DT Swiss' new wheels for 2014

The Biel-based wheel specialist is presenting the new "Spline One" wheel series at the "Sea Otter Classic" festival. The Spline series is available in all three wheel sizes and in three versions. Tubeless-ready rims from 24 to 30 millimetres wide, a new hub and other details are designed to provide more stability at a low weight. The price for these wheelsets should also remain within reasonable limits.

The most striking new feature of the Spline wheel is the hub, which consists of two parts. The split hub shell allows DT Swiss to reduce the weight of the hub without compromising its stability. This also results in a unique look. The tried-and-tested "Ratchet System" is still used for the inner workings of the freehub.

The hub flange is designed for "straight pull" spokes, which means that straight spokes without offset spoke heads are used for this wheelset. This also has a positive effect on weight and stiffness. Together with the new rim profile, the weight of the lightest 26-inch wheelset should be just 1410 grams. The lightest 27.5-inch wheelset weighs in at 1470 grams.

The Spline One wheels are available in all dimensions as "XR" and "XM" versions. The "EX" version, which is intended for enduro use, is only available in 26- and 27.5-inch dimensions. Furthermore, the hubs on all Spline wheels can be converted to XD freewheels for the Sram XX1. They can also be converted from 135 to 142 millimetre axle widths and from thru-axles to quick-release with the appropriate conversion kits.

The recommended retail price for the "Spline One" wheelsets is between 999 and 1,079 Swiss francs, depending on the version.