DT Swiss XRC 1200 Spline on test: The fastest XC wheels from the Swiss company

To get to the bottom of the quality of a wheel in our test series here, BIKE relies on extensive laboratory tests. Our popometer in the practical test shows whether the interaction of the data obtained is right and thus the riding experience.

How BIKE tests wheels

Blind test on the trail (20 per cent)

Without knowing the laboratory values (stiffness, weight, inertia), three experienced testers rode all the wheels with standard tyres and identical air pressures on a selective circuit. The riding impressions gained regarding riding comfort, precision and general handling were incorporated into the final score by 20 per cent. Surprisingly, lateral stiffness alone is not always reflected in the riding impression.

Impact test (30 per cent)

In the impact test carried out by BIKE in the Newmen test laboratory, a 7.5-kilo round plastic cylinder hits a rim flange on one side at a 20-degree angle. The rear wheel, which is fixed to the hub, is tested in each case. Each new impact hits an intact spot on the rim. The impact energy/height is increased from 3.09 joules up to the defect.

Impeller inertia (20 per cent)

For an explosive start and efficient climbing, not only a low weight but also the distribution of the mass is crucial. The further away the weight is from the hub, the greater the influence on acceleration behaviour. We can precisely determine the actual inertia of a wheelset on our test bench.

Weight (20 per cent)

Just like the inertia of a wheel, we also determine the total weight of the wheels. The weight accounts for 20 per cent of the final score.

Concentricity (10 per cent)

Before the wheels are ridden, we check exactly how well they run true in terms of lateral and radial run-out. This provides information about the manufacturing care and quality of the rim.

Lateral stiffness

The lateral stiffness of the wheels provides an indication of how they behave when riding. However, the lateral stiffness alone does not always correspond to the riding impressions. BIKE determines the lateral stiffness for the front and rear wheel in N/mm. The front wheels are generally stiffer as the flange distance is wider at the front. The spoke angle is flatter. The vertical compliance of a wheel is not a key parameter. Even with a load of 200 kilos, a wheel only yields in the one millimetre range. The differences between them are negligible and are less than one millimetre even with a cross-country wheel compared to a downhill wheel.

DT Swiss XRC 1200 Spline on test

DT Swiss' cross-country flagship only received a comprehensive update in the middle of this year and, at 2499 euros, is one of the most expensive wheels in our wheel test. Compared to this, the weight and inertia are relatively high, and there are now even lighter candidates on the market. On the other hand, the XRC 1200 achieves top marks for the reliable toothed disc freehub and the outstanding stability of the asymmetrical rim. The elaborately manufactured carbon rim, with continuous fibres encircling the rim flange, takes even hard impacts in its stride. The lateral stiffness of the wheels is high. Only the Roval Control SL and the reference aluminium wheel are even higher. In the blind test, the wheels were found to be very direct and precise, but not very comfortable.

Technical data / manufacturer's specifications

• Price: 2499 Euro per set >> available here
• Brake mounts Centrelock
• Freewheel Shimano Microspline, Sram XD
• DT Swiss 180 hubs
• Field of application ASTM 3
• Max. System weight 120 kg

BIKE measured values

• Rim width inside/outside 30.0 / 35.5 mm
• Weight f./h. 621 / 731 g : 1352 g per set
• Inertia f./h. 421 / 429 kg x cm²
• Stiffness f./h. 52.0 / 38.1 N/m
• Impact test: Defect at level 22 (68 joules)

Valuation

• Weight rating (20%): 2.0
• Inertia (20%): 2.0
• Driving experience (20%): 4.0
• Concentricity (10%): 2.5
• Impact resistance (30%): 0.5

Overall grade 2.0