DT Swiss EXC 1200 Spline 29in wheels review
Top-end enduro wheels
GBP £1,900.00 RRP | USD $2,442.00 Skip to view deals
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These are DT Swiss’s latest top-end enduro wheels, featuring a new 30mm internal width, hookless carbon rims and updated 180-level hubs.
I had no problem seating tubeless tyres, and like the fact the wheels come with a valve core removal tool, which doubles as a valve cap.
The hubs have ceramic bearings and straight-pull, bladed spokes. So far, they’ve run smooth, despite plenty of wet rides.
DT’s Ratchet System freehub has a strong reputation, and this version retains a snappy 6.6-degree engagement, which feels great when putting the power down in between turns.
My pair weighed 1,893g with valves and tape – respectable for an enduro wheelset.
On the trail, there’s none of the harshness often associated with carbon wheels. Even on long, rough descents, I suffered no hand pain, suggesting that DT has successfully blended sufficient stiffness to keep the wheels accurate with enough give to reduce trail buzz.
DT says the rim’s construction allows it to spec lighter spokes, improving ride quality. I didn’t notice any of the lateral flex or inability to hold off-camber lines over roots that overly stiff wheels can struggle with.
They aren’t cheap, but DT’s reputation for reliability and the wheels’ good feel helps bolster overall value.
Authors
Tom Marvin is a technical editor at BikeRadar.com and MBUK magazine. He has a particular focus on mountain bikes, but spends plenty of time on gravel bikes, too. Tom has written for BikeRadar, MBUK and Cycling Plus, and was previously technical editor of What Mountain Bike magazine. He is also a regular presenter on BikeRadar’s YouTube channel and the BikeRadar podcast. With more than twenty years of mountain biking experience, and nearly a decade of testing mountain and gravel bikes, Tom has ridden and tested thousands of bikes and products, from super-light XC race bikes through to the most powerful brakes on the market. Outside of testing bikes, Tom competes in a wide range of mountain bike races, from multi-day enduros through to 24-hour races in the depths of the Scottish winter – pushing bikes, components and his legs to their limits. He’s also worked out that shaving your legs saves 8 watts, while testing aerodynamics in a wind tunnel. When not riding he can be found at the climbing wall, in his garden or cooking up culinary delights.
