DT Swiss 1700 wheels 2027: Downhill approval and carbon for the middle class

BIKE summary of the new 1700 series

With the new 1700 series, DT Swiss shows how to do a mid-range wheel right: instead of compromises for everyone, there are specialised solutions for every area of use and yet the portfolio is slimmer. The carbon option for the XC wheel and the downhill approval for the Enduro model are particularly strong announcements. The prices starting at 749.80 euros are fairly calculated in view of the technology on offer. The DT wheels are still not ultra-light, but there are big promises in terms of durability.

Asymmetrical rims, more specialisation: the big line

Fewer products, but more speciality parts for even more durability and performance: DT Swiss is set for a comprehensive update. Instead of more and more standardised solutions for all areas of use, the wheel manufacturer is bucking the trend and presenting four specialised wheel models that are to be optimally tailored to their discipline with their own rims and hubs at the front and rear. The aim is to improve durability and weight at the same time. To make the effort worthwhile, the portfolio has also been tidied up: Thanks to the updates, both the Light Support series (LS) and specialised downhill products are no longer needed.

What does the 1700 stand for?

As a reminder: The Swiss wheel manufacturer DT Swiss has become increasingly established on the market in recent years, particularly with high-quality system wheels (rim, hub and spokes pre-spoked). The wheels are considered to be particularly robust and low-maintenance, but are usually not super light. The 1900 series marks the entry level. 1700 is traditionally the price-performance class. There are also wheels in the 1500 and 1200 series, now almost all in carbon for the upper class.

Lessons learnt from the top series

When developing the new 1700 series, DT Swiss worked intensively with the findings from the high-end 1200 Spline series and the extremely durable FR 541 freeride rims. The result should be consistently more durability with lower weight and even better handling behaviour.

The central element of the new development is asymmetrical rims throughout. The wheel naturally remains centred. However, the rims provide a more even spoke tension and therefore better power distribution and greater durability. In addition, DT Swiss is increasingly focussing on specially developed components and different rims for the front and rear wheels in order to optimally match each wheel to its specific loads.

More freedom for the suspension: DEG DF ex works

All wheels except the XRC 1700 come with DT Swiss' own adjustable freehub. With the position of the inner toothed disc, the freewheel's free travel can be adjusted without tools to avoid the dreaded pedal kickback. 0, 10 or 20 degrees (HX only 0 and 10 degrees) are available to cover different preferences. In other words: the suspension is potentially fluffier and the bike sits more firmly on the trail without additional costs or extra weight, as is the case with an O-Chain or Crankbrothers Sidekick hub.

>> Small part, big effect: The DEG DF system put to the test

XRC 1700 Spline: Carbon for Cross Country for the first time

For the first time, the cross-country version has a carbon rim - hookless and tubeless-ready with a 30 mm rim width. At 1,410 grams for the 29-inch set, the wheel is positioned in the light mid-range and should therefore be of interest to ambitious XC racers. The hub: DT Swiss' tried and tested 350 Straightpull with the lightweight 54T Ratchet SL gearing.

Of course, this also means that some of the features below are sacrificed in cross-country in favour of weight. Due to the carbon rim, the price of €1,299.80 is around €500 higher than the previous XR 1700, but the weight advantage is almost 300 grams and the wheel is still quite affordable for carbon. The XRC series is approved up to ASTM category 3 (trail, downcountry) and the maximum system weight is 120 kilograms.

XM 1700 Spline: The all-rounder

For all-mountain and trail use, there is the XM 1700 Spline with aluminium rim. Here too: asymmetric design, 30 mm rim width, tubeless-ready. The 29-inch wheel weighs 1,881 grams, which is slightly more than before, but features the DEG DF system with adjustable pressure angle and should be even more durable. Particularly interesting: the 350 hub with 72 teeth can withstand up to 100 Nm of torque - a clear statement in the direction of motorised support. Price: from 749.80 euros, ASTM 4, 130 kg system weight.

EX 1700 Classic: Enduro with downhill genes

The Enduro variant EX 1700 Classic is built with J-bend spokes and uses the 350 CLASSIC hub with 72T Ratchet DEG DF. Spokes are therefore mounted in the classic way and are easier to change in the event of a defect. DT Swiss wants to make enduro and downhill riders happy. Because, you read that right: The wheel is officially approved for downhill use in accordance with ASTM category 5. At 2,010 grams (29 inches), the weight remains within the limits and is around 100 grams higher than the previous value. Quite astonishing, especially as the new rim is said to be more stable than even the brutal FR 541. 100 Nm maximum torque, also available from 749.80 euros.

HX 1700 Spline: Specially for E-MTBs

E-bikers don't have to do without the new series: The HX 1700 Spline is specially designed for motorised mountain bikes. At 2,127 grams, it is the heaviest model in the series, but is designed for a system weight of 150 kilograms and ASTM 4. The extra weight comes from thicker spokes and a specially reinforced hub. The 60T gearing promises quick engagement in principle. With the DF system, e-bikers can also give the drivetrain up to 10 degrees of freedom for improved suspension performance. Price: from 759.80 euros.

Test: How the new 1700 wheels ride

There are no surprises at DT Swiss and that's a good thing. The wheel company continues to work with Swiss precision and also avoids extremes with the new series. As part of the press camp, we were able to do a few laps on the new wheels and test both the EX 1700 and the HX 1700 e-bike version.

Both were as uncomplicated as possible and always predictable. The wheels are definitely on the stable side rather than the ultimate soft side, but they never ride harshly and inspire a lot of confidence. Using the DEG DF system on the trail (watch out for small parts!) to adjust the free travel to free the rear triangle from pedal kickback was a real eye-opener. We're excited to see how the promise of maximum durability plays out in practice.