DT Swiss Spline wheels - Sea Otter 2013

New system available in three versions and three wheel sizes

The new Spline wheelsets use 28 hole hubs with straigh pull spokes

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Josh Patterson

Published: April 24, 2013 at 1:53 pm
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Wheel and component manufacturer DT Swiss recently introduced a new wheel system that introduces several new technologies to their wheel line. Dubbed Spline, the new tubeless-ready wheelsets come in versions for cross-country, trail and enduro riding.

The XR 1501, XM 1501 and the EX 1501 are designed for cross-country, trail and enduro/all-mountain riding, respectively. All three models share the same 28-hole hubs and spokes. The difference between each model being the internal width of the rims: 20mm for cross-country, 23mm for trail, and 25mm for the enduro/all-mountain wheelset.

The hub shells are constructed from two pieces of forged aluminum. According to DT Swiss, this arrangement simplified the machining process while allowing more material to be shaved off the hub bodies.

The spline wheelsets use two-peice hubshells: the spline wheelsets use two-peice hubshells - Courtesy

The Spline's two-peice hub shells are bonded together after machining

Inside the hubs are DT Swiss 240 internals with the 36-tooth Star Ratchet system, which provides 10-degree engagement. The wheels are compatible with both quick release and thru-axle systems thanks to easy-to-swap end caps.

All three Spline wheelsets use straight-pull DT Swiss Competition 14/15 gauge spokes laced to tubeless-ready rims. Rather than having eyelets on the rims, DT Swiss came up with what the company calls the PHR (Pro Head Reinforcement) system, which uses conical washers inside the rim that work in conjunction with the nipple - much like a ball and socket joint - to align the spoke with the rim and hub.

The prolock nipples use a splined interface to aid in wheelbuilding and an internal washing to better align the spoke from the hub to the rim: the prolock nipples use a splined interface to aid in wheelbuilding and an internal washing to better align the spoke from the hub to the rim - Courtesy

The washers also spread the spoke’s load over a greater area of the rim, which should lessen the risk of cracks forming along the spoke bed

Specs

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The 26in and 29in Spline wheels are available now. The 650b (27.5) version is expected to be available in the coming weeks.

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Josh Patterson

Contributor

Josh Patterson is a BikeRadar contributor and former technical editor. He has spent most of his career working in the cycling industry as an athlete, mechanic and journalist. He holds a master's degree in journalism and has more than 20 years of experience as a cyclist and 12 years of experience riding and writing for BikeRadar, Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Dirt Rag, RoadBikeReview and Outside Magazine. A native of the Flint Hills of Kansas, Josh was a pioneer in the gravel cycling movement, having raced the first Unbound 200 and many other gravel events around the globe. He considers himself a cycling generalist and enjoys road, gravel and mountain biking in equal measure. When not traveling for work, he can be found exploring the singletrack and lonely gravel roads that surround his home in Fort Collins, Colorado. In addition to his love of cycling, Josh is an enthusiastic supporter of brunch, voting rights and the right to repair movement.
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