DT Swiss updates their trusted entry-level affordable alloy MTB wheel lineup with a new 1900 SPLINE series, now built on their proven, more durable Star Ratchet freehub tech for all mountain bike disciplines. Essentially, by upgrading to new Ratchet LN equipped 370 hubs, the new DT Swiss 1900 Spline MTB aluminum wheelset family gets an upgrade in durability, the ability to fine-tune engagement, plus a bonus of saving a few grams.
DT Swiss 1900 Spline MTB wheels upgrade to Ratchet LN hubs
The big deal about DT’s new 1900 Spline series mountain bike wheels is a shift to Ratchet LN freehub internals. DT Swiss calls the 1900 Spline wheel family their “first step” into trusted DT quality, durability & performance. Moving to their recent Ratchet LN upgrade internals, it signals a move away from less-strong pawl hubs towards longer running wheels, even at an affordable price point. The trick here though, even though they are still affordable, the new 19000 wheels do look to go up in price by more than 30% vs. the old 3-pawl 1900s.
What’s new?
The new wheels are built around an updated 370 hubset that’s not very different on the outside, but now features 18T Ratchet LN internals inside (like their new Hybrid wheels did too). Long building their durable hub reputation on Star Ratchet tech being a stronger freewheeling interface between the hub & your drivetrain, the Ratchet LN tech comes stock on the new wheels. Additionally, anyone with an older set of 1900 Spline wheels can get the same upgrade with the Ratchet LN upgrade kit.
Interestingly, the new hubs feature 18T engagement standard, which is actually a bit slower than the 24 tooth setup of the previous generation 3-pawl hubs. That said, now the new wheels can also be upgraded to 24, 36, or 54 points of engagement if that’s what you desire. (Interestingly, DT has a good detailed explanation of points of engagement, and why more isn’t always better for mountain bikers.)
Note: This means ALL new aftermarket DT Swiss wheels & hubs are now moving to Ratchet internals, with no more pawl hubs. OEM bike makers can still spec lower-priced wheels with pawl hubs, although that will likely phase-out, as well. (The same thing is expected for remaining entry road wheels to phase-out 3-pawl hubs too.)
Tech details & options
DT Swiss builds the 1900 wheels to be an accessible wheel upgrade for any type of mountain biker, with higher system weight limits (rider+bike+gear) for the more burly wheels. They are offered in three versions simplified versions, now with only 25mm or 30mm internal widths:
- X 1900 for cross-country & marathon with 25mm internal in 29″ only, weights from 1844g (max 110kg)
- M 1900 for all-mountain & trail with 30mm internal in 27.5 or 29″, weights from 1894g (max 120kg)
- E 1900 for enduro with 30mm internal in 27.5 or 29″, weights from 2004g (max 130kg limit)
Each 1900 series wheel features hooked tubeless-ready, sleeved-joint eyeletted aluminum rims, pre-taped for tubeless and supplied with valves. All of the 1900 Spline mountain bike wheels build by hand by DT, with 28 straight-gauge Champion 2mm stainless steel spokes, alloy Pro Lock nipples & straight-pull aluminum hubs (that’s where the Spline name comes from… Straight Pull LINE).
DT builds the alloy wheels around the world with the same tech developed at their Swiss HQ (in the US in Colorado, in the EU in Poland, and in Asia in Taiwan) to better manage supply chains and get wheels where they are needed efficiently.
All of the new wheels are available for centerlock rotors (plus 6-bolt for E 1900 only), and with Shimano HG, MicroSpline or XD freehub bodies. They are also each offered with Boost or non-Boost spacing so you can upgrade your latest or slightly older thru-axle mountain bikes.
DT Swiss 1900 Spline MTB wheels – Pricing & availability
One other thing DT Swiss did with the new 1900 Spline MTB wheels was simplify pricing. Now, all three versions cross-country X, all-mountain M & enduro E start at the same $609 / 449€ pricing. Even factoring in overall industry price increases, that’s a sizable jump up from the previous 1900s ($427/439/465 or 336/346/367€, respectively), but should offer longer-lasting wheels to more riders without going super expensive.
All are now available globally through regular DT distribution channels.
