DT Swiss 54T Ratchet Kit (And Why It's the Best $100 You'll Spend!)

[@thecakeisalie7070]

The degree of engagement at the crank is what really matters for technical climbs. If you have 54 POE at the hub but you're in granny gear at 0.68 ratio, the hub will still have a 9.8deg play. The 108 POE hubs will give you 4.9deg play at that gear ratio which is cool. Once you experience less than 5deg play at the crank, there's no going back.

[@richardcandelaria5826]

Not to diminish the sweetness of 54t engagement, but the machining involved makes the teeth finer, which makes them easier to break off especially if you hammer. Check them periodically to look for chipped teeth. Those little busted off pieces are grinding around on the rest of the ratchets which can make more of the teeth chip. They sure do work and sound sweet though.

[@theadventuregamer6693]

I’ve only seen this happen with e bikes. Because of the extra torque

[@JoLe1991]

i have tried out different ratchet lubricants, and 75W transmission oil is hands down the best to reduce wear on the ratchet surfaces. also with this viscous oil, ratchet is way more silent.

[@Antweak83]

I'm going to get this done to my Santa Cruz Reserve wheelset with DT Swiss 350 for sure thank you for this

[@WorldwideCyclery]

No problem, happy to help :)

[@michael186]

One of the best upgrades I have made. My bike came with an 18T ratchet and after installing the 54T, it has been night and day difference.

[@KandiKlover]

I'd love to put this on my 3x drivetrain for even more range. Granny gearing up the steepest slopes bahahaha

[@ashleydburgess11]

@@KandiKlover I think you are mixing up the teeth on the ratchet and the teeth on the cassette!

[@shredr_]

Chris Farley ! That Chippendale’s skit is legendary

[@Nile49]

So pumped to finally find this! I asked at a shop and they weren’t aware of any options to do this. I HATE the slop in my hub. Ordered.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

It's a pretty awesome low cost option vs buying a whole new hub.

[@zxtenn]

I have 54 tooth upgrade on my DT Swiss XRC 1200 wheels, love that sound too, awesome

[@adamenglander]

Can't beat it for the money, love mine. Works and sounds amazing.

[@Candesce]

I have this but I was originally looking for a 3 degree hub. Settled for this as a compromise for price and I've definitely enjoyed it. It sounds great too.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Karina you made a good choice! This is plenty of engagement and definitely affordable compared to a hub with 3-degree engagement. What bike are you riding?

[@Candesce]

Worldwide Cyclery I'm riding a pole evolink 140 :) I actually broke the rear wheel two weeks ago and I'm currently looking at buying a set of industry nine hubs and stans flow rims from my local.

[@boomerangfreak]

I wonder how far they could take these ratchets. They are basically just rings with teeth on them in the end but the 54T rings already look like pretty fine machining is required. I doubt they could get to a 100+ teeth ring but I wonder if they could go further or if they decided trough RnD 54T was the max viable option?

[@mc540flip]

I just recently watched that Farley/Swazey Chipendales skit! Thanks for the hub knowledge .👍

[@nafnaf0]

Did the upgrade to the 54T from the 36T based on this video. It definitely feels quite a bit snappier. IMO, definitely worth it. One note on install, be careful when removing the cassette, it could be stuck on there. If pulling on it hard, try to have a soft area (pile of shop towels) for the cassette to land on.

[@dtswiss]

Great video and helpful review. Keep it up! Greetings from Switzerland. 👌

[@tren-y2m]

I wish I could visit Switzerland 😔

[@k.watson8659]

Me who just wants a louder hub because people move when they hear it instead of a bell

[@jonathankingstone3031]

Way better feel to the hub with the 54t, not only engagement but the whole feel of the hub. And much, much better sound. Smart video.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Agreed and thanks!

[@johnmorrison8351]

I upgraded my 240s from 18 to 36 when the kits came out a few years ago and it was worthwhile, but I won’t bother upgrading further. I still prefer my 36 point 240 to my King hubs

[@chrisgarland9381]

I saw that Presidents’ Day sale and I jumped all over it. Can’t wait to see the improvement. Thanks for the video man

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Happy to help :)

[@alexknott9695]

This video is awesome! Easy to understand and definitely inspired me to upgrade!

