2023 DT Swiss Rim Comparison and Review

How does the current DT Swiss aluminium rim range stack up? We cut them all open and find some very interesting things.
Want a pair of your own, or have more questions? Contact us at Wheelworks.co.nz
Measurements and Write-Up: www.wheelworks.co.nz/a-close-look-at-the-dt-swiss-fr-541/
DT Swiss rim comparison to XM 481, EX 511, HX 531 and FR 541
#wheelbuilding #mountainbike #dtswiss #bike #customwheels #newzealand #nz #learning #mtb

[@MichalSzul]

That was the most comprehensive rim comparison I have seen for a long time. Thanks.

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Thanks Michal! Stoked that you found it useful -TT

[@alicoghill]

Aw man, if only DT Swiss explained their own range so well! Great vid.

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Thanks Ali - we really appreciate that :-) -Tristan

[@45graham45]

Great explanation & love the fact that you include all of the messurements. This makes the explanations even clearer. Thanks.

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Emtbtoday]

I remember my trip to Cubes factory in Germany last year they were building DT Swiss wheels on machines! Was very interesting!

[@carlyellison8498]

This was extremely helpful. Subscribed. Thank you!

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Thanks for the sub!

[@jp119]

Awesome video I enjoyed this, and you are right here in good ol NZ. Cheers

[@Beli4l]

running hx491 on both of my trail and downhill bike, no problems so far! still straight as is!

[@BloodyClash]

😁just bought two rr481 and have no idea what it's actually for. put it on my trekking bike because it looks good

[@believe8263]

Very informative. Good job!

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Thank you!

[@megatryn]

I`ve been building EX511 32h wheels for both my DH and trail bikes for the last 10 years. Just built up a new set for my DH bike and the old ones lasted me 3 whole seasons. I don`t feel the need to go for the heavier FR541 at all. Thanks for the comparison btw.

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

A lot of the sponsored pros seem to be using the EX-511 still...I think it's failure mode is maybe preferred. -T

[@Dudu98]

I have a 3 year old hx 531, it has been ridden heavily, many rim hits, it is still in one piece and rolling mostly straight. Amazing quality for the price.

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Yeah, the modern generation DT Swiss aluminium rims are really good! -TT

[@Gem-Ex]

Wow, love the detailed content !

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Glad you liked it!

[@paullyons7825]

Wow, what an excellent review, though I flinched when you got the hacksaw out! Thanks, just the info I needed. Was originally looking at 511's, but realised kitted up and on an ebike I'm near it's weight limit (worth noting)

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

I had to take a few deep breaths before putting the hacksaw to use!! -Tristan

[@ridingsolutionsmtb]

wow! thanks thanks thanks great job!

[@songoten5880]

Amazing video! I race enduro and while training this weekend my front wheel snapped in a Heavy turn sending me right over the bars. I destroyed so many rims in the past it ain’t even funny. (The wheel that broke was a basic WTB rim that came stock with the bike). Do you guys think the EX511 in the front and FR541 in the back is enough? Or should I just screw these 100g and go full FR? Curious about your answers! Greetings from Germany

[@DoctorDefiler]

Excellent overview. Thank you.

[@camb9759]

Between the HX531 and EX511, which one do you think has the best dent resistance? The EX511 has the slightly thicker bead lip, which will also help pinch flats, what is the difference in bead hook thickness between these two? Best break down of these rims- thank you! I didn’t even consider the HX series until this video, I thought it was a cheaper pinned version!

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

The HX531 is a real hidden gem in the lineup! We've built heaps of them and generally pair them with an EX511 front rim. We've found the dent resistance of the HX531 to be excellent. Bead thickness for the various rims is linked on our website www.wheelworks.co.nz/a-close-look-at-the-dt-swiss-fr-541/ -T

[@reallybigphilly]

Interesting video! The dimensional differences are smaller than I expected. I am looking into a hand made wheelset to replace my stock wheels, as I am a heavy rider (108kg). I don't break wheels often, but most issues I have had with my mountain bikes are things like broken spokes, bent axles or out-of-wack freehubs. I've rarely had rim damage though - likely in part due to running relatively high pressures to support my weight. As I ride mostly XC and trail, with the very occasional bike park lap, I am looking mostly at the lighter end of the spectrum, so probably XM481 with maybe an EX511 on the rear. Also, having a lot of red color accents on my bike, the DT swiss logo would complement this very well 😂

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

The 481 / 511 combo is one we use a lot. If you're riding more technical trails then a 511 / 541 combo would be worth looking at as well for your weight, although if you don't typically have issues denting rims then the 481 / 511 should be fine. One nice thing about this range of rim is their ERD is close-enough that you can rebuild a wheel with a heavier duty rim if the light one doesn't stand up -Tristan

[@thedownunderverse]

