More Engagement is NOT Always Better? - New DT 350 and 240 EXP, Compared

We take a look at the Ratchet mechanism that makes the 350 such an amazing hub, as well as the newer Ratchet EXP design that the ultra-lightweight 240 hub runs. We also examine what has changed between the new and old versions, along with helping decide which is right for you.

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Link to DT's breakdown of pedal kickback:

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#mtb #dtswiss

[grahampye]

Reliability is key and I've been a long time user of DT350s after a lesser quality brand blew up on a descent and resulted in me breaking my pelvis, wrist and ribs when the hub went fixie for a moment after bearings and pawls failed and jammed the internals. Prior to microspline I was also a fan of DT making steel freehub bodies available to avoid cassettes notching the splines and making cassette switch-out difficult and suspected creaking - this, at least, is no longer a concern as the microspline freehubs are steel. I've never been a huge fan of ultra-noisy hubs and high engagement has never been a thing that mattered much. After seeing and feeling what a lesser quality hub can cause (crash/injury), overall quality has been the goal and DT350s have given me confidence.

[Digi]

I am a big fan of the simple ratchet design because it simply works even in very neglected state. you basically would need to throw in a handful of dirt to make it not work, especially the 18t 350 version. most pawl based systems are way more prone to slipping/creaking/jumping when not held in tiptop state. and if its time to service them its super simple to just pull out the ratchet(s), clean them, and throw them back in with a bit of grease. never had problems with the 350/240 versions and use them on all my wheelsets regardless of road, gravel, commuting or mtb.

[dadbodlife]

One thing that would be cool, is if DT started anodizing their hubs to make them look as cool as they perform. Most parts i choose black, or raw, but my hubs and stem, i prefer matching anodized beauty!

[johnmorrison]

I’ve had countless sets of Dt hubs over the years, from 180s all the way to 440s and never had a hint of trouble. I can’t say the same for Hopes and Chris Kings which have given me everything from niggles to catastrophic failure… Quality stuff

[RobGams]

Thanks for explaining pedal kickback in a super simple way. It’s a concept that I think can get over complicated really fast.

[davidf]

Simplicity, serviceability and durability are factors I look for in a hub. It's the reason I went with DT Swiss 350 hubs on both my mountain and gravel bike. Performance upgrades were the 36T star ratchet and ceramic 6902 off-road bearings from Boca Bearings. The DT Swiss rep said the 36T is more durable than 54T and the difference in engagement is slight. Couldn't be more pleased.

[Montblanc]

I've been riding DT for several years, amazing hubs! classic 240s and the new EXP seems just as good.

[joebloodworth]

TL;DR 350's. exception: going on an extra set of race wheels I only use for races. If only one set, avoiding the EXP ratchet racket.

Owner and maintainer of 180, 240, 350 and Hope hubs. After less than a single season all SINC ceramic bearings were beyond dead and gone. The 240 EXP ratchet lock ring key required an additional $100 piece to remove it, plus addition $50 bench vice to install on work bench to remove. If your shop does it, could cost about $100 + in bearings plus $50 -$250 to install, depending on city you live in. Getting the preload just right even with a bearing press was a bit tough tough to finesse. 350's and Hope hubs both have stood the test of time (over 3 years of the hardest use of all my hubs). The double sealed steel bearings on the Hope hubs honestly feel like they get better with time.

[ericpeysar]

Love my Dt 350 hubs on 511 rims. Simple, solid and something i dont need to think about too often.
Part of the reason i went Dt 350 is its a quieter hub. The 18 tooth is quietest. I upgraded to the 54 and found its quite a bit louder. Just something to consider. Nothing like a Chris King or I9, but noticeable. A diet of thicker grease seems to be working - with no pops or skip so far.

[jerryspeedbumps]

I built my first wheelset using dt 350 older model boost hubs. J-bend. Laced to Raceface ARC 28H rims. 27.5 and Sapim Race spokes. coming from 26" wheelsets on "budget" mtbs from decades earlier, this wheelset on a new hardtail was a revelation. Its remained bombproof and true after years of jump training etc.

I also own a new carbon rimmed bladed spoked hydra hubbed centrelock 29er wheelset. its lightweight and nice. Overly expensive to my mind.

I expect to build a wheelset with 240 dt hubs, exp, and decent carbon rims. I'd love to try Berd spokes too. I suppose if the hydras are similarly priced I may go that route. I go up, slowly, alot. Engagement helps most when you need instant torque.

I run the 54t ratchets on my HT now. So easy to service. I love the hubset. the 350 is PHENOMENAL. A big upgradable step up from most high end entry level oem offerings.

[robertkeith]

Thanks for the video, Dan. You made it very easy to understand the differences between the hubs and your voice sounds just fine. Good job.

[jltrack]

I have never noticed any difference in pedal kick-back from moving to a high engagement hub nor has it affected my suspension performance as far as I can tell. I guess it depends more on suspension kinematics

[benjamimnande]

Great video!
I was the one in fact to first announce the engagement failure of the EXP at the mtbforum.
Was a big disappointment to buy such an expensive item and having such problems…

Hopefully it is now fully solved, though DTSwiss should have handled this differently

[topspot]

I've had 240s, 350s and Hydras ... I like 350s (w 54t) best on my enduro, which I use mostly at bike parks. I like the simplicity, durability and feel ... And the 54t I pretty much have just cause I like the sound.

[coinroyale]

Great product video and I see your continued improvement. Please keep it up.

[thecakeisalie]

Know your style. Know your bike suspension design.

For sure - to get the most unimpeded movement in the rear suspension, you don't want to hinder the movement with pedal kickback. For freeriders who want to be able to slow to a crawl on top of a feature, then punch forward to clear the rear wheel - you want high engagement like 102.

I like my Spank Hex Drive for my trail and park rides. I upgraded from a 20 POE generic hub to 102 and I found the pedal kickback helps me stay in control - less pedal slips because of more pressure on landing. I hope I don't snap the chain ... maybe another reason for DH riders to use lower POE hubs.

[canyoneagle]

Great video! I've been a 240/350 rider for years, and love them. I just recently broke that tradition with I9 Hydras, but ONLY due to the fact I couldn't find any DT's with the HG cassette body (running gates cog).

[believe]

Instant engagement and silent make Onyx hubs perfect for me. I don't like slack when I'm pedaling.
Also, I can now hear the traction my tires are getting and if they start to slide. Very hard to hear with loud hubs.

[BlackFlag]

I'm a big fan of my Bontrager Rapid Drive 108POE. There isn't a huge difference from the stock 54T but the little less slop is great for tech climbing!

[cryx]

the 350 with 36t is bulletproof. As much as i sometimes yearn for a few more engagement points, it really doesnt impact my wider riding