[@PascalKolkman]

There is an optimal sweet spot between degree of engagement , Drag & Durability of the tooth. I do trust DT Swiss will install what they have experienced to be the best ratchet Tooth option for their wheels! Because DT swiss wants to make the best wheels they can in a market where there is a lot of competition and they don't want wheel components that have a slightly higher change of faillure within the factory warrenty period. In my case that dt swiss choice : is the original dt swiss 36T ratchet (right in the middle between The 36 Tooth was factory installed for a reason in my DTswiss 240s hub MTB Wheel, wich is performing flawlessly for the past 4 years. One of the reasons why dt swiss doesn't produce a 60t ratchet- unlike some cheaper (aliexpress Brand) chinese hi tensile steel ratchet replica's do - is also because 60 small teeth has not got enough grip or durability. In fact DTSwiss for their Hybrid ebike H series of wheels wich have to be able to handle higher amounts of torque chose to install 26 Tooth ratchets and harder steel freewheel body's in stead of softer aluminum. At last - besides the higher pitch sound like a bunch of flying bees on the track ;-) it is said there's more DRAG while coasting and freewheeling on a 54tooth what will happen a lot when going downhill and when taking sharp corners or rapidly repeating berms. For some people who's main goal is only to have the best possible option of quicker engagement or want to try something else without worrying about these other properties I mentioned : 54t can be a good aftermarket option.

[@MikeesTexas]

Chris and Pamela, Great choices for desktop backgrounds!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Thanks!

[@Indarow]

I absolutely love the Seinfeld intro music.

[@AntonStensby]

But why does two machined pieces of steel cost $100?

[@AntonStensby]

Yeah sadly that is true. I have got a new bike with 350 hubs and a 18t ratchet, and i can see the advantage of an upgrade, but 100 bucks are still 100 bucks.

[@SleepBikeEat]

The tolerances on the 54T ring is crazy. These two rings are manufactured in the same factory they make Rolex watches.

[@richpotatothebestg.m.ovegg2599]

SleepBikeEat Nope.

[@SsmAnyfeSt]

In fact they were like 30 bucks when they came up and as DT saw that everybody wanted those, they boosted the price!! I know cause I wanted that upgrade back then and read about it on forums. Everybody was pissed off and were looking to still find it at 30.... I wanted it so bad but at minimum 3 times the price, I just kept my 18T! lol

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Does seem expensive! You'd have to ask DT Swiss. Maybe because of the high quality aluminum needed along with that they just don't make very many of these so without mass production it's hard for them to get the price down.

[@littlegoobie]

some hubs work on anti reverse roller bearing clutch like a fishing reel. You get instant and infinite engagement points on those wheels so that must be worth at least $1000000.

[@mikekobylasz3490]

Got it a few months back it's amazing

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Mike Kobylasz awesome! What bike are you riding?

[@JustFrana]

2:30 Jeff , the word you're looking for is " law of diminishing returns " ;)

[@WorldwideCyclery]

You sure are right hahaha. The difference is negligible with smaller variances in higher engagement hubs but the 18 to 54 tooth jump makes all the difference in the world!

[@glassbarrel]

Just ordered. I absolutely love my bike, but the 18t on a $9k bike with $2k wheels is criminal

[@antanis]

Holy shit that's a damn robbery.

[@hank9176]

All dtswiss hubs should all come with 54 tooth engagement. Its suprising how much better it is..

[@modsquad8u]

Agreed, if they made this their standard, it would just up their market share...people that had em on stock bikes would love them and keep buying them instead of going to something else after it breaks, or because it has crap engagement.

[@Barkleefan]

The engagement is hard to let go. I have an old shimano silent hub and the instant engagement is addicting. I also love hearing nothing but tire noise when I free-wheel.

[@mattmccluskey6857]

DT Swiss has the best ratchet sounds on the market

[@dtswiss]

Thanks Matt. Highly appreciated. Greetings from Switzerland. 👍

[@devon08059]

Industry 9 has the best hubs sound and engagement.

