Mike O'Connor
Fresh from his breakthrough win at Unbound Gravel and the overall Life Time Grand Prix title, Kiwi Cameron Jones returns to Emporia, Kansas this weekend aboard something pretty wild: a prototype Scott Sports gravel bike built around 32-inch wheels.
Jones will defend his title in the 200-mile main event, while ultra-distance rider Robin Gemperle will race the 350-mile Unbound XL on the same platform.
Unbound is widely considered the biggest and most prestigious gravel bike race in the world.
Thirty-two-inch wheels have attracted growing attention over the past year, though most of that conversation has centred on cross-country mountain biking after Titouan Carod debuted a 32-inch BMC prototype in Andorra last season.
Gravel, however, may be where the idea makes the most sense – and we’ve already seen a few interesting 32-inch gravel prototypes this year already.
Without suspension linkages to package around, gravel frames can more easily accommodate larger wheels, while the potential gains are significant: improved rollover on loose surfaces, better momentum across rough roads and extra comfort on rigid bikes where tyre volume and wheel size do much of the work.
“This bike makes you feel like you’re levitating over the surface. I’m genuinely scared how fast I’ll be able to corner once on a course with proper descents,” says Jones about the new rig.
The prototype is built around a Shimano 1×12 Di2 groupset combining XTR derailleur, Dura-Ace shifters & brakes, and a GRX crankset, and features a 4iiii Powermeter on the short 160mm GRX cranks, 370mm wide ENVE Aero Road bars, a slammed 100mm Syncros alloy stem and 50mm Schwalbe RX 32″ gravel tires.
Interestingly, Scott says there is no chance that this bike will be made available for regular Joe’s to buy – as its strictly a prototype for now. But that could all change if Cam goes on to win on the thing this weekend.
The easiest place to watch Unbound Gravel this weekend is the official Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel — and it’s free worldwide. Pre race coverage starts on Saturday 30 May – 8:35pm AEST.
Lachlan Morton is probably the key Aussie rider to watch, although Freddie Ovett, a British-born Australian is on the elite list, as is Cassia Boglio, who is expected to line-up for the Elite race also.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
