Recently Bikerumor checked out DT Swiss’ latest offerings for road and cross disciplines at Eurobike 2017, but in this article we’ll check out a whole new line of wheels for off-road riders. After redesigning the SPLINE ONE 1700 aluminum wheelset last year, DT Swiss decided to offer a complete 1700 SPLINE wheel program for 2018.
The 1700 SPLINE line offers specific models for XC, AM and Enduro with rim options ranging from 22.5-35mm in width. While they’re reputed for performance, DT Swiss intends to be aggressive with the 1700 series’ pricing to “offer benchmark MTB wheel technology at the best price point.”
X 1700
The X 1700’s are lightweight but reliable wheels designed for cross-country riders. They come with DT Swiss’ 22.5mm wide XC-specific rim, and every component on this wheelset has been trimmed down to shave grams.
The X 1700’s hubs feature a spoke layout that maximizes wheel stiffness, and in DT Swiss’ test lab they endured two typical lifespans. All of the SPLINE 1700 wheels are finished with DT’s butted and cold-forged Competition straightpull spokes and Prolock nipples.
A complete X 1700 wheelset can weigh as little as 1632g, depending on configuration. Front axle options include 15x100mm, 15×110 Boost and a 15×110 PS-1 model to fit Sram’s predictive steering hub interface. Rear axle choices are 12x142mm or 12×148 Boost.
The SPLINE hubs use center-lock brake interfaces, but the wheels all come with IS 6-Bolt adapters for easy conversion. The X 1700 wheels are available in 27.5” or 29” diameters in Black/Silver only, and MSRP starts at $814 USD. This wheelset carries a max rider weight limit of 243lbs.
M 1700
Beefing things up a bit, the M 1700 wheels are built for all-mountain exploration. There are three rim profiles to choose from with 25, 30 and 35mm widths. As the rims get wider they also get shallower, maintaining the same G/internal width ratio across the line. The M 1700 wheels can accommodate riders up to 265lbs.
The 25mm rim is intended for weight-conscious trail riders running up to 2.5” treads. If speed is more of a concern than sheer traction for you, these wheels are ideal for running narrower, firmer tires and setting new Strava records. With 25mm rims the lightest the M 1700’s can get is 1714g per pair. These wheels are available in 27.5” and 29” sizes, and axle options include 15x100mm or 15×110 Boost up front and 12x142mm or 12×148 Boost in the rear. The 25mm models start at $828.
Likely the model with the widest appeal, the 30mm rim is the most well-rounded in the line. These rims will hold up to 2.8” tires, so riders can get a lot of grip and a softer ride without adding too much bulk to their bikes. The 30mm wheels also come in 27.5” or 29”, and offer the same axle options as the 25mm version above. Weights start at 1822g, and pricing starts at $854.
If you ride really rough, technical terrain and want as much traction and deflection as you can get, the 35mm rim provides support for tires up to 3.5” wide. Again, axle options are the same as the other M 1700’s, but the widest rims are only available in 27.5”. The lightest pair will come in at 1892g, and all M series wheels come in Black/Silver. The 35mm wheelsets’ pricing begins at $880.
E 1700
The Enduro-focused E 1700 wheels come in two different rim widths, 25 and 30mm. These rims feature the same profile as those ridden by Richie Rude in the EWS Series, and they’re apparently holding up quite well on his bike. DT Swiss’ team rider Nico Lau uses both widths depending on terrain, favoring the lighter, narrower wheels on smoother tracks and going wide when the trails get nasty.
The E 1700 wheels include DT Swiss’ Ratchet System freewheel, which has proven it’s durability on the EWS circuit. The hub can also be converted with different axles or serviced with no special tools required, making it an attractive choice for privateer racers who double as mechanics.
The E 1700’s are sold in 27.5” and 29” sizes. Both the 25mm and 30mm models come with options for 15×100/110mm front axles and 12×142/148 rears.They are only sold in Black/Silver. The 25mm pair’s weights start at 1824g and the 30mm type goes up from 1911g. With the added beef, these wheels can tolerate a max rider weight limit of 287lbs. The 25mm version retails for $828 and up, and the 30mm set goes for $854 or more.