[@ayowser01]

And here I was thinking I was the only person that drinks beers, eats funyuns and looks at pictures of Pamela Anderson... 😆

[@WorldwideCyclery]

:)

[@raguil7079]

At Sea Otter Classic DT Swiss will complete the conversion to a 54t for $25. What a deal.

[@huntstyle]

Just ordered new wheels that come with the DT350 and immediately ordered the 54t upgrade as well! Current hubs have 60t, so I can't fathom going all the way back to just 18t!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

It would be hard to go back!

[@wesleyburk7421]

Love the Beverly Hills ninja wall paper😂☠️ At the shop I work at, our buddy looks just like the dude so we photo shopped his face onto it and then made it our screen saver on all the computers😂 Must be a shop thing🤷‍♂️

[@xophere]

This size of the wheel also makes a big deal. Degree convert to inches of role back. I am not sure I would ever want to ride a not super engagement hub off road again. This is a great compromise but my Onyx hubs make the freewheel go away. Quite, instant and low drag worth every penny and gram.

[@jesuschavez8417]

Subscribed after you wreaked the bag m8!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

I'm still sad about that, it could have been a great bag of Funyons :(

[@bcc1955]

DTSwiss 54T Star Ratchet: Engagement is sweet, but massive drag totally sucks. Basically, if you like achieving efficiency and speed in your coasting look elsewhere. I have it and it is ridiculously draggy :-(

[@elliott-mtb5599]

I have these 54T ratchets and they are loud, hikers jump off the trail when they hear it! (btw I found on ebay for $75 last yr)

[@Tony-dh]

My 18 tooth ratchets are silent. I prefer loud to let people know i am approaching. I dont stop.

[@GallantLee]

best upgrade for sure! was a completely different bike

[@TboneTenEighties]

I have the PR1600 dicut with the 350's. Such beautiful crafted rims. I'm going to have to do this. Been loving them stock though.

[@mrfrogg46able]

i use dt swiss 350s 100x15 and 135x10. i use an aftermarket ratchet set at 60 tooth. i use an mrp chain guide with a slider.

[@MoiPloy]

4:19 i dont mind the hubs but that pamela lee anderson photo at the back brings memories

[@TheChristopher33333]

The 54T ratchet system is also much weaker than the 18T. I have a pair of DT-Swiss XMC1200 spline wheels with 240S hubs that come with 54T. I have really strong legs and I managed to break the teeth on the 54T on a steep climb. It is an easy fix to replace the ratchet, but I will personally get the 18T instead. I have a pair of 350 hubs with 18T and they are way stronger and work just fine.

[@frederikroark]

There's a 36T upgrade, too.

[@madrx2]

I ride a 54, never had a problem. I'm 96kg and have legs like a tree and do competition velodrome sprinting . I break the chain and have more than 5 times. I have no idea how you broke the ratchet before a chain link unless it wasn't fit properly.

[@stokedriders5184]

I upgraded my dt swiss 350 from 18T to 36T a few years back , don't think they had a 54T option at that time. Price stung a bit but yeah hugely noticeable difference even to 34T so this would be great!

[@Alex-in7ws]

I’m contemplating replacing the 36t on my new Hightower lt, but after riding my brothers bike with the 54 in a dt240 I’ve got quite sick of the noise, I just find it annoying.

[@ride-time]

413X if you put a bit more grease in the ratchet it'll deaden the noise substantially and make it sound much less raspy.

[@Doty6String]

love your prime pam muse back there lol

[@solobellimino2356]

Yes once you go high engagement, its hard to go back to lesser hubs.

[@luismiguelfaria]

Love Funyuns!!!!! Nice video....

[@thomaslcmt]

I have just performed the same upgrade for the sounds. Did you experience on your side less coasting effect on the hub? Here whatever the level of grease I apply, the free wheel turns the cranks 💁 I am on dt Swiss 240 hubs

[@pukki34]

I bought one off ebay for 50% less. Seems to work. Been riding for 6 months on it.

[@UncletonyC]

These kits go on any hub ?

[@misteraxeman2680]

2 years later how about now? I would not trust something that important to Chinese corner cutting

[@misteraxeman2680]

@@UncletonyC No it can only go in specific DT Swiss hubs that use their star ratchet system. Some of their lower end hubs don't us their star ratchet system

[@robert02588]

2:45 yeah but shouldnt you spin it at the same speed to be impartial?

