Continental and Rene Herse to Launch 32-Inch Gravel Tires
The two manufacturers plan to release their new gravel tire models in April 2027.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Cycling
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Continental and Rene Herse have announced the upcoming release of 32-inch gravel tires, scheduled to hit the market in April 2027. These new offerings arrive as multiple industry brands prepare to debut 32-inch gravel bikes early that same year.
Why it matters
The development of these tires is intended to support the arrival of a new 32-inch wheel diameter standard for gravel cycling. Both companies are responding to professional athlete requests and the emergence of bike designs that mirror current mountain bike technology.
Continental will debut the Dubnital tire with a 50mm width, while the Rene Herse Indiana Pass tire will feature a 55mm width and four distinct construction types.
The players
Continental
Continental is a global automotive parts manufacturer and tire company that provides rubber products for various sporting and transport sectors.
Rene Herse
Rene Herse is a specialized cycling component brand known for creating high-performance bicycle tires and parts for endurance and gravel racing.
The details
Continental utilized existing mountain bike tire technology to adapt its new Dubnital gravel tire, whereas Rene Herse created the Indiana Pass tire specifically to meet professional athlete demands. The tires are designed to pair with the new 32-inch bike platforms expected to enter the market.
Timeline
Many brands are expected to launch 32-inch gravel bikes in early 2027.
Continental and Rene Herse will release their 32-inch gravel tires in April 2027.
Season Trajectory
The introduction of 32-inch tires marks a significant shift in gravel bike engineering that could redefine competitive setups for the 2027 season. By moving to this larger wheel size, manufacturers are pushing the technical limits of gravel performance toward mountain bike specifications.
Cyclists should anticipate a shift in gear requirements, as the 32-inch wheel diameter will necessitate frames capable of clearing 50mm to 55mm tire widths. Professional and amateur racers alike will need to monitor frame compatibility updates from major manufacturers ahead of the 2027 season.
The takeaway
The move toward 32-inch tires indicates a growing convergence between gravel bike performance and mountain bike technology. Riders interested in the new standard should verify their current bike frame clearance before purchasing these larger tires.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in off-road racing technology on the Cycling news page.
Live Poll
Do you believe moving to larger 32-inch wheel sizes will improve your gravel cycling experience?
