DT Swiss 1500 2027: Downhill release at DT - carbon wheels in Indestructible?

Even lighter, even more finely toothed freewheels? No. Instead, DT Swiss has opted for the same technology in the revised 1500 series as in the new 1700 wheels (all info here) The new rims are based on findings from the top 1200 series and promise even greater durability and a more refined ride feel. In addition to the new rims themselves, the adjustable DF freehub should also contribute to this. The Swiss back up their promise with full downhill approval in accordance with ASTM5 for the EXC 1500 Enduro wheels.

Downhill approval for carbon rims. Never seen before at DT Swiss!

Adrian Kaether's verdict on the new 1500 series from DT Swiss

More than just an update: DT Swiss is turning the entire 1500 series inside out. Most of the high-end carbon wheels are now also approved for e-bikes. Asymmetric rims and an improved construction should provide even more durability. It remains to be seen what effect this will have in long-term use. The added value of the DF freewheels and ASTM5 for the Enduro wheelset, however, is already obvious.

Confidence in driving feel and durability

In contrast to the previous wheels, DT Swiss now uses a slightly asymmetrical rim profile for the 1500 series. The wheel naturally remains centred. However, the asymmetry has the advantage that the spoke tension can be selected more evenly, which benefits durability. Especially on the rear wheel, where the cassette would otherwise force very different spoke tensions.

DT Swiss also wants to bring the ride feel of the carbon wheels as close as possible to the aluminium rims. At the same time, of course, acceleration is significantly increased and handling is easier thanks to the lower rotating mass of the lightweight rims. When it comes to the susceptibility of carbon to defects, the developers are relaxed.

"Only if a comparable aluminium rim would be irreparably damaged by the impact will the carbon rim also give way."

As a result, DT Swiss grants first-time owners a lifetime warranty on the carbon wheel for processing and material defects. If the rim is destroyed by a riding error, the Swiss company charges 249 euros for the repair. This is significantly less than what a replacement carbon rim would cost on the traditional market.

Freedom for the suspension: the DEG DF system

With the exception of the weight-optimised XRC wheels for cross-country use, all come with the DEG DF system from DT Swiss. It allows the freewheel to be set to 0, 10 or 20 degrees (0 & 10 degrees for HXC) without tools in order to avoid pedal kickback. With pedal kickback, the elongation of the chain counteracts the compression of the rear triangle. This is the case with most mountain bikes. With the special freewheel, the free travel when starting off is slightly higher, but the suspension works more freely and the bike is generally more stable on the trail.

>> Suspension tuning with special freewheel: DT Swiss DEG DF on test

The wheels at a glance: Many also suitable for e-bikes

All new 1500 wheels come with carbon rims which, like the hubs, are customised for the respective application. Depending on the wheel, there are 24 to 32 spokes. With the exception of the XRC 1500, the classic 1500 wheels are also approved for motor torques of up to 100 Nm and are therefore also an option for e-bikes up to Bosch's CX. The special Light Support wheels from DT Swiss for lightweight e-bikes should therefore no longer be necessary. Motors over 100 Nm torque such as the DJI Avinox will then be served by the HXC 1500, which DT Swiss also recommends for e-MTBs with less power.

XRC 1500 SPLINE: Lightweight for cross-country racers

The XRC 1500 SPLINE race model consistently focuses on saving weight and uses the 240 Straightpull hub with 54T Ratchet EXP system. With just 24 T-head spokes per wheel in 2-cross lacing, the set weighs 1,384 grams in 29 inches (manufacturer's specification), according to the manufacturer. The 30 mm wide carbon rims are hookless and tubeless ready. ASTM category 3 (XC & Trail) with a maximum system weight of 120 kg clearly shows that this is about speed, not bike park use. Price: from 1,699.80 euros. The toughest competitor is therefore above all the in-house XRC 1700 wheelset. Only around 50 grams heavier, but 500 euros cheaper.

XMC 1500 SPLINE: The all-rounder with endless potential

At 1,599 grams (29 inches, manufacturer's specification), the all-mountain version XMC 1500 SPLINE combines a low weight with decent robustness. The centrepiece is the 240 straight pull hub with 90T Ratchet DEG and DF system. The 28 DT Complite spokes front and rear in the carbon rims promise the perfect balance for long climbs and trails. At the same price as the Race version (from €1,699.80), the XMC 1500 is a little more versatile and is approved up to ASTM 4 (All Mountain / Enduro) and 130 kilos.

EXC 1500 CLASSIC: Enduro power with downhill approval

The Enduro flagship EXC 1500 Classic doesn't do things by halves: 240 Classic hub with 90T Ratchet DEG DF, 28 J-bend spokes at the front and a whopping 32 at the rear, triple-crossed. The result: ASTM category 5 with a maximum system load of 130 kg - officially suitable for downhill use. Thanks to the classic spoking with a conventional hub flange, spokes should be particularly easy to replace in the event of a defect. At 1,783 grams (29 inch), the set remains relatively light despite this robustness. The PURE carbon rims (30 mm wide) are designed to withstand even the hardest landings. The price is also 1,699.80 euros.

HXC 1500 SPLINE: E-MTB specialist with hybrid power

The E-MTB model HXC 1500 SPLINE is designed for maximum loads from e-bikes with high system weights: 240 straight pull hub with 60T Ratchet DEG DF freewheel with (0 or 10°). 28 spokes each at the front and rear in 3-cross lacing can withstand the high torques of e-drives. At 1,939 grams (29 inches) and ASTM category 4 with a maximum system weight of 140 kg, the wheel is tailored to the special requirements of e-bikes. Caution: For very heavy riders, the HX 1700 aluminium wheel with a system weight of 150 kg is more suitable.

On the trail with the new 1500 series from DT Swiss

At the press launch in Molini di Triora, we were also able to test the new 1500 wheels in the XMC all-mountain version on a classic all-mountain bike and in the HXC 1500 version on an e-MTB on a few descents. Typical for the carbon wheels is the slight but clearly noticeable increase in light-footedness in acceleration and acceleration when switching directly from aluminium. This is particularly evident on the XMC wheelset, which we rode on an MTB without a motor.

At the same time, neither of the two wheelsets was harsh or unyielding. Even in rough terrain and on long descents, the carbon wheels remained unobtrusive, which can be seen as a compliment. DT Swiss obviously lives up to its claim of bringing the ride feel as close as possible to its own aluminium wheels in terms of compliance and comfort. The wheels also took the odd rough landing on the e-bike in their stride.

The DF system offers great added value for fine-tuning the suspension. However, the surcharge for carbon compared to good aluminium wheels remains high. This makes the 1500 wheels even better tuning parts for well-heeled enthusiasts, which will hopefully be enjoyed for a long time. You will only see them fitted ex works on complete bikes in the absolute top class.