exploring the benefits of a larger wheel.
Because of that, moving to a 32-inch wheel wasn't the huge leap I first imagined.
FROM PROTOTYPE TO PRODUCTION
ONE IDEA. ONE PROTOTYPE. A COMPLETELY NEW WHEEL SIZE.
Rather than designing a completely new frame and hoping I had everything right, I decided to take a different approach.
Could a 32-inch wheel actually work in the existing Raven Fatbike frame?
After careful measurements, calculations and plenty of curiosity, the answer was yes.
After careful measurements, calculations and plenty of curiosity, the answer was yes. The first prototype was built using 32-inch wheels, allowing the concept to be tested in the real world.
TEST • DEVELOP • REFINE
The prototype wasn't built simply to prove that the wheels would fit. It was ridden, tested and refined, revealing what worked and what needed to change.
The production frame was then developed from those experiences. The top tube was lowered to improve standover clearance, while the geometry was refined around the larger wheels to create a more practical and capable riding position.
THE PRODUCTION RAVEN 32
The production Raven 32 takes everything learned from the prototype and develops it into a purpose-designed 32-inch mountain bike.
The production frame moves away from the prototype's fatbike configuration and uses modern Boost 110 × 148mm hub spacing, together with a T47 threaded bottom bracket.
The lowered top tube provides generous standover clearance, giving riders plenty of room to move when tackling technical terrain.
The prototype proved the concept. The production frame refined it.
THE Ride
The bigger wheels brought the advantages I had hoped for—improved rollover, increased momentum, and a smoother ride over rough terrain—while still keeping the playful character that makes a mountain bike enjoyable.
The biggest surprise was how natural it felt.
It wasn't a 36-inch wheel experience. It wasn't a bike that needed to be wrestled around the trail. It felt like a logical evolution of everything I had learned from years of riding off-road bikes.
Building and testing
The following video is the build and test ride of the prototype.
SPEC AND TECHNICAL
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The Design
The frame is based around a tried a tested geometry, but adjusted for standover and bottom bracket height.
The Ride
Larger wheels equal more comfort, without ruining the technical ability in offroad singletrack. The ability to run rigid forks keep the weight down and enhances the ride.
Cable Routing
You will have a choice of internal, or external cable routing when placing your order. Dropper post internal routing as standard
Boost Wheel Spacing
The Raven 32 uses Boost wheel spacing — 110mm front and 148mm rear. This provides a strong, stiff and reliable wheel platform while giving you access to a wide range of readily available modern MTB wheelsets.
More Clearence, More Confidence
Designed around 32-inch wheels and tyres, the Raven 32 provides plenty of clearance for challenging conditions and year-round riding. Wherever your next ride takes you, the Raven 32 is ready.Bikepacking setup
Rack mounts and cargo cage mounts as standard
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Headset Size: - Top = IS42, Lower = IS52.
Rear Axle: - 12 × 148mm (Bolt through axle included).
Bottom bracket - 73mm x T47
Crank width Boost
Seat Post Size: - 31.6mm
Seat Clamp Size: - 34.9mm (Included)
Dropper Post: - Internal Stealth cable routing.
Cable Routing - Internal cable routing. (External Option)
Pannier rack mounts.
2 x bottle cage mounts.
1 x Cargo cage mount (3 bolt under downtube)
Fixed UDH dropouts or Sliding non UDH drop out option available
Sizes: - Medium, Large, X-Large
Max tyre size - 32 × 2.8
Rigid or suspension ready 100mm max.
BUILD YOUR RAVEN 32
FRAME ONLY
£1,950
RAVEN 32 titanium frame.
For those who want to build the bike themselves or use their own components.
FRAME + FORK
Choose from:
Rigid carbon fork - £2300
or
Manitou 32” suspension fork. - TBC
FULL BUILD
From - TBC
A complete RAVEN 32 built by Smokestone.
Full component specification can be discussed and tailored before your order.