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How Does the New DT Swiss 240 Ratchet DEG Hub Perform?

by Martin Yang 23 Sep 2024
How Does the New DT Swiss 240 Ratchet DEG Hub Perform?

DT Swiss is well-known for its slow approach to product development. They hardly change their lineup, thus their tried-and-true designs are timeless. The launch of the EXP series was a significant change; although it had some early difficulties, it soon restored DT Swiss's trademark dependability. Drawing on that tradition, DT Swiss has now released their most recent product: a strong hub built with increased serviceability and performance in mind.

This new offering, the Ratchet DEG hub, is the highest-engagement hub that DT Swiss has ever created. The DEG hubs, with their 90-to-oth ratchet rings, achieve an astonishingly low engagement angle of 4°. Despite this progress, they still have a design that is quite similar to the DT internals we have come to rely on.

 

240 Ratchet DEG Hub Details:

- Spoke Count: 28 or 32

- Hub Shell Material: Aluminum

- Engagement Angle: 4°

- Rotor Mount: 6-bolt

- Ratchets: 90-tooth steel

- Freehub Compatibility: XD or Microspline

- Spacing: Front 15x110mm / Rear 12x148mm

- Weight: Front hub 140g, Rear hub 270g

- Price: $499.90 USD / €376.90 (rear hub only)

 

Obtaining such a high level of involvement requires certain compromises. Comparatively to their EXP counterparts, the DEG hubs suffer a 90-gram weight penalty. Two springs instead of one, larger diameter ratchet rings, and an enlarged hub shell to fit the larger ratchet size provide this extra weight from a number of sources.

Currently limited to just 240 hubs, the DEG system positions them as a middle-ground choice in DT Swiss's portfolio based on weight, pricing, and feature set. Although the EXP family is still the lightest and preferred for its simplicity, the DEG hubs center mostly on providing excellent interaction.

The DEG hubsserviceability is one major improvement of the DEG hubs is their improved serviceability. The bigger ratchet size lets you replace the drive-side bearing without removing the threaded drive ring. For those who would rather conduct their own bike maintenance, this development removes the need for specialized tools, lowers the maintenance process's total number of steps, and renders the hubs even more field-serviceable.

Although the DEG hubs seem different from DT Swiss's past designs, the basic ideas are practically exactly the same as the Ratchet concept. Those concerned about durability may find comfort in this continuity, as the original Ratchet hubs have earned a reputation for being remarkably strong across all disciplines and rider levels.

Teeny tiny teeth

 

Service is still as easy as can be

 

E-bikes expose more stress and power on components; hence, I contacted DT Swiss to find out if the DEG hubs would be appropriate for use on eMTB. Their reply was educational:

"Great question! Although their use is not discouraged, we do not particularly advise the DEG hubs to use e-bikes.

E-bikes have a freewheel mechanism in the motor; hence, high rear hub engagement is not really required. High engagement also usually results in higher service expectations. Most e-bike users, as observed right now, give lesser maintenance needs top priority. To satisfy their needs, we thus created the especially reinforced DT Swiss Hybrid hubs (240 and 350).

The reinforced hybrid hubs seem more suitable for eMTB applications. Personally, I can confirm their performance in that scenario, having only used the DEG hubs on conventional, muscle-powered cycles.

 

For those who want to stand out

 

The layman's offering was good enough for me

 

 

DT Swiss has debuted a limited edition of candy red 240 DEG hubs alongside the regular models for those looking for a bit of uniqueness. With just 240 pieces, these hubs provide not just performance but also a distinctive design for riders trying to distinguish themselves on the courses.

The DEG hubs, in essence, represent a careful update consistent with DT Swiss's hub design concept. They have produced a product that fits the needs of riders that respect dependability and simplicity of maintenance by cutting the number of components, lowering complexity, and removing possible failure sites. To confirm its practical performance, however, any new component requires extensive testing.

I have been using the new DEG hubs under DT Swiss EX511 rims for the past six months. I have laced them to endure a variety of conditions, from the unrelenting dampness of a Bellingham winter to the dry, dusty paths of Chile throughout the summer. This great use has provided a thorough understanding of their performance on many surfaces and climatic conditions.

Hubs should, in my opinion, be parts that fit so perfectly that you barely consider them—except for regular maintenance like bearing replacement or lubrication of the driving gear. While I greatly respect components that provide constant performance with minimum maintenance over several seasons, I prefer quieter hubs than loud ones. For me, the original DT Swiss Ratchet hubs have long fit these standards; I have rarely found the need for anything else than what they provide.

Still, there are unquestionable advantages to further involvement. There is a noticeable delay before the drivetrain engages, starting from the stock 36-tooth ratchet in the original hub. This has made the DEG hub a major improvement. The 4° engagement connects pedal input with forward motion more immediately. Technical climbs become more controllable; sprinting out of curves seems more responsive; even small power inputs cause immediate engagement.

Drag-wise, the DEG hubs show a modest degree of resistance; however, this is somewhat greater than the lower-engagement choices offered by DT Swiss. For my part, I'm not particularly sensitive to the variations in pedal feedback between low and high-engagement hubs. Having said that, I have seen that more active participation might result in more noticeable comments on specific bike models. For riders who are particularly sensitive to pedal kickback or who prefer the feel of lower engagement hubs, staying with the conventional Ratchet system may be a good choice.

The DEG hubs have shown really remarkable durability. I have not had any problems throughout half a year of various and sometimes hostile riding situations. Given the difficult winter circumstances in the Pacific Northwest, the bearings are starting to show regular wear. Before the next rainy season starts, I want to do a bearing refresh. The inside grease still seems clean and efficient, and the ratchets themselves are in excellent shape. The simplicity with which the hubs can be dismantled, cleaned, and re-greased greatly increases their lifetime and user-friendliness, often in only a few minutes.

The DEG hub is a fantastic choice for riders looking for a high-engagement hub without sacrificing durability or simplicity of maintenance. Offering a mix of performance elements that appeal to both aficionados and those who seek dependability, it fills a void in the DT Swiss roster.

The 240 Ratchet DEG hubs introduced by DT Swiss are evidence of their dedication to small improvements without compromising the fundamental standards riders have come to demand. The hubs keep the simplicity and durability that define the brand while delivering on the promise of more involvement.

Although some may take weight growth into account, the trade-off is more engagement and better serviceability—advantages many riders would find valuable. The hubs' performance in a wide range of situations emphasizes their dependability and adaptability.

Ultimately, the DT Swiss 240 Ratchet DEG hubs merit careful thought if you're seeking a hub with quick engagement, proven durability, and simple maintenance. Their debut enhances the choices open to riders and carries on DT Swiss's tradition of excellence and creativity in hub design.

Recommended Reading:

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  2. What is Effective Rim Diameter (ERD)?
  3. Should You Ride a Mixed Depth Aero Wheelset?
  4. Is a Wider Tire Width Really Better?
  5. How to Custom Paint a Bike Frame?
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