[@mikekobylasz3490]

Felt decree 3 carbon fun bike just wish I did some research on other brands I'm the guy who buys shit before I know there is better stuff out there lol! Great kit this makes a huge difference

[@WorldwideCyclery]

lol we have all been there before, still a sweet bike!

[@dannyshearer]

I've done this mod. My freehub sounds perverse like a heard of angry hornets!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Daniel Shearer haha awesome! Do you enjoy or dislike the sound of those angry Hornets?

[@dannyshearer]

Worldwide Cyclery my only regret is not doing it sooner!!!!

[@alcopower5710]

My Chris Kings took a while to get used to.....quite noisy

[@craigflyer]

Better than 18. Miss my profiles though.

[@eshamyunos5637]

wtf is going on with that computer monitor

[@thedeans9506]

Esham Yunos it’s Chris Farley from when he did the Chippendales Skit with Patrick Swazye on SNL

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Chris Farley!!

[@Messiah38]

He’s watching some kinky porn:) you can call it what you wan

[@maxa969]

Cringe city

[@slideways1484]

Debated between the 36t and the 54t. Glad I went with the 54t. Huge difference and world of a difference from a 18t. Little pricey but imo well worth it.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Definitely worth it!

[@Antweak83]

I think my Chris King hubs had 72 points of Engagement or maybe it was 84 I don't know but they engaged instantly

[@joshroberts5539]

Any chance you can put together a video of the 54T upgrade for the 180 EXP? Trying to figure out how to remove the non-floating clutch while figuring out why it requires $100 of special tools!

[@troyrogers1236]

www.worldwidecyclery.com/blogs/worldwide-cyclery-blog/dt-swiss-240-exp-rear-hub-how-to-upgrade-to-the-54t-star-ratchet-kit?trk_msg=3BG0E69B7JMK7FBLKCEM9R0PO4&trk_contact=D1H6TNOLAGNNOHDU1DF2K1TTF0&trk_module=new&trk_sid=OFJ0G7VM69UBT1LIMHCBKAQ6B8&trk_link=S5A5GQBLQQA4D0NIE6HVCQL4OO&How+To%26nbsp%3b%2f%2f+Change%2c+Service+or+Upgrade+Your+DT+Swiss+EXP+Ratchet+Kit&Video%3a+Ask+Jeff+Anything+-+Volume+10&Ask+Jeff+V10

[@hoefie1977]

Looks great. I have a SRAM XD driver; don't know how many teeth there are inside. How can I check. Does a similar upgrade exists for it ?

[@hank9176]

Fyi incase you see one for sale on Ebay be careful, I bought my first 54th from ebay's site and it worked great for about a year and then I bought my second for double the price from dtswiss dealer and I've had for 2yrs still like new, the Ebay one was made from cheap cast iron steel not high end steel like dtswiss..

[@tuco0x]

Not a law of diminishing return but a point of diminishing return. And too many ratchet teeth will reduce the thickness and strength of the teeth which can then sheer off.

[@ozan3076]

I am a road bike user and the sound of 18T is really good. Where can I check if it fits to my hub? Also how can I check mines tooth number? Since undoing the wheel and zips are hard. Thanks for answering.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Do you have Zipp hubs? This particular kit is only made for DT-swiss hubs :(

[@ozan3076]

Worldwide Cyclery I am using Giant Pa-2 stock wheelset. They are made by Dt swiss. Sooo there might be a chance but risk is too high. Thanks for helping. Maybe buying a wheel with dt swiss hub is more reasonable.

[@davidrojasgodoy]

What is the easiest way to upgrade your points of engagement on any mtb bicycle? thank you.

[@tokuchaan4693]

Sure it does sounds expensive (literally).

[@WorldwideCyclery]

tokuchaan haha indeed.

[@FRamirez1A]

So on a road bike 18T is good enough? Would it make any difference upgrading to the 24T or 36T besides the sound? Thank you so much for your time.

[@frankapple4130]

I think the magic number is 72 and a genius named Chris agrees with me.

