DT Swiss has changed up their RWS axle system to improve durability and shave a few grams. For those unfamiliar with RWS axles/skewers, here’s the 411: Rather than using a leveraged cam to clamp your wheel into the dropouts, the RWS handle simply twists tight. Once you have it tight, the red release button lets you pull the handle out and rotate it to any position you desire without changing the clamp force.
On current models, the red release button sticks out from the lever, and some riders have managed to clip it off on a rock or root, which has left the wheel somewhat stuck on the bike. The design shown here replaces the protruding button with a flush one that depresses into the axle:
This new RWS axle will replace all current models for 2011, which means soon.
