With a larger hub diameter, more stable spokes and a reinforced rim, the new Light Support wheels (LS for short) have the classic features of the HXC wheel series for E-MTBs. However, the new wheels are designed to be significantly lighter. DT Swiss has developed them in two versions specifically for light e-MTBs: as the HXC 1501 LS wheelset in carbon and the slightly more affordable HX 1700 LS wheelset in aluminium.
The facts about the new DT Swiss LS wheels at a glance:
- 27.5 or 29 inch
- 30 millimetre inside width
- Permissible system weight: 130 kilograms
- HXC 1501 LS (carbon): from 1691 grams, 1668.80 euros
- HX 1700 LS (aluminium): from 1894 grams, 798.80 euros
A clear compromise, as you can see when you look at the weight tables. According to the manufacturer, the EXC for enduro bikes without a motor should weigh at least 1601 grams, while the HXC for full-size E-MTBs should weigh at least 1786 grams. The HXC LS is almost exactly in between with at least 1691 grams. Incidentally, the weight specifications from DT Swiss refer to the lightest versions in 27.5 inches. Our first test wheelset in 29 inch with HG freehub weighs 1872 grams.
Light Support wheels - many features of the Hybrid series
Despite the good weight of the DT Swiss LS wheelsets, the new wheels share many technologies with the stable hybrid wheelsets for E-MTBs. The hub flanges are slightly raised for better support, the bearings are larger and are fitted with more and larger balls than in classic wheelsets. The spoke ends are thicker for greater stability. The Ratchet EXP freewheel and the rim have been made more stable. This should give the wheels more strength to cope with the additional torque and higher weight of the E-MTBs. However, the LS wheelsets are not quite as robust as the full-size wheelsets. Hybrid versions. The permissible system weight is therefore "only" 130 kilograms.
In the laboratory tests for the LS wheels, DT Swiss nevertheless speaks of 50 per cent more braking torque, 50 per cent more weight on the wheels and a 25 per cent higher test distance compared to normal mountain bike wheels. The test requirements for the LS wheels are therefore just as strict as for the hybrid series.
EMTB editors' assessment of the DT Swiss LS wheelset
With the new Light Support wheels, the Swiss company DT Swiss is further diversifying its wheel portfolio. The right step? A weight saving of barely 100 grams compared to conventional hybrid wheels may not sound like much. However, the wheels are likely to find fans in the performance-orientated segment of light E-MTBs.
All information about the new wheels can be found in detail on the website of DT Swiss.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
