Hot or Not? DT Swiss ARC 1100 SPLINE CS Carbon Wheels on review

Rim, hub, spokes. With DT Swiss, you would usually expect everything to come from a single source. That’s long been part of the brand’s DNA. With the new ARC 1100 SPLINE CS, however, the Swiss manufacturer is embracing the current trend for carbon spokes and, for the first time, is moving away from steel spokes on one of their wheelsets. So how much real-world performance do you get for € 3,199? And is the switch to carbon fibre genuinely worth it? We put them to the test to find out.

When DT Swiss build wheels, they usually do it entirely within their own ecosystem. Rim, hub, spokes, everything carries that Swiss-made DNA. That’s precisely why their decision to use Vonoa carbon spokes comes as a surprise. DT Swiss are not known for chasing trends. The fact that the very same spokes also feature in the significantly more affordable NEWMEN Streem Climbing wheels makes it even more intriguing. Are DT Swiss stepping back from their long-standing role as a spoke manufacturer? And more importantly, how does this lightweight performance wheelset actually feel on the road?

For the complete package, DT Swiss are asking a confident € 3,199. In return, you’ll get a system weight of just 1,200 g. The concept also includes their WTS (Wheel Tire System), pairing a 28 mm Continental GP5000 S TR at the rear with a 26 mm Continental Aero 111 up front. We already know this set-up from the current ARC 1100 models. Narrower than what many now consider the new road standard, but that’s no coincidence.

The rim itself remains deliberately slim. You get a 20 mm internal width, 26 mm external width and a 38 mm depth, built in a classic hooked design. At a time when 25 mm internal widths are no longer unusual for performance wheelsets, this may not look particularly on trend. Yet DT Swiss are clearly following a focused concept geared towards low weight and precise handling rather than subscribing to the wider-is-better mantra.

We were keen to find out whether that philosophy still delivers on today’s roads, or whether it now feels like a relic of the past.

On Review: How good are the DT Swiss ARC 1100 SPLINE CS?

Out on the road, the ARC 1100 SPLINE CS don’t hold back. From the first few pedal strokes, you notice how smoothly they roll and how reassuringly composed they feel, exactly what you would expect from DT Swiss. When you stamp on the pedals, they respond with impressive stiffness and immediacy. Every watt goes straight into forward drive with no sense of lag. The low system weight is something you feel all the time. Acceleration is effortless, and the bike takes on a lively, eager character. Whether you are punching up short ramps or accelerating hard out of tight hairpins, they react instantly. On climbs in particular, they are enormous fun.

They truly come into their own in the corners. The handling is sharp and direct, the front wheel tracks with pinpoint accuracy, and you can place your line exactly where you want it. That precision comes partly from the impressive stiffness and partly from the narrower tire choice.

This is also where the WTS configuration really makes sense. A 28 mm Continental GP5000 S TR at the rear and a 26 mm Continental Aero 111 up front is a pairing that already impressed us in our group test for the best road bike tire. The overall feel is unmistakably that of a pure climbing bike. It’s quick, precise and packed with feedback, never sluggish.

For everyday riding or a less uncompromising set-up, it may feel a touch narrow, especially at the front. That said, the tires themselves suit the character of the wheels perfectly. They enhance the direct ride feel and underline the intended use: performance riding, big climbs and rapid changes of direction. The tires and wheels are perfectly matched, so the whole package feels cohesive rather than pieced together.

There is, of course, a flip side to that high stiffness and narrower tire choice. You sacrifice a degree of compliance. You can tell these wheels are tuned firmly towards performance. Yet for a wheelset with carbon spokes, the ARC 1100 SPLINE CS remain surprisingly comfortable. They smooth out enough road buzz to keep you happy on long climbs, without leaving you itching to drop the tire pressure or rethink your set-up halfway through the ride.

As for finish and build quality, DT Swiss deliver exactly what you’d expect. The standard is superb. The rim finish is flawless, and the hubs look every bit as refined as they feel. Technically, DT Swiss continue to rely on their proven foundations. The classic Ratchet system with Ratchet EXP freehub is as dependable as ever and makes an excellent impression here. The freehub sound is satisfyingly crisp, just as you would hope from a wheelset with such a clear sporting focus.

Who Should Take a Closer Look at the DT Swiss ARC 1100 SPLINE CS?

If you’re after a sporty, lightweight and exceptionally well-made wheelset, the ARC 1100 SPLINE CS hits the mark. You get proven DT Swiss hubs, a dependable Ratchet system and, on top of that, the modern twist of carbon spokes, all wrapped up in the outstanding build quality DT Swiss are known for.

This set-up will particularly suit riders who are happy running narrower tires. With a 28 mm tire at the rear and 26 mm up front, the dimensions are effectively defined by the slim rim profile and feel especially at home on a dedicated climbing bike. If, on the other hand, you prioritise maximum everyday comfort or want to run very wide tires, the narrow rim may not be your ideal match.

It will be interesting to see how DT Swiss develop this concept further. Expanding the use of carbon spokes to deeper rim profiles, or introducing a more endurance-focused configuration, seems a logical next step and could significantly broaden the wheels’ range of use.

Conclusions: Would we buy the DT Swiss ARC 1100 SPLINE CS Wheelset?

Yes and no. The ARC 1100 SPLINE CS is light, beautifully made, and delivers a direct, lively ride thanks to the impressive stiffness. For a no-compromise climbing set-up, it’s spot on, even if there are lighter options out there. That said, € 3,199 is a serious amount of cash, and the narrow rim and tire philosophy doesn’t fully align with today’s broader performance trend. As a result, we cannot recommend these premium DT Swiss wheels without reservation. They remain a specialist choice, best suited to a focused, performance-driven build rather than an all-round modern race bike.

More information at dtswiss.com.

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Words: Jan Fock, Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Fock, Calvin Zajac