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Just announced, the redesigned 2020 DT Swiss 240 hubs get new Ratchet EXP internals that are claimed to offer longer bearing life, better engagement, and lighter weight. Here are the details and a video from DT.
DT Swiss offers two notable hub lines, the popular 350 and the higher-end 240. Both use DT’s legendary star ratchet system. The company just announced its redesigned 240 hubs with a new Ratchet EXP architecture, bearing interface, tool-free end caps, and more. Scroll down for details.
If you’re not familiar with DT Swiss’ star ratchet free hub, there are essentially four main parts at the heart of the system: two identical ratchet rings and two conical steel springs that push the two rings together. DT’s new Ratchet EXP mechanism uses the same type of ratcheting interface, but instead of having the two ratchet rings floating on the axle, one’s threaded in place within the hub shell, thus eliminating the need for a second spring. DT Swiss claims this more minimal arrangement not only reduces the overall number of components, the fixed connection between the inner ratchet and the hub shell ensures that the inner ratchet is always aligned at the correct angle; this all adds up to increased durability and reduced weight of the entire freehub system. Here’s a video from DT Swiss that outlines the features, and scroll down to find a few more tech specs and details.
The 2020 DT Swiss 240 also gets a newly developed end cap designed to simplify disassembly. The no-tool concept also allows the conversion to a different drivetrain standard within seconds. All DT Swiss Ratchet System hubs can be converted easily and offer an array of free hub standards shown below.
Another change to the 240 is the bearing interface. The integration of the bearing into the threaded ring allows the bearing distance to be maximized. According to DT, the increased distance results in a stiffer axle and an increase in bearing life.
All in all, there are 36 variations of the 2020 DT Swiss 240 hub with 12, 15, and 20mm thru-axle options and either 28 or 32-spoke hole drillings. Ratchet options are limited to 36T (10° of engagement) and 54T (6.7° of engagement). Prices start at $435 for the rear hub and $220 for the front. Find all the hub options and weights at DTSwiss.com.
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