DT Swiss brings their Ratchet LN DIY upgrade kits to more riders with new road-specific options. Just like on the LN MTB kits debuted earlier this year, now road, gravel & cyclocross riders with DT pawl hubs can step up to Star Ratchet internals with the straightforward conversion kits.
Plus, due to popular demand, DT Swiss has added a complete MTB kit option with a 36T Ratchet for faster off-road engagement.
DT Swiss Ratchet LN Road hub upgrades
The same rationale from mountain biking transitions to drop bars here. Upgrade from 3-pawls to a DT’s signature Star Ratchet for faster hub engagement (and the ability to upgrade further), more secure power transfer, and much-improved durability.
Now, most old 350/370 series road hubs and 1600/1800 series complete road wheels can get upgraded to 240-level performance. Bring OEM spec wheels up to aftermarket performance levels.
What’s different for the road?
Well, not much really. A lot of cyclists with older DT road hubs & wheels could have already upgraded using the MTB kits. But now, 18T Ratchet LN Road upgrade kits include the correct modern road freehub body standards: Shimano Road HG 11-speed (which semi-confusingly, but thankfully works with their new 12-speed groups) and the longer SRAM XD-R drivers for 12-speed AXS drivetrains.
The Ratchet LN Upgrade Kit Road includes all the parts (but not the tools) needed for the hub conversion: the new Threaded Ratchet Ring, a pair of 18T ratchets, springs, shim ring, spacer, grease, and the freehub body of your choice. The Shimano Road 11 kit sells for $92 / 70€, and the SRAM XD-R kit sells for $105 / 80€ – both available now.
New 36T Ratchet LN MTB upgrade kits
Just like the road, those original Ratchet LN MTB upgrade kits launched back in April included 18T ratchets for 20° engagement. But many mountain bikes want quicker engagement than that. So on top of the $92-105 / 70-80€ for the LN kit, DIYers could easily spend just as much extra if they wanted more teeth. DT heard you, and is making it simple.
Now, Ratchet LN MTB kits are also available with 36T ratchet rings from the start, for $52/40€ extra.
Standard alloy Shimano freehub 36T LN kits are still the cheapest upgrade at $144 / 110€, then alloy XD or MicroSpline for $157 / 120€. Heavy-duty stainless steel freehub bodies are also available with 36T LN kits for $26 / 20€ extra. All are available now through multiple DT Swiss retailer & service center channels.
