DT Swiss has a new carbon wheelset on offer, targeted at a broad spectrum of mountain bikers.
The brand’s 1501 series wheelset has evolved from aluminium to carbon rim construction and is available in three different specification grades: XRC, XMC and EXC.
DT Swiss 1501 wheels spin the company’s latest 240-type EXP hubs, which feature a 36t internal ratchet system. For those mountain bikers who seek greater immediacy on their rear hub engagement, the 240 EXP hubs can be upgraded to 54t ratchet internals.
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All variants of the new 1501 wheelset measure at 30mm of internal rim diameter, which is 5mm greater than before. This 30mm rim width has become accepted as the best platform for most contemporary mountain bike tyre sizes, allowing high-volume tyres the best casing shape and structure, when inflated.
DT has trimmed its spoke thickness by 0.2mm, to reduce weight, without sacrificing the strength of tension properties, on the 1501 wheels.
A range three options strong
The EXC 1501 Spline wheelset is available in both 27.5- and 29-inch sizes, with a choice of either centre lock of six-bolt brake mounts, capable of accommodating massive 230mm rotors. Weighs are 1,609g for the 27.5-inch and 1,719g for the 29er. Maximum user and bike mass, rates at 130kg, and DT Swiss is clearly aiming this wheelset at hardcore enduro riders.
Riders who wish to go slightly lighter in weight can opt for the XMC derivative, which is similar in specification to DT Swiss’s EXC 1501 wheelsets but only mounts a centre lock brake rotor. That weight saving relates to 1,544g for the EXC 27.5-inch and 1,639g for a 29er. DT Swiss recommends a rider and bike weight ceiling of 120kg for these wheels.
If you seek the lightest possible DT Swiss 1501 option, that would be the XRC version, designed course on lightweight mountain bikes. Only available in the 29-inch wheel size, it has a wheelset weight of 1,544g. With these lightest DT Swiss 1501 wheels, combined rider and bike weight limit is 110kg.
To ensure drivetrain convergence and convenience of choice for its customers, the new DT Swiss 1501 Spline One wheelsets are available with Shimano HG, Shimano Micro Spline and SRAM XD freehub bodies. All these freehub bodies are effortlessly exchangeable, without requiring much wrench work.
DT Swiss is marketing its new 1501 carbon mountain bike wheelsets at prices starting from $1,899.
