Composure
at speed
For years, we’ve been told 29 inches was the limit. We were told it was "enough."
We disagree.
The Alpina isn’t a scaled-up 29er or a novelty project; it’s an intentional middle finger to the unsettled, "busy" chatter of smaller wheels. Developed on the simple premise that composure creates speed, the Alpina utilizes a 32-inch platform to turn technical singletrack into a high-speed flow state.
While other custom builders are tinkering with one-offs, BTCHN’ Bikes is bringing this to the masses (or at least the ones fast enough to want it). Handmade in Northern California in partnership with Falconer Cycles, these small-batch runs are designed to let you go further, faster, with energy to spare.
Design Intent
Who it’s for: Riders who are tired of being deflected by "square-edge" reality. If you prioritize raw speed on technical descents and want to stay fresh during 10-hour backcountry missions, this is your rig.
What it does: It calms the trail down. The Alpina is "Girthy" where it counts, offering a massive contact patch and gyroscopic stability that makes 29-inch wheels feel twitchy and nervous by comparison.
Why you need it: Because as the trail gets faster and rougher, the Alpina gets quieter. It requires fewer corrections, less body English, and less ego. It carries momentum through holes that would swallow smaller wheels whole.
Attributes of a 32er
Composure is Speed: A calmer bike is a faster bike. Period.
Increased BB Drop: By lowering the bottom bracket relative to the axles, we’ve created a "planted" sensation that provides stability without sacrificing pedal clearance.
Traction on Demand: Run lower pressures, lean harder, and brake later. The increased contact patch is essentially "cheating" in the corners.
The Truth
Let’s be polarizing: Yes, it’s big. Yes, your riding buddies will stare. And yes, in tight, trials-style switchbacks, you’ll feel the larger wheels. But the Alpina isn't for track-standing in a parking lot… it’s for charging into the chunder and coming out the other side with more speed than you started with. If you want a "flickable" BMX bike, look elsewhere. If you want to carry terrifying amounts of momentum, you're in the right place.
The Alpina was developed around a simple idea: composure creates speed. 32” wheels increase rollover efficiency and carry momentum more effectively through roots, rocks, and square-edge impacts. The Added gyroscopic stability keeps the bike quiet and composed when the trail gets rough.
geo Chart
Specifications
FAQs
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6 weeks. These aren't sitting in a warehouse; we’re actively building your frame and assembling the bike in our shop. You’ll get an email from us 2 weeks after your purchase date to confirm your shipping address.
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Check out our Geo Chart, It gives a recommended rider height for each size. But If you’re between sizes or just want som reassurance, email us. We’re builders—we’ll tell you exactly what fits.
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Shipping is a $200 flat rate anywhere in the lower 48. We can ship to your house or directly to your favorite local shop for assembly. Two weeks after purchase, we’ll email you to hammer out the delivery details.
Picking up in person here in Chico? Let us know during that check-in and we’ll kick back your shipping fee immediately.
International? We ship worldwide. Since rates vary wildly, we’ll provide a custom shipping quote and handle the details during our two-week follow-up.
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Yes! We are set up as a direct supplier for Maxxis 32” tires and we will gladly keep you stocked up with fresh rubber. Just send us an email and we will get you taken care of!
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No. It arrives Pro-Tuned from Chico with all the hard parts already assembled and dialed in. Even though all you need to do is install the bars, the front wheel, and your pedals, these are critical parts to install correctly. Please have your local bike shop or a qualified mechanic perform these tasks.
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If we messed up, we fix it. If you messed up, we offer crash replacement pricing and in-house repairs. Steel frames are built to be saved, not trashed. Just send us an email and we will make sure you’re taken care of.