DT Swiss has released the DEG DF, an anti-pedal kickback system that can be fitted to all Ratchet DEG-equipped hubs.
The system works by enabling the freehub to rotate within a certain range before engaging, enabling the chain to grow and reducing pedal kickback.
The Swiss brand says it's easily adjustable, with three setup options: 0º, 10º and 20º, and adds no extra weight to your hubs.
There is also a DEG DF Hybrid option designed to work with the higher torque provided on electric mountain bikes. However, this is limited to 0º and 10º of rotation before the freehub engages.
Both upgrade kits are priced at $176.20 / €129.90, including the tool required to change the rings within the hub.
Smoother suspension
There’s always been a battle to minimise pedal kickback on mountain bikes, with high-pivot designs a popular option for frame designers.
However, in recent years, there’s been a shift toward components to combat the issue, with Ochain and e*thirteen’s Sidekick Hub already offering solutions.
DT Swiss DEG DF offers a simplified solution, needing only the threaded ring and two ratchets to be replaced in an existing Ratchet DEG hub to achieve up to 20º of dead space before the freehub engages.
The brand says there’s no need for extra components, with the wheels' rotation during freewheeling and the drag from the pressure of the springs on the ratchets forcing the system backwards to reset or disengaged mode.
DT Swiss says the 0º degree option is best for cross-country, the 10º option for all-mountain riding, and the 20º option for enduro and downhill applications.
The system comes with a new 90t ratchet for the DEG DF that has a 4º engagement angle, and a 60t ratchet on the DEG DF Hybrid that has a 6º engagement angle.
The brand says it's easy to set up the system and replace the ratchets for tuning.
What is pedal kickback?
Most full-suspension bikes are designed with anti-squat in their suspension design to give better climbing efficiency, but this causes chain growth when the bike is compressed, and the cassette and chainring move away from each other.
If the cassette can’t rotate forwards because the rear wheel is locked up, the crank will be forced to rotate backwards – hence the term, pedal kickback.
Not only is this unsettling to the ride, but it can also cause the suspension to become harsh and lose sensitivity, meaning there’s less grip on offer.