[@topgundk]

I know this is an older video, but still giving it a try with a Question. I have a DT Swiss 350 Hybrid Hub, with 24T ratchet on my eMTB. In your experience, is it a bad or good idea to upgrade this with the 54T kit ? Thinking of the extra torque of the eMTB motor maybe is a problem for a 54T compared to the original 24T ratchet ?

[@theadventuregamer6693]

If I were you, I may only go with a 36 tooth. The only time I’ve noticed when the 54 tooth would chip is on a eMTB.

[@topgundk]

@@theadventuregamer6693 Thanks. I did go with the 54T, and been working for 6 months so far. But if it do break, i will go with the 36T instead.

[@LEL7567-ABCDEF]

im so sad to have an 18t hub. must upgrade

[@merlin2049er]

How about a 3 pawl to 54t ratchet upgrade

[@tarcobadge4744]

Is it ok to use the ratchets without the special grease (I mean normal grease, not no grease)

[@sbccbc7471]

Best not.

[@horvathszovatiandras5959]

If you have to chose between a DT swiss E 1900 splne Wheel set or just upgrading your stock wheels with dt swiss 350 hub which one would you pick ?

[@milehighmikem]

Whatever happened to wasabi funyuns? Those were the best!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Classics!

[@nickbrandon6808]

Great vid!! But is this compatible with a dt swiss 1900 spline hub?

[@cb6866]

Doooood. Chris Farley was awesome!

[@Dark__Thoughts]

Are there any cheap wheels that still use the star ratchet system? Seems like the current ones are all the different 1900 sets, which all seem to use a pawl system. Cheapest wheelset in a store I am looking at that has one is the XM 1700, but already with 32t, but also already at 560€. Any other budgetish choices with decent engagement?

[@GokkunGuru]

How about going from 36 to 54? That’s like going from 10° down to 6°. Much difference there?

[@khattrimtb89]

How about funn phathom it have 102T is that a good one or not?? 🤔🤔🤔 am thinking about that hub.. ✌✌✌

[@Shadowfly97]

You got a link to this hub? 🤔🤔🤔

[@christophesautaux]

I tested and.... very fragile! The hub broke quickly enough!

[@Hbnel5on]

i just watch for the screensavers tbh

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Hbnel5on haha awesome. Any recommendations for the screensaver in the next video?

[@Hbnel5on]

i mean something like joe dirt or cousin eddie from lampoons is a pretty solid option

[@stokedriders5184]

Worldwide Cyclery The Big Lebowski ... The Dude abides... 😎

[@1bojanbojan]

Will this slow me down on my road bike and affect my avg speed? Thank u

[@reynerlara5353]

What do you prefer? Chris king or dt swiss for xc?

[@LEOSLIM84]

I bought a brand new DT Swiss 350 rear hub with the 54t already installed for $150.00

[@ChadLudlow]

shits funny dood, keep it up

[@ironore8677]

If it’s super quiet now did I put too much grease on

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Yes indeed! Did you check out some install vids? The grease you need on the ratchets is extremely minimal.

[@timsbarbershop3607]

Excuse me. The default dt swiss 240s hub comes with star ratchet system or 3 pawls system? If so, how many teeth are the ratchet? Thank you!

[@jsv438]

OK, I'm still curious myself about the preferences of many riders. More particularly the riders in knarly terrain preferring the 36 hub due to rear suspension kinematics and minimizing pedal kickback by not exceeding the 36 hub. Is there not that much difference in pedal kickback going up to a 52 (depends I guess on your suspension design)? This is good, I'm actually learning something about the hubs that I never gave too much thought to before. ~JSV

[@David-np4vo]

Ex511 on 350's 36 ingagement on my unit single speed more than enough for bike packing for me..

[@anilkanji4004]

Can the 18t ratchet be upgraded to a 54t ratchet on a DT Swiss 370 hub. If so, how and what kit do you need. And how much $$ are we talking about?