Nice vid Tristan, learned a lot! Can you do a similar one comparing the DT road rim lineup? Higher end RR411 (Rim and disc), RR421db, and the R460 level ones? Maybe their gravel rims too? Cheers

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Thanks for the kind words but it's a team effort! I'm in front of the camera but the script writing, shooting, editing and proofing are a ton of work and require most of our crew. Great idea to cut up the other rims in the range - any excuse for me to get the hacksaw out again. -Tristan

[@thedownunderverse]

@@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels I saw a bunch of DT aluminium rims cut up on display at a wheelbuilder’s workshop over in Perth. Gotta say, they are VERY impressively made with purposeful wall thicknesses and shaping… if the inner width and outer width dimensions are amenable to ones’ needs, I see zero reason to choose carbon rims over these unless you’re getting paid (or aspire to get paid) to race and absolutely need the (marginal) aero and weight gains.

[@ЛеонМикер]

@@thedownunderverse Друг для МТБ , какой посоветуешь диск 481 или 511.???

[@thedownunderverse]

@@ЛеонМикер481

[@mischiefonthetrail8961]

That DT Swiss Rim would you recommend for the tour divide there is so so many making it extremely hard to decide on what would work the best plan on running 2.4 tires and Son25 hub in front

[@BigerKuma]

Should I use FR541 for front in a DH bike that's being used extra aggressively ? I got a dent in the previous rim FR950, hitting a rock, enough for air to start leaking.

[@rewind9536]

I didn't see any information on nipple washers when I ordered the 541 today.

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

It doesn't look like you ordered the rim(s) from us, however the nipples and washers should be included -TT

[@SteveCraven-fn9rv]

Great Video, I'm interested in what the finish of the rim is like. I have EX1700's off a Transition Spire Carbon and the rims(mostly the back) are cosmetically terrible, it must be from sealant and lube, but nothing will clean them up, drives me nuts. Do the FR541 have more of a gloss finish? Cheers

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

All of the modern rims that use the PHR nipple washer (ie: not the ones with visible silver eyelets) use the same matte finish. Generally we've found it to be pretty durable and still look good after lube, sealant, dirt etc. Do you have any photos? -Tristan

[@hines481]

Interesting. I've had 4 wheels built with these rims (Raild Wheels Sydney) All was fine until this weekend when my 16 year damaged 2 of them on Cannonball at Thredbo. Both running maxxi DHR2 2.4 DH casing with cushcore. The mechanic who looked at them had a whiteboard with FR541 and was striking them off as they came in for repairs. 15 in 1 weekend. He was shocked and said he's barely seen issues with the previous FR560. Now I need to find better rims for Downhill racing

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

That's really interesting! What was the damage?

[@krowka2829]

What do you think about this setup Front (DT Swiss 240 EXE hub + 29' EX 511 rim + 32 Berd spokes) and rear (Aiwee (FIXIE) hub + 27'5 DT Swiss EX 511 rim + 32 Berd spokes - or DT Swiss FR 541. I wonder how the Berd spokes with the Fixie type hub will behave and if there are any contraindications for such a connection.

[@ANDEVILGEL04]

Which one is better for intercity and trail ride? Thank you🎉

[@ianiscaratti4924]

just upgradet my wheels to ex421 for my enduro. hope this is the right choice

[@ningding593]

interesting ERD measurement equipment! please do a video revealing that weapon

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

some things we keep secret :-) -TT

[@bterper1142]

Do you think the fr541 would still provide comfort versus a carbon rim?

[@PinkyFingerPedalStrike]

Great review! I'm changing my rear 511 to a 541 for this season of racing. So, my setup will be a 511 up front and a 541 out back. Thanks for the info! As an aside, remember folks, these rims are directional, even though they may not look it at first glance. So, pay attention when you're building ;)

[@the-pezinator]

So, I do have a few questions, on their site it is $151, but there's no option to buy online, how do you buy them!? Secondly, I think this would be a great rear wheel, but do I need one as a front wheel, I want this for my mountain bike, I don't really know the terms but I think I may be riding for down hill and eventually some jumps.

[@AlexUncut]

Can you please make similar comparison about dt road/gravel bikes. Nobody seem to have reviewed it that way.

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Good idea Alex! Let me see what we can do -TT

[@thedownunderverse]

@@WheelworksHandcraftedWheelsRR421 and RR 411 please?!

[@MartinTeerly]

I have a pair 511 on hope hubs. I won't be upgrading 👌🏻

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

great combo -TT

[@carlospessoa6392]

what is the best rim ex471 or 511? i ride with a bontrager line comp 30 , but i think i need more .

