Ratchet EXP – DT Swiss

Among the different hub technologies on the market, the Ratchet EXP from DT Swiss has established itself as a benchmark for performance, reliability and ease of maintenance. Used on the Swiss brand’s high-end wheels, this innovation improves hub engagement and pedalling efficiency. Let’s look at how it works and what its advantages are.

What is Ratchet EXP?

Ratchet EXP is an evolution of DT Swiss’s famous ratchet system, fitted to many hubs renowned for their strength and smoothness. The mechanism relies on two toothed rings meshing together, which ensure fast, effective freehub engagement.

With Ratchet EXP, DT Swiss has optimised this system with several key improvements:

• Fewer springs: Unlike the previous model, which used two return springs, Ratchet EXP works with a single spring. This ensures more consistent contact between the rings and reduces friction.
• A single threaded part: One of the toothed rings is now integrated directly into the hub shell, which improves stiffness and reduces weight.

• Optimised engagement angle: With 36- or 54-tooth versions, the engagement angle is reduced (down to 6.7° on a 54T model), giving a more immediate response to pedalling.

• Bearing integrated into the Ratchet: The Ratchet EXP system has a bearing integrated directly into the fixed toothed ring, which improves axle stability and increases hub durability by reducing the load on the bearings.

• Easy fitting and removal: DT Swiss designed Ratchet EXP for simplified maintenance, with quick access to the components without special tools. The system can be taken apart and serviced easily, which makes lubrication easier and extends the life of the mechanism.

Why choose a hub with Ratchet EXP?

Using Ratchet EXP on DT Swiss wheels brings several significant benefits:

1. Improved power transfer
   Thanks to the integration of one ring into the hub and the removal of one spring, the contact between the toothed parts is more stable. This means fewer energy losses and better pedalling efficiency.
2. Greater durability
   Unlike classic pawl systems, where only a few contact points carry the load, Ratchet EXP spreads the pressure over the whole surface of the teeth. The result: less wear and long-term reliability.
3. Simplified maintenance
   The Ratchet EXP system is designed for quick removal without special tools. Simple periodic greasing is enough to extend the life of the mechanism.
4. A worthwhile weight saving
   By reducing the number of internal components, DT Swiss has managed to lighten its hubs. For performance-minded cyclists, these few grams can make a difference, especially on carbon wheels intended for racing.

Conclusion

Ratchet EXP is a major evolution that further enhances the reputation of DT Swiss hubs. Lighter, stiffer and more reliable, it offers fast engagement and better energy efficiency. For demanding cyclists, whether they ride on the road or off-road, it is a wise choice to optimise their performance while guaranteeing great durability.