[@christianageno6889]

i beleive you can't. You have to buy the 350 (which comes with 36pt) and the upgrade to 54t. About 400 bucks all together

[@lanceetter3999]

The 370 is a 3 pawl version hub where as the 350 is a star ratchet system. DT just came out with 3 pawl to star ratchet conversion kit for the 370 for around $115 that will convert the the hub to a 18t star ratchet system (essentially a 350 hub). You can then upgrade to the 36 or 54 tooth if you want...probably still spend around $175 - $215 but it's cheaper than a new wheel or hub alone

[@122Music1]

For $120 in parts! hope my DT Swiss 370 hubs upgraded from 18 pawl, to 54 ratchet is worth it.. I'm in MassiveTwooShitz.. ie; massachusetts. Need a "does it all" bike.. This hobby is ridiculously expensive!! GO fund me!!

[@MTB_FPV]

I have the fr1950 classics 18t, is there a specific kit for this hub or will any 36t fit?

[@SonaAvedian]

Omg the ending is ridonkulas!

[@The.JZA.]

Long story but my rear wheel was cracked and I managed to get a second hand set of DT Swiss E 1700's for a good price in good condition. They have the standard 18 points of engagement so I might upgrade at some point. Can't find a lot of info about them online since they're older wheels but can you tell me, are they pretty good? I weigh 100kg, probably closer to 110kg with all my riding gear so I need pretty strong wheels. Thanks

[@highland-oldgit]

03:49 How can I tell how many teeth I have ? The ones you took out look the same as the ones you put in !

[@WorldwideCyclery]

I would reference the image at 1:32 for a clear shot of the different tooth counts. :)

[@highland-oldgit]

@@WorldwideCyclery Whoops, my bad. Thanks for that ;)

[@petermontague5962]

Hi there, i have a sram rail 50 wheelset, was wondering, as these seem to have a similar systems, these are compatible with those hubs? Cheers and great vid!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Unfortunately the ratchet kit will only work with DT Swiss hubs :/ Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@caperider1160]

Durability was questionable among the earlier production batches. How long do they last these days??

[@WorldwideCyclery]

They seem to last longer than we can test them. :) Great product.

[@taurtearl]

I've had my 54t star ratchets on my mountain bike for over a year now, and they are still working as well as they were brand new. No problems, but I do open them up and apply a layer of the included grease every few months. They work and sound pretty awesome.

[@danieltancio6898]

Hi I have a 2020 specialised fuse 27.5 what sort of DT Swiss kit do I need?

[@KORNbball]

Would this work on a joytech 135x10mm rear hub?

[@akammer1000]

Does this ratchet upgrade kit work with DT Swiss 370 hubs?

[@lanceetter3999]

The 370 is a 3 pawl version hub where as the 350 is a star ratchet system. DT just came out with 3 pawl to star ratchet conversion kit for the 370 for around $115 that will convert the the hub to a 18t star ratchet system (essentially a 350 hub). You can then upgrade to the 36 or 54 tooth if you want...probably still spend around $175 - $215 but it's cheaper than a new wheel or hub alone

[@vrod2144]

Maybe it is a stupid question, but will this work on older mtb from 2017 that has 2x6 gear setup?

[@pedroalvaredo6835]

I’ve got a carbon giant xcr 1 wheelset. It says that the hubs have DT internarls, so am I able to set this ratchet kit? (I’ve got a giant anthem 1 2017

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Thanks for asking, you may be able to but I would recommend pulling your wheel off and sliding your cassette off just to check and see if you have a ratchet system before ordering.

[@TawaNo11]

54 is louder than 18 ? :O

[@Saml3227]

exactly why I switched back to 18t with a touch extra grease to keep it extra quiet. I didn't feel any helpful difference on my local trail systems

[@ramialkishawi3530]

Now i get confused with my upgrade either to buy Dt swiss and upgrade to 54T, 6.6 degree engagement or buy i9 120 POE 3 degree . is there any noticeable different between 6.6 and 3 degree in terms of engagement and other factors like wight and sound? i am running giant hub 24T 3 PAWL system

[@SsmAnyfeSt]

The new I9 is like 600 something POE...0.52degree. Not the same sound as before... I've got the Torch ones but now I need to change wheels and it's making me sad but I'll probably go with Dt 350 54T instead of I9. I think I'll see a difference but so little that I'll forget it after 2 rides...