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

The EX-511 is wider at 30mm compared to 25mm. I'd go for hte EX-511 -TT

[@Vodafone16v]

The web is going crazy with these new version / indestructible FR rims. Only downside for me is that they only come in a 30mm Internal Width (for now). These are clearly DT Swiss newest/latest tech... Do you think we'll see the FR in different widths? 35mm Internal Width would be the way to go for my eBike on 2.6 tires. Currently have WTB HTZ i35 rims... but if DT Swiss makes the FR's in 35mm... I'm down

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

I sure hope so! A 35mm internal version would be fantastic as long as the weight doesn't balloon out! 30mm seems to be the tipping point for aluminium rims - beyond that the rims either get really heavy, really soft, or both. -Tristan

[@lukasegl]

I need new enduro rims, 28f/32r hubs. EX511 or FR541? I would like to have the same front and rear. the difference in weight is quite small. what would be your choice? thanks

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

If you've got a history of denting rims then the FR-541 should be better, otherwise the EX-511 -TT

[@MartinTeerly]

Would i feel the difference between 511 and 481 in terms of stifness ?

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

If you're a heavier rider who really pushes through rough stuff then maybe yes, othewise most riders don't -TT

[@ibrahimmauthoor7523]

Are these rims tubeless ready? Because there doesnt seem to be a bead lock on them.

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

All are tubeless ready. They have a small hooked bead but not a lot of 'bead lock' but don't seem to need it. We've never had reports of tyres burping on this generation of DT Swiss rims ~Tristan

[@stu7588]

Am possibly going to get ex511 laced to pro 4s at a good price should I do it haha

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

only if you buy them from us ;-) -Tristan www.wheelworks.co.nz/enduro-alloy/

[@jaycarneygiants]

Where does the FR560 fit in the DT swiss lineup?

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

The FR-560 is no longer in production and has been replaced by the FR-541. They are similar in terms of intended use - the FR-541 is just the newer (and arguably better for most people) one of the two.

[@wd9607]

How do they compare toughness wise with the FR560? Cheers

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Good question! The FR 560 was a good quality and durable rim so it set the bar pretty high! There is no reason to think the new FR 541 won't be as durable or better. -Tristan

[@streetpanda]

these are utterly indestructible.

[@TeilzeitSender]

and the best thing is they dont cost that much :D

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

They're certainly one of the more expensive aluminium rims out there! We've found them to be worth the price though - they build up well and their durability is really good ~Tristan

[@TeilzeitSender]

@@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels i was rather comparing with carbon rims, but still in Germany the go for about 70€ which is average for decent aluminum rims i think. But what do i know 😁😅🙏

[@pernyberg2816]

So, the FR541 new lip profile is a copy of the NEWMEN lip ? 🤔🤔

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Sounds interesting, which rim are you comparing?

[@85rengi]

I think he means the Newmen evolution sl A30/E.G.30.

[@stefanmehler4342]

I know, pretty late to the game, but nevertheless: Newmen ist also "copying" Syntace in that approach. Or better to say Mr. Grätz developed this idea at Syntace and used it later on his own Brand again - and now DT Swiss is coming along. ;)

[@madyogi6164]

Always wanted to build my own wheels. Just bought DT rims, hubs and spokes and ...it appeared a major f**up, cause I've used their online spokes calculator. Result. I have 2 hubs, 2 rims and 300 spokes that are way too long.

[@Djoblin]

is anyone else losing it of the one wonky allen key on the back wall.........OCD

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

Welcome Daniel - you're going to fit in really well here :-D

[@MrVenomist]

dt swiss xr391 are good rims?

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

They're light, if that's what you're looking for! -Tristan

[@kevinjohnson3347]

You guys build fat tire trike rims

[@Pies.]

Imagine if he couldn't saw it apart

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

He's a roadie with little weenie arms :-D

[@hardtruth603]

Almost didn't give you a like for the use of that BS DC term usage, seriously, let Mike Ley's crap die. What rims do DT offer that have offset spokes, would be curious to see a comparison of them or that kind of rim as have had great results using WTB Asym i30 rims.

[@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels]

None of the current DT Swiss rims have offset spoke holes. Over the years I've concluded that offset spokes holes by themselves aren't enough to determine whether a rim is good or not...you can make a crappy rim with them and a good rim without them. We generally find the impact resistance of the DT Swiss rims to be better than the WTB Asym or RaceFace ARC rims for example. Offset rims give a little more non-driveside tension which is generally a good thing. Anyway, thanks for your usage of the like button ;-) Tristan

[@PinkyFingerPedalStrike]

@@WheelworksHandcraftedWheels Possibly I don't have the terminology correct, but my DT rims (511x 541, 1501) all appear to have an offset, albeit very small. Perhaps it's more termed "angular drilling" than "offset"? It's only slight though. Perhaps 0.5mm from the centerline.

[@pheonixfps9248]

The bead lip measurements on their site all pretty much state 2.5. Why so different.