INTERBIKE 2009 – DT Swiss introduced a full line of updates, upgrades and new goodies to its suspension forks and rear shocks.
Shown above is the all-new XRC 100, an update to the XC from last year that adds external compression damping while only adding a bare minimum of weight.  The XC gets a cosmetic upgrade with UD (uni-directional) carbon fiber finish to match the trend going on all the carbon bikes these days (it used to have a woven carbon finish).
The XC weighs in at 1250g (2.76 lbs) with remote lockout, and the XRC comes in around 1270g to 1300g (2.80 – 2.87 lbs), which makes them some of the lightest full featured suspension forks on the market.  Pricing should be about $1,160 for the new XRC.  Both are available in 80mm and 100mm travel versions, but travel is not adjustable or able to be altered, you get what you get.  The XRC has an available remote lockout add-on, but weights and price here are without it.
There are other new models and upgrades waiting for you on the other side, including their first rear shock with a full lockout and rebound adjustment…
The XC and XRC both get a new UD carbon finish with DT Swiss’ hollow arch technology (on the reverse side of the fork…you’ll looking at the front of the fork).  The new XRC uses an aluminum crown and steerer, though, whereas the XC retains the full carbon exterior build.
The EXC (above) and EXM (both, below) 150mm forks get updated rebound control knobs on the top and compression adjustment knobs on the bottom of the leg.  They also get new Launch Control threshold adjustments that let you compress them during extended climbs and set how big of a hit it takes to return them to full travel.
Both use a new alloy backing plate on the crown that’s bonded to the Magnesium crown/body, and both are available with either standard 9mm QR or 15mm Thru-Axle dropouts. With the 15mm axle option, the EXC is 1695g (3.73lbs, carbon body) and retails for $1160 and the EXM is 1745g (3.85lbs, magnesium body) and retails for $860.
The new rebound and Launch Control knob (above) is much more elegant that the old wing version (below), which was more likely to get snagged by trailside “stuff” and get knocked out of position.
The XMM (both, above) and XMC (below, right) are available in 100, 120 and 140mm travel options, and they get a new TwinShot damper with compression and rebound adjustment and a 3-position lockout.
The lockout settings include:
- Fully open
- Compresses to lower travel, then suspension works within lowered range as normal
- Fully locked
These models also get the Torsion Box alloy backing plate on the “M” models, but the “C” models are all carbon lowers.
Retail prices will be $1,100 for the XMC (3.5lbs) and $800 for the XMM (3.7lbs).
The forks have either manual (below) or remote (above) lockout options.
Last but not least, DT Swiss intoduced the M210 rear shock to complete its mountain bike suspension line.  They previously offered a model with rebound control and lockout -or- compression rebound damping. The M210 hits the sweet spot in the middle with preset internal platform (ie. compression) damping and external rebound and lockout adjustments.  And unlike some other brands, DT Swiss’ lockout is like your buddy that got caught cheatin’ on his girl…it’s Locked Out.  It’s available in five travel options and four eyelet lengths with weights ranging from 210g to 240g, and MSRP is $287.
