from €749.80 | Manufacturer’s website
With XRC 1700 CLASSIC, XM 1700 SPLINE, HX 1700 SPLINE and EX 1700 CLASSIC, DT Swiss are restructuring the 1700 series and introducing a new nomenclature that sits somewhere between a tech shelf and R2D2 vibes. To help you quickly categorise the different models, here’s a quick explanation:
XRC = Cross Country
XM = All Mountain
HX = Hybrid MTB (eMTB)
EX = Enduro
Without the “C” at the end, the rims are welded aluminium, while models with just a single letter such as M, X, H or E refer to sleeved aluminium rims. The number – 1700 for this series – indicates the respective hub type. As a rule of thumb, the lower the number, the higher the hub sits within the DT Swiss hierarchy.
The 1700 hubs sit firmly in the upper mid-range, combining durable steel cartridge bearings with the new Ratchet DEG freehub – but more on that shortly. Further up the hierarchy, the 1200 and 1500 series prioritise weight savings, in some cases featuring more refined bearing systems. At the other end of the spectrum, the 1900 series leans towards durability and cost efficiency, offering a more accessible entry point into the range.
The “CLASSIC” suffix refers to hubs with J-bend spokes, while “SPLINE” stands for hubs with straight-pull spokes.
What Has Changed On The 1700 Series?
All new 1700 wheels now feature an asymmetrical rim bed and are hand-laced with DT Competition Race spokes. Thanks to their thinner mid-section, they save weight without compromising stiffness or durability. The heart of the system is the new 350 DEG hub, which uses either 72 teeth or 60 teeth in the hybrid version depending on the application. With integrated DEG DF technology, it is designed to reduce pedal kickback, remains low maintenance and can be adjusted without tools. The XRC variant, however, omits DF technology to optimise weight.
As exciting as the overall package sounds, we’re focusing on the new EX 1700 CLASSIC system wheelset.
DT Swiss EX 1700 System Wheelset In Detail
The EX 1700 Classic system wheelset uses 28 spokes at the front and a robust 32 spoke-count at the rear. The CLASSIC build with J-bend spokes promises slightly more compliance in the system compared to the straight-pull variant. The reason is simple: J-bend spokes have a classic angled spoke head in a “J” shape that sits in the hub flange. This design can allow minimal flex and therefore absorb vibrations slightly better. Straight-pull spokes, on the other hand, run straight and are inserted directly into the hub without a bend, ensuring more direct power transfer but often resulting in a stiffer feel.
Given increasingly stiff forks and sometimes unforgiving cockpits, this can be a welcome relief in terms of vibrations reaching your hands, at least on paper. The setup is combined with the new 350 CLASSIC hub including a 72T RATCHET DEG DF technology freehub. The real innovation lies not only in the 350 DEG hub itself but in the integrated DF technology. The “Degrees of Freedom” technology, abbreviated as DF, allows for 0°, 10° or 20° of additional free movement before engagement depending on the setup, i.e. before power transfer begins, and is intended to reduce pedal kickback.
The foundation is an asymmetrical aluminium rim with a welded joint. As with previous 1700 wheels and the tubeless-ready setup, the rim uses the PHR system, which is designed to increase the load-bearing surface of the nipples. The EX 1700 CLASSIC is available in 27.5″ and 29″ (622 x 30 mm). DT Swiss state the weight of the 29″ set at 2,010 g. In terms of standards, the wheelset is pleasingly versatile: for brake mounts, both Center Lock and 6-bolt are supported, while freehub options cover common standards such as SRAM XD, Shimano MICRO SPLINE and Shimano HG. The ASTM 5 classification also makes it clear where this wheelset is headed: the EX 1700 CLASSIC is built for hard gravity use.
At €749, the DT Swiss EX 1700 CLASSIC wheelset still has a very attractive price.
The New DT Swiss EX 1700 System Wheelset On The Trail
Test Setup
| Parameter | Setup |
|---|---|
| DF setting | 0°, 10° und 20° |
| Bike | Propain Tyee |
| Tyres | Schwalbe Tacky Chan |
| Front tyre pressure | 23 psi |
| Rear tyre pressure | 25 psi |
| Rider weight | 75 kg |
On the trail, the wheelset is pleasantly discrete – and that’s meant as a compliment. The EX 1700 CLASSIC delivers agile, direct handling without feeling overly harsh or nervous. Especially on long, rough descents, it stood out that the wheelset does not feel unnecessarily stiff. As a result, your hands stay surprisingly relaxed, and arm pump is not an issue even on longer runs.
However, we have not yet been able to identify a clear difference in ride feel compared to its predecessor – a direct back-to-back comparison is missing. Without that immediate reference, any further assessment would be more speculation than a reliable conclusion.
The DF adjustment, on the other hand, is particularly interesting. Changing the setting is straightforward in principle: remove the rear wheel, take off the cassette and freehub, adjust the setting, then reassemble everything. That said, we would not necessarily recommend doing this at the trailside for the first time, as you might end up searching for small parts or springs in the forest floor. Once you are familiar with the process, it is quick and easy to do.
In practice, a 20° setting makes particular sense on bikes with a lot of anti-squat. Especially when braking in steep sections, the rear end feels more planted. It is not an effect that hits you dramatically, but it is clearly noticeable. Riders using flat pedals will particularly appreciate this, as it reduces the risk of losing contact with the pedals during heavy vibrations.
If you want to ease into it, the 10° setting is also a safe choice. The difference between 10° and 20° is not huge in practice, as the first 10° are identical in both options and are engaged first. The difference becomes much more noticeable at a 0° setting. This creates a clear reference point, as the free movement disappears completely and pedal kickback occurs immediately.
The three settings actively invite experimentation. Rather than a simple “on” or “off”, the system offers a more nuanced level of adjustment. The 10° setting, in particular, strikes a compelling balance between engagement speed and the amount of free movement you’re willing to tolerate while pedalling.
In terms of durability, there’s been little to fault so far. The wheelset shrugged off two heavy bottom-outs in Molini, Liguria, without complaint, and has continued to run smoothly and trouble-free throughout our subsequent test rides.
Conclusions Aboout The New DT Swiss EX 1700 System Wheelset
With the new DT Swiss EX 1700 CLASSIC wheelset, DT Swiss deliver a well-executed evolution of their enduro-specific wheelset range. On the trail, it impresses with agile, direct, and pleasantly unobtrusive handling. The DF adjustment is a welcome addition, particularly for flat pedal riders. While it doesn’t completely eliminate pedal kickback, it can offer noticeable benefits, and especially on bikes with higher anti-squat levels. Importantly, the EX 1700 CLASSIC remains attractively priced. How it holds up over the long term is the next question – stay tuned to find out!
For more info, visit DT Swiss.com
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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Robin Ulbrich, DT Swiss