The Most Important Points at a Glance

Pedal kickback is a highly controversial topic; some people feel it intensely, while others don’t feel it at all. This also depends heavily on the frame design and kinematics. But what exactly is it? Put simply, this phenomenon occurs when a suspension system moves backward to avoid an obstacle as it compresses, thereby putting tension on the chain. This tension restricts the free movement of the shock, resulting in a bumpy ride. Pedal kickback often occurs upon landing after jumps as well. The severity of this effect depends on the specific suspension system.

The DF system from DT Swiss is offered as an upgrade kit and can be retrofitted to all hubs with a Ratchet-DEG freewheel system. It’s lighter than other solutions, since you only need to replace the threaded ring in the hub and the two sprockets. The system offers three different options for the degree of freehub play: 0, 10, or 20 degrees. In other words, if you’re not riding the system set to 0 degrees, you can pedal the crank forward by the respective number of degrees without the drivetrain engaging.

First Impressions

Retrofitting with the upgrade kit isn’t complicated, but it does require a special tool that DT Swiss offers as an option. Here’s how to do it: First, pull the cassette—including the freehub body—off the hub with some force, remove the existing sprockets, and replace the threaded ring using the special tool. Then install the new DF sprockets according to your desired freehub range, reattach the cassette, and head out onto the trail. Since no tools are needed after the initial installation, you can quickly adjust the freehub’s play even while out on the trail.

In Action

When the system is ridden with 20 degrees of free play, the suspension feels much smoother—as if it were more responsive or as if you had more travel available. This has a particularly positive effect during short, quick impacts. However, when you start pedaling, your foot initially spins through the 20 degrees of play until the freehub engages, and that feels strange. And what’s really annoying: it actually makes a loud thud when the freehub engages during a powerful pedal stroke. If you don’t maintain maximum body tension during a landing, you run the risk of your front foot sinking, since the counterpressure from the chain pull is missing when you hit the ground. But you get used to it quickly and end up landing a bit more consciously and with greater tension.

The 10-degree setting logically has the same effects—just less pronounced—and is more comfortable to ride. Here, too, the delayed engagement of the freewheel takes some getting used to.

Conclusion

Downhill riders and park riders who aren’t bothered by the significantly delayed engagement will experience smoother handling and noticeably more comfort with the 20-degree setting. However, those who also ride on flat terrain from time to time and tackle climbs under their own power will appreciate the faster engagement at 10 degrees of play. And those who like to accelerate quickly out of turns and ride a bike with minimal pedal kickback should leave the freewheel at 0 degrees and leave the others in the dust. The really cool thing is that adjusting the degrees of freedom takes just a minute, even on the trail. By the way, DF stands for “Degrees of Freedom,” since everyone can choose what suits them best.

Price: CHF 125.00 and up / EUR 129.90

Manufacturer

www.dtswiss.com