DT Swiss ARC 1100 CS: the end of steel’s dominance?

A small revolution has just taken place in Biel, Switzerland. DT Swiss, the historic world leader in stainless steel spokes and guardian of a certain manufacturing tradition, has just crossed a major technological milestone. For the first time in its history, the brand is launching a pair of wheels fitted with carbon spokes: the DT Swiss ARC 1100 CS.

Known for its caution and the legendary reliability of its components, has the Swiss firm succeeded in its gamble of drastically lightening its climbing wheels without sacrificing stiffness? We took apart the spec sheet of this ultra-exclusive wheelset.

Carbon spokes… made by Vonoa

This is the central point of the new release. To save weight on its ARC (Aero Road Carbon) range, DT Swiss had to resign itself to temporarily abandoning steel. The objective was clear: to get below the 1,200 gram mark for a pair of mid-depth wheels (38 mm).

The result is convincing: 1,174 g on the scales, a saving of 125 g compared with the previous version fitted with steel bladed spokes. However, one technical detail catches purists’ attention. DT Swiss does not make these spokes in-house. The brand has teamed up with the specialist Vonoa (already seen at Newmen and Hunt) to supply these “aero carbon T-head” spokes.

These spokes feature a specific T-shaped head and integrated aluminium nipples (hidden nipples). Thanks to a tensile stiffness greater than steel, DT was able to reduce the number of spokes on the front wheel from 24 to just 18 (mixed radial and 2-cross lacing). The rear keeps 24 spokes with 2:1 lacing to handle drive torque.

180 hubs and “Pure” rims: the DT ecosystem

While the spokes are outsourced, the rest of the package breathes Swiss engineering. The hubs are a specific evolution of the famous DT Swiss 180, with modified flanges to accommodate the bulkier carbon spoke heads.

• Mechanism: Ratchet EXP 36T for fast engagement and simplified maintenance.
• Bearings: SINC Ceramic, the brand’s top-of-the-range option for reducing friction.
• Axles: Standard 12×100 mm and 12×142 mm.

A rim with a conservative profile

For the rim, DT Swiss uses its new “PURE” manufacturing process, which optimises the carbon layup to eliminate superfluous layers. However, the dimensions may come as a surprise in 2025.

While the trend is towards internal widths of 23 or even 25 mm for gravel and endurance, DT Swiss sticks with an internal width of 20 mm and an external width of 26 mm. It is a resolutely “road performance” and aero choice, optimised for 25 to 28 mm tyres, but it offers less air volume than current “wide” standards.

An important point for safety and versatility: the rim keeps its hooks (hooked). You are therefore free to use any tubeless tyre or inner tube (including TPU) without the pressure restrictions linked to hookless.

Detailed technical specifications

• Weight per pair: 1,174 g
• Rim depth: 38 mm
• Internal width: 20 mm (Hooked)
• External width: 26 mm
• Hubs: 180 Spline CS, Ratchet EXP 36T, SINC Ceramic bearings
• Spokes: Vonoa Carbon Aero (18 front / 24 rear)
• System weight limit: 110 kg
• RRP (WTS): €3,199

Availability and verdict

For this launch, DT Swiss requires a “WTS” (Wheel Tire System) format. The wheels are only sold as a complete kit, fitted with a Continental Aero 111 front tyre (26 mm) and a Continental GP 5000 S TR rear tyre (28 mm), along with Continental TPU inner tubes.

Priced at €3,199, the DT Swiss ARC 1100 Spline 38 CS are positioned directly against premium offerings such as the Roval Alpinist CLX or Lightweight wheels. The weight saving is undeniable and the build quality of the 180 hubs is well established.

It is a niche product for well-off climbers who want to stay loyal to the DT Swiss ecosystem while enjoying the responsiveness of carbon spokes. It remains to be seen whether this “external” technology will be rolled out to future ranges or remain a technological showcase.