DT Swiss heralds new hub generation with new Ratchet-EXP system
DT-Swiss hubs were considered the best in the world thanks to the ratchet freewheels with spur gearing. Precise, robust and easy to use. No wonder the wheel pioneers from Biel had patented this system - really "had" it. The patent expired in 2018 and the ratchet system is therefore free for other manufacturers.
Despite the fact that the ratchet system is still top of the range, it simmered behind the closed doors of the DT developers. Based on the basic ratchet recipe, DT Swiss now presents the result, the new ratchet EXP freehub served in the new 180 hub.
The heart in detail
Where the old ratchet system consisted of a washer, threaded ring, two springs, two spur gear rings and a bushing, the new Ratchet-EXP has one spring and one spur gear ring less. The inner spur toothing of the Ratchet-EXP system now sits directly on the threaded ring that is screwed into the hub shell.
This has the advantage that the freewheel engages faster and more precisely during rapid load changes. On the one hand, the weight is also lower, but almost more importantly, the freewheel should also be more durable and reliable.
Stiffness also makes a difference. It is said to be 15 percent higher on the new hub, thanks to the wider support of the wheel bearings. While the threaded ring was still screwed onto the bearing on the "old" model, it now surrounds the bearing, which can therefore be positioned further out.
Tool-free replacement
The "Notool Concept" is actually nothing new. It allows freewheels and end caps to be changed without the use of tools - from Shimano to Sram XD and again to Shimano Micro Spline in literally fewer steps.
To simplify service work or body changes even more, the shape of the end caps on the new 180 hubs has been further improved. For example, they are easier to grip thanks to the raised edge.
The 180 mountain bike and road hubs are compatible with all available freehub types offered by DT-Swiss. Sram XD, Shimano 10/11s and Shimano Micro Spline, as well as Sram XDR, Shimano Road 11s and Campagnolo.
DT Swiss specifies 185 and 95 grams for its new rear and front mountain bike hubs. They are initially available as a Boost version with a 110 millimeter axle width and 15 millimeter axle thickness at the front and 148 and 12 millimeters at the rear. The hubs come with 28 spoke holes.
The freewheel uses a 36-tooth ring, and there are also optional 54-tooth rings available for retrofitting.